Keeping Your Feline Friend Cool

Summer is just around the corner. As higher temperatures arrive, you may need to pay Fluffy some extra attention. Our feline friends can overheat quickly, so taking some steps to keep them comfortable is essential. Continue reading for expert advice from a local Des Moines, IA veterinarian on keeping your beloved cat safe from heat stroke.

What Are the Signs That My Cat Is Overheated?

Our furry buddies are extremely susceptible to overheating. Fluffy’s ability to regulate her body temperature is limited to panting and sweating through her paw pads. Additionally, she is got a fur coat on! Being aware of the warning signs is crucial.

For many, panting is usually the initial observation. If you ever notice a cat panting, it’s a cause for concern: kitties don’t typically pant like dogs do. Drooling is another one. Kitties normally do not drool, although they may occasionally dribble while asleep. This is yet another sign that something is amiss. Restlessness is a warning sign as well. When Fluffy becomes overheated, she may start pacing or walking around restlessly. She might also appear unsettled or anxious.

Another red flag is respiratory distress. Overheated cats may experience difficulty breathing. Your pet may take shallow breaths. You may also see gasping or abnormal breathing patterns.

You’ll also need to keep an eye (or ear) out for unusual or uncharacteristic vocalizations: Although certain cats are more chatty than others, most tend to have a consistent voice or meow pattern. When kitties feel hot or distressed, they may express their discomfort by meowing urgently and in a distressed manner. For instance, if Fluffy usually sounds squeaky, but suddenly is yowling, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Overheating can also cause kitty confusion: Fluffy may exhibit signs of disorientation and distress. Her movements may appear unsteady, and she could lose balance while walking.

Then there is lethargy. We all know that kitties spend most of their time lounging around. That’s normal (at least for Fluffy.) On the other hand, if your pet appears to lack energy, is unresponsive, or seems physically frail, then it’s safe to say she’s not simply resting.

Signs of a more severe nature include a red tongue, red or pale gums, muscle tremors, seizures,  collapsing,  decreased urine production, and coma

If you observe any of these signs, it is crucial to promptly reach out to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic.

What Are Some Ways To Help My Feline Pal Stay Cool During Hot Weather?

Dogs have a few more options here than kitties do. To help Fido cool down when he’s feeling overheated, you can take him for a swim, let him enjoy a splash in a kiddie pool, or allow him to play in the refreshing spray from a hose.

Obviously, none of these options are appropriate for kitties. In fact, they may get you scratched!

Here are some suggestions for activities:

Keep Your Kitty Hydrated

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that your furball always has an ample supply of clean water. Providing additional water bowls is a good idea if you have multiple cats or your home has multiple levels. You can drop a few ice cubes into your kitty’s dish on hot days. Additionally, you may want to consider offering kitties the option of drinking from fountains.

Treat Your Feline Friend To A Refreshing Snack

Who doesn’t want a cold treat on a sweltering day?

• Pour a little tuna or salmon juice over crushed or shaved ice. It’s a delightful treat that will surely quench your furball’s thirst. Another option is to blend it in a mixer. Make sure to use fish that has been stored in water, as oils can be too fatty for your furry buddy.
• Soft lickable treats in pouches in the refrigerator or even in the freezer.
• Store your cat’s canned food in the refrigerator.
• Freeze canned food in small portions. To achieve a smoother consistency, dilute pate formula foods with water.
• Give your feline pal a bowl of sodium-free broth.
• Make Fluffy some ice cream by mixing plain, fat-free yogurt with canned or shredded tuna, chicken, turkey, crabmeat, or fish.  Divide into small portions and freeze. (Hint: Bottlecaps can be useful for measuring these .)

Offer Your Kitty Comfy Spots

Our feline friends have a remarkable talent for finding comfort. Actually, that’s an understatement. Fluffy is a master at this. Make sure that your cat has access to rooms that are cooled by fans or air conditioners. She’ll take it from there.

During the summer months, you may very well find your furball lounging on the cool kitchen or bathroom tiles, or perhaps seeking refuge in the basement. Tile floors remain pleasantly cool in warm weather, providing a comfortable surface for Fluffy to relax on. Be sure to closely monitor her whereabouts and take care to avoid unintentionally trapping her in a room or shed!

Consider getting your pet a hammock or raised bed. You can purchase them, but you can also create your own by simply attaching a piece of fabric to the legs of a table. These beds are exceptionally cool, as they let air move beneath them.

Beauty Sessions

Our beloved feline companions are typically quite diligent when it comes to maintaining their appearance. Fluffy will appreciate some help, though. Brushing your cat helps remove dead fur, dust, and dander from her coat. These things can cause kitties to feel itchy and uncomfortable. (Bonus: your pet will be less susceptible to hairballs.) 

Give Fluffy A Cooling Mat

Many pet stores carry products specifically designed for this purpose. Another option is to store a couple of towels in the freezer and place them on Fluffy’s bed.

Allow Fluffy To Enjoy Playing ‘Pawkey’

Does your cat ever playfully swat at ice cubes? Not only is this an enjoyable pastime for your cat, but it also provides a way for her to stay cool during hot weather. Those adorable little toe beans actually assist cats in regulating their body temperature. Actually, kitties can only sweat through their paw pads.

How Hot is Too Hot for Cats?

As a general rule, Fluffy can get too hot when the temperature rises beyond 80F (or 26 C). It is obviously too hot if it exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), and it is dangerously hot if it exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

What Should I Do If My Cat Is Overheating?

If you believe your cat is overheating, take immediate action. Your pet will require veterinarian care, but you must take steps to cool Fluffy down. Do not immerse her in cold water because that could potentially cause her to go into shock. You have the option of holding her in front of a freezer. Or position her in front of a fan and gently spray her with water. Call your Des Moines, IA veterinarian and obtain detailed instructions.   

Schedule An Appointment With Your  Des Moines, IA Veterinarian

Do you need any assistance regarding your cat’s health or care? Does your cat need a check-up? Get in touch with us, your nearby Des Moines, IA pet clinic, right away! We are dedicated to providing top-notch care for all of our furry patients!