Although cats can adapt to warmer temperatures, they can become overheated and dehydrated during hot weather. These are some ways to keep cats cool during the hot weather.
1. Keep them indoors, always
Although cats can adapt to warmer temperatures, they can become overheated and dehydrated during hot weather. Keeping them indoors provides shade and keeps them off hot surfaces like pavements, which can heat up quickly and burn their paws.
For community cats, provide them extra boxes where they can seek shelter. You will notice community cats seeking shelter in drains, shady spots or under parked cars as the concrete pavements get very heated.
2. Access to fresh water
You may notice that your cat may drink more during hot months. Ensure that your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. Provide additional water bowls, kept away from direct sunlight to keep the water cool. Adding ice cubes to the water bowl also helps to keep the water cool as the ice melts slowly.
If you have a water fountain, ensure that it is filled and cleaned regularly.
For community cats, provide additional water points (changed at least once daily). You can also provide wet food to help keep them hydrated. The hot weather poses a problem for community cats as they have limited or no water access in hot weather and get dehydrated easily. Dehydration can lead to health issues.
3. Use cooling mats / cooling pads
At home, switching on the fan or aircon will help to keep them comfortable.
Using cooling mats or bedding that they can lie on to help keep them cool.
You can purchase such bedding or mats online or in pet stores. I personally recommend waterproof baby mats that tend to be cooler.
Unfortunately for community cats, such bedding may get removed or dirty. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion in community cats, such as lethargy, panting, or vomiting.
4. Regular Brushing
Regular brushing can help keep cats cool to some extent, especially for long haired cats, by removing loose and excess fur from their coat, which can improve their ability to regulate their body temperature.
Brushing can also help prevent matting, which can trap heat and make a cat feel uncomfortable in hot weather. However, refrain from giving your cat too much of a haircut or a shave down, as cat fur actually helps keep cats cool—the layer of air trapped within the coat helps to keep cool against heat.
Just regular brushing will do.
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@ The Cat Whisperer Singapore
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