Guide

Keep your cat cool with these 3 top tips

19/7/2023

Translation: Elicia Payne

In summer, sun and sunshine, cats like soaking up the rays. But they’re not immune to the heat either. Temperatures above 30 degrees can be detrimental to your cat’s health. With these three tips, you can prevent that from happening.

As much as I love cats, our perception of warmth seems to differ. While I can tolerate summer temperatures about as well as a Scottish farmer, my cats seem really at ease once they reach a certain temperature. Then, during the day, I actually only see them when they want to be fed. The rest of the time, they’re outside, lying around like dead flies and basking in the blazing sun.

The love of warmth is in the genes of the domestic cat. As proven by the comparisons using genetic material, their wild ancestors came from the Middle East. On top of this the normal body temperature of a cat is higher than ours. It’s between 38 and 39.3 degrees Celsius. Too much heat can still harm them. Possible consequences are overheating, heat stroke or dehydration. To prevent this, your cat has its own ways and means. In part, however, they also rely on you. This is how you can help.

In extreme heat, cats pant like dogs.
Source: Shutterstock / Marina Demidiuk

1. Shade and cooling

Cats absolutely love sunbathing. In the sun, their bodies are warmed and they use less energy. When your cat has had enough of the heat, they like to move to a shady place. In summer, it’s best to draw the curtains and blinds early in the morning so that the rooms don’t heat up too much during the day. This way, both you and your cat will benefit.

Cool places are particularly important when the heat is intense. Therefore, it’s best to leave the bathroom door open since the cool tile floor is a welcoming place to sleep. If your home has few retreats for your cat, you can provide relief with cooling pads and mats.

Dog beds + Cat beds

EUR21,76

Trixie Cooling mat

Cat, Dog

Dog beds + Cat beds

Karlie Cooling mat drops

Dog

Dog beds + Cat beds

Sweetypet Cooling mat

Dog

Dog beds + Cat beds

EUR21,76

Trixie Cooling mat

Cat, Dog

Dog beds + Cat beds

Karlie Cooling mat drops

Dog

Dog beds + Cat beds

Sweetypet Cooling mat

Dog

I would be cautious when using air conditioning or fans. The cooling airflow can weaken your cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to colds and other infections. Another possible consequence is conjunctivitis, a classic result of airstreams.

As funny as it looks, it can quickly backfire.
Source: Giphy

2. Food and water

In the summer, it’s best to give your cat wet food to help keep them hydrated. You should give them several small portions throughout the day. If it’s hot, your cat will eat less then usual anyway. Plus, leftover food in the bowl spoils faster and attracts vermin such as ants and flies.

In general, cats are bad drinkers. In nature, they cover most of their hydration needs by eating their prey. When they’re domesticated, that falls away, so your cat needs drinking options as well as wet food.

Food bowls

−33%

EUR4,71 was EUR6,98

Trixie Bowl

0.20 l

Food bowls

Swisspet Combi water bowl

0.70 l

Food bowls

EUR45,63

Catit Flower LED

3 l

−33%

Food bowls

EUR4,71 was EUR6,98

Trixie Bowl

0.20 l

Food bowls

Swisspet Combi water bowl

0.70 l

Food bowls

EUR45,63

Catit Flower LED

3 l

Important: the water bowl doesn’t belong next to the food! Put the water somewhere else. Even better, give your cat multiple opportunities to drink water. A fountain can also encourage your cat to drink.

Sometimes cats need to be encouraged to drink.
Source: Shutterstock / Natalia Bachkova

3. Grooming

Long-haired cats suffer more in summer than short-haired ones. That’s why they shed more hair in the summer. Less fur means less heat. In order for them to get rid of the excess hair as well, you can help your cat by brushing them regularly. The choice of [brush](/search?filter=tpt%3D2341%2Ct18224%3D288528&q=cat brush) depends on your cat and its coat.

Use a brush to get the excess hair out of your cat’s coat.
Source: Shutterstock / RJ22

*How do you cool down your furry friend on hot summer days? *Do you have any more tips or advice? Our Community and I are waiting for your comment.

Header image: Shutterstock/Kirill Veprikov

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Patrick Vogt

Editor

Patrick.Vogt@digitecgalaxus.ch

I'm a full-blooded dad and husband, part-time nerd and chicken farmer, cat tamer and animal lover. I would like to know everything and yet I know nothing. I know even less, but I learn something new every day. What I am good at is dealing with words, spoken and written. And I get to prove that here.

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