Heat

Hot Kitty! Cat Safety in Warm Weather



If you live in a climate that has sticky, hot, summer days, you may find yourself longing

for cooler days. Your cat will definitely agree! In warm weather, it is necessary for you

to care for your cat's healthy so that he or she does not become overheated. Remember, a

pet is like a newborn baby your cat cannot tell you that he or she is hot or

uncomfortable. You have to notice warning signs and provide a good living environment

so that your cat does not get too hot.



When you take your pet places during the summer, never ever let your cat inside of a

parked car, even for a short time. Cars quickly become ovens in the summertime, even

when you park in the shade, or even if you have the windows cracked. Your pet will not

be able to alert people in order to get out of your car safely. In as little as ten to fifteen

minutes, your pet could die from the heat in a parked car, and parking in the shade does

little good to prevent this, since the sun continuously moves and the heat of the air alone

will be bad for your pet. If your pet will be going with you, make sure that cats are

allowed wherever you will be.



When the heat index is high, keep your cats inside. Cats that are not outdoors most of the

time won't know where the cooler places to hide are, or they may find these cooler places

and not return home. Hot asphalt can also wreak havoc on a cat's health, as it can burn

his or her sensitive paw pads. If your cat does not use a litter box and instead goes

outside, make sure that he or she is let back inside after only a few minutes on the hottest

days of the summer. Basically, if it is recommended that seniors and children stay inside,

it is good for pets to stay indoors as well.



Keep your cat well groomed during the summer as well. Brushing you cat often will help

get rid of the excess hair that has been shed and is weighing down the animal. If your cat

has very long hair or is overweight, provide him or her with an air-conditioned room if

possible. Preventing overheating is key.



As always, make sure your cat has access to clean, fresh water. This can be tap water, but

should be cool and changed multiple times a day when it is hot outside. Your furry feline

is very important in your life, so make sure that he or she gets proper care when the

summer days make your sweat.