Keeping Cats Cool
Anyone who has ever experienced heat stroke themselves knows how quickly it can sneak up on you. Cats are equally vulnerable to this condition, even more so, since they have little control over their own living environments. What might not at first seem too concerning, can quickly turn into a tragedy. It’s essential during summer months to be sure that cats are kept safe from the impact of soaring temperatures, which quickly escalate health emergencies. Here are 6 tips for keeping cats safe and comfortable over the summer, followed by some extra reading on the topic.
Tip 1: Leave the air conditioner on
Cats will be most comfortable at temperatures from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. It’s important to use the air conditioner whenever indoor temperatures reach 28 degrees. Using the AC will control the temperature, as well as provide ventilation, and reduce humidity. Fans alone are not enough, since cats don’t sweat as efficiently as humans do, and the cooling effect will not be as great. However, fans can be helpful in addition to air conditioning, for moving air around and creating a less stuffy environment. Be aware that excess humidity can be as concerning as high temperatures, since if there is too much moisture in the air, cats will be unable to rid their body of sweat. Keep in mind that even if the indoor temperature is not yet 28 when you leave home in the morning, it’s important to turn on the AC before leaving if the indoor temperature has already climbed to around 24.
Tip 2: Provide extra hydration
Cats are very susceptible to dehydration, and this risk increases significantly when temperatures are high. Certain health conditions raise that risk even further. Be sure that there are multiple sources of fresh water, placed in various areas of the living environment. These should be easily accessible. Consider adding a water fountain to increase attractiveness, but remember to keep it regularly cleaned, as mold and bacteria are a bigger problem at warmer temperatures. Feed more wet food, while you are home, to increase hydration. However, be mindful of the shorter time that it will take wet food to spoil in hotter weather. It can be helpful to add a few ice cubes to one of the dishes of water to help ensure that there will be a cool water source available. Frozen wet style treats have become popular, for enrichment during summer months. But, be careful to avoid pastes with harmful additives or choking hazards posed by frozen chunks.
Tip 3: Adjust the physical environment
Closing curtains on hot days will help to cool the environment and will also deter cats from relaxing in the sun. They may still be drawn to doing that, despite the eventual negative impact. If the cat’s body gets too warm, they will need to quickly find a way to cool down, but that may not always be possible. Creating dark places for a cat to stretch out and relax, as well as providing cooling beds made from aluminum or stone, can give respite, and might slow a rise in body temperature. Be aware that very active play can raise body temperatures and can be distracting to the extent that a cat might not be aware of the increasing danger. Provide enrichment via adding cat grass, catnip plants, extra scratching boards, and other aspects that involve more calming activities.
Tip 4: Take extra care of certain body types and ages
Extra vigilant care will need to be taken for cats with long hair; flat faces; excess weight, advanced age; and/or early age. Cats with long hair more quickly overheat, as the extra fur creates an even greater obstruction for sweating. Brachycephalic cats (Persians, Birmans, etc.) already have increased difficulty breathing, which can be exacerbated in hotter temperatures, resulting in increased dehydration. Elderly cats may have weaker organs, causing a greater impact of any slight strain, and very young kittens are unable to control their own body temperature, relying on mothers’ grooming. Obese cats maintain a higher than average body temperature, making it easier for them to get too hot and harder for them to quickly cool down. If you have a special needs cat in your home, be extra sure that indoor temperatures and humidity are strictly controlled, as well as any symptoms immediately attended to.
Tip 5: Monitor and address any signs of distress
It can be helpful to have a thermometer in the home to measure the indoor room temperature; a camera with that in view, so that you can monitor while out of the home; and an external method of controlling the air conditioning system. Having a camera can also help to monitor your cats’ condition while you are out of the home. Initial visual signs of distress might be panting, red tongue/gums, vomiting, lethargy, tremors, seizures, drooling, stumbling, and/or loss of appetite. When touched, the cat may also have a rapid heartbeat, as well as a hot stomach, underarms, and ears. Heatstroke will start with heat exhaustion, and if caught in the earlier stage, that should allow vigilant caregivers to effectively intervene. Immediately remove the cat from the hot environment. You can then apply slightly cool water (not ice-cold, which worsens the issue) to the cat’s fur and skin, and fan to increase heat loss. If you suspect heatstroke may have occurred, get the cat directly to a veterinarian. Even if the cat seems to have recovered, a medical assessment is needed so that potentially life saving treatment can be provided. That might include IV fluids, supplemental oxygen, cooling interventions, medication, and/or monitoring of organ function.
Tip 6: Transport cats safely
In addition to the home environment, it’s essential to transport cats in temperature controlled environments. Transport generally increases stress, which can result in an increased risk of panting and hyperventilation. Secure carriers should be of a reasonable size and provide opportunity for plenty of air circulation. Backpack style carriers are generally too small, in this case, and the heat from a person’s back can increase the heat inside the pack. Carriers should never be kept in enclosed spaces, such as car trunks, during transport. A small frozen ice pack can be added to the carrier to help keep things cool. Convenience stores often sell frozen bottles of drinks, which can also be used as ice packs. Wrap any ice packs or frozen bottles in a towel and keep them small, to avoid direct contact with the cat inside the carrier. Finally, always transport cats singly in carriers during periods of warm weather, to avoid the extra body heat from a companion cat.
Heatstroke is a very serious and life threatening condition that may develop quickly before cat guardians are even aware of the urgency of the situation. It’s very important to practice good preventative care, and to address any symptoms promptly.
Here are some articles for additional reading on this important topic: