Although cats tolerate heat better than dogs, owners must remain vigilant.
Every precaution must be taken to avoid heat stroke, which is potentially fatal for cats.
During scorching periods, there are a few tips to hydrate and cool your cat.
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Is your cat afraid of the heat? Like all felines, he is homeothermic. It maintains a constant temperature and does not tolerate variations in body temperature. For this reason, it must be subjected to increased monitoring in the summer, especially since it does not emit heat through sweat. The cat has only a few sweat glands on the pads.
Some subjects prove even more vulnerable than others when the thermometer rises. Kittens, elderly and/or sick cats are particularly fragile. Breeds that exhibit brachycephaly, such as Persians or Burmese, can develop respiratory diseases.
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How to avoid heat stroke?
Ludovic Pellegrin, vet, lists the signs that should alert you on the SPA website. Heatstroke can manifest itself through one or more symptoms such as a state of despondency, excessive salivation, unconsciousness, tremors, tachycardia, convulsions, disturbances in the coordination of movements, vomiting and diarrhea. Heat stroke requires an urgent appointment with the vet.
Good habits help you avoid health problems. In addition to having access to unlimited fresh water, your cat must stay at home during the day in a cool environment. Excursions take place in the coolest hours, early in the morning and in the evening, especially to avoid sunburn. We ignore exercises and demands, especially in cases of obesity or heart disease. And when you’re driving, never leave your cat in your parked vehicle, even for a short time.
Beware of dehydration!
As light drinkers, cats are not immune to dehydration in the summer. To check the health of your four-legged companion, there are two tips. At Franceinfo, veterinarian Marie-Pierre François advises to take the skin on your cat’s back between your fingers. If it does not recover evenly, your cat is suffering from dehydration. You must consult quickly. The second tip is to look at the skin on the pads. Cracks should alert you.
To encourage your cat to drink enough throughout the day, there is nothing like a water fountain, much more fun than a simple bowl. You can also replace kibble with wet food such as mash.
Tips for cooling your cat in summer
It is a good idea to brush your pet to remove dead hair to lighten it. On the other hand, shaving should be avoided because its fur helps it regulate its temperature. To cool your cat when it is very hot, do not put it in the pool or under a cold shower. The risk of thermal shock should not be ignored. There are milder methods. You can caress your pet with a damp glove or place a damp bath towel on the floor for it to rest on.
