Keeping Your Kitty Cool In The Summer Heat

With summer here and temperatures already in the 80's in most places it's good to remember that our pets need special attention when it comes to the heat. Veterinary hospitals see an increase in the number of heat-related injuries like heat stroke this time of year. Heat stroke is a term used to describe an elevation of body temperature above normal, which for a cat is 100 to 102 degrees.

Some cats are more susceptible than others, these include short nosed breeds such as Persians & Exotics, young & old cats, obese cats & cats with airway disease. Obese cats will also be more prone to heat stroke because the layer of body fat tends to soak up the heat. Young kittens and senior cats likewise have a reduced ability to process the heat load.

Listed below are some precautions you can take to ensure your cat gets relief from the sizzling summer heat.

*Keep your cat's bowl full of cold refreshing water. On really hot days,I like to toss a couple of ice cubes in the bowl to keep the water ice cold. If you have an outdoor cat be sure to change the water often. And be sure she has a shaded area away from the sun.

*High humidity combined with heat can put you cat at risk of heatstroke, keep your house cool with a fan or air conditioning. If possible bring your outdoor cat in for a bit of cooling off. Rubbing the cat down with a cool towel will help cool him off.

*Monitor your cat for symptoms of heatstroke, this can be a real medical emergency, so if you suspect your cat has heatstroke you need to contact your vet as soon as possible. Symptoms of heatstroke include:

*Panting, Bright red gums, Dullness, Drooling, Collapse/ weakness, Convulsions, and Vomiting.

*Of course keep your cat out of a parked car. Most people know this, but on occasion it has been known to happen.

*Exercise your cat in the early hours or later in the evening when it is cooler.

* Monitor outdoor temperature and minimize your pet’s activity on hot, humid days.