Cats are rather good at regulating their body temperature and staying cool. However, this does not mean that they never feel uncomfortable when it's hot out.
If you want to help keep your cat cool in the summer, here are 10 tips that will allow you to give them a helping paw.
Keep your cat hydrated
Keeping a cat correctly hydrated is crucial for the body of your cat to function correctly, particularly for them to be able to regulate their body temperature. Cats have a special relationship with water, so it's important to make sure your cat always has a fresh bowl of water that's regularly refilled.
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Add ice to their water
A cat that is feeling hot will naturally gravitate towards cold things. To help them cool down and drink more, do not hesitate to add a few ice cubes to their water bowl.
Turn on the air conditioning and open the windows
Keeping a constant flow of air in your home helps cool the overall temperature. This will help your cat cope with the ambient heat. If you live in an apartment, it's important to make sure that your windows are secured so that your cat does not fall.
Close the curtains
Letting the sun into your home increases the temperature considerably. So, remember to keep the curtains closed during the hottest hours of the day to create a cool space in your home.
Turn off the lights
Ceiling lights and other lamps generate more heat than you might think. Turning off all unnecessary lights will help save you a few precious degrees.
Wipe your cat with a damp cloth
Delicately caress your cat with a wet towelette or damp cloth to help keep them feeling fresh and cool.
Organize grooming sessions
Your cat's fur plays a very important role in regulating their body temperature. Brush your cat regularly to rid it of excess hair and help them feel much lighter.
Ice cold water
Put a bottle of water in the freezer, wrap it in a T-shirt or pillowcase and place it next to your cat so that they can lie on it. Lying down on a cold surface helps your pet's body temperature drop.
Make sure they have access to cooler areas
Have you ever felt like slipping on the cold bathroom tiles when you were too hot? The same applies to your four-legged friend. Remember to leave these areas accessible so they can cool off.
Save playtime for later in the day
Many cats know that conserving energy is important if they are not to suffer too much from high temperatures. So they're generally not inclined to play when it's too hot. To keep your cat cooler, try to play later in the day.
Be careful, if the heat is really extreme, keep an eye on your pet, as heatstroke can happen quickly and can be very dangerous. Find out more about heatstroke by asking your vet.
What are you doing to help your cat stay cool this summer?
Queen K