Summer is just around the corner. As the weather heats up, our furry friends will be looking for ways to stay cool on hot days. Hot weather can be very dangerous for kitties! Fluffy doesn’t have any easy ways to cool off, and she’s already wearing a fur coat. Here, a local Plano, TX vet discusses keeping your pet cool.

Kitty Comforts

Keep your kitty cool and comfy at home, in rooms that are cooled by climate control. Fluffy may appreciate a pet hammock. This will be cooler than a regular bed, as it allows air to move beneath it. These are easy to make! All you need is a coffee table or end table with four legs, and a piece of material. Cut the material so that it’s a bit smaller than the tabletop, and then attach the corners to the legs.

Keeping Fluffy Comfy

Brushing your feline pal regularly will also help keep her cooler. This is because dead fur and dander decrease the insulating qualities of her fur. It’s also very important to make sure your furball always has plenty of fresh, clean water. Feel free to drop an ice cube into Fluffy’s bowl on hot days. Consider getting your pet a drinking fountain: many cats prefer to drink running water. You can also put an ice cube on the floor for Fluffy to play ‘hockey’ with. Because cats use their paw pads to regulate their temperature, this can help your kitty stay cool. We also recommend letting your cat roam freely throughout the house. Your furry buddy will immediately head for the coolest room in your home!

Overheating

Fluffy can’t cool herself down the way Fido can. Panting just isn’t as effective for cats as it is for dogs. Kitties also only sweat through their paws. Keep a close eye out for signs of overheating. Some common ones are panting, drooling, lethargy, unusual vocalizations, vomiting, trembling, and/or pale or red gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately give your cat water and take steps to cool her down. Mist her with water, wrap her in a wet towel, or hold her in front of an open freezer. Call your vet as you are doing this for further instructions. Please contact us, your Plano, TX pet hospital, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!