ALISON LAURIE-CHALMERS: Cats in the Highlands also need to be protected from overheating too
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It is well known that we must keep our pet dogs cool in summer. However, keeping your pet cat cool, happy and healthy over the hot months is essential too.
Cats were first domesticated from desert species, on continents like Asia and Africa, so they generally do enjoy the sunshine and heat. Unfortunately, however, too much heat can lead to heatstroke and sunburn.
Most cats can regulate their own body temperature but certain breeds, such as long-haired and flat-faced cats, overweight and elderly cats are at a much higher risk in hot weather.
Most cats sensibly avoid overheating by seeking shade, however, if they are trapped in a hot area, for example a shed, porch, or greenhouse, and have no way to cool themselves, then they are at high risk of heatstroke. Do a thorough check of outbuildings, sheds, garages, and cars for cats sleeping inside before you close them. Cats are inquisitive and could creep into such areas if windows and doors are left open.
To keep your cat cool, create a safe shady spot outside. If you have a garden, trees and shrubs make great natural shade.
Create shaded spaces both outside and inside the house by closing over curtains and blinds to protect your cat from the sun coming indoors and keep the house well ventilated.
If the forecast is very warm, make sure your cat can head out to explore in the early morning and evening when the weather is likely to be cooler. A great way of protecting your cat from the heat, is to create a cool, quiet room indoors for them to relax in and sleep. Close curtains and blinds and create a gentle breeze with pet-safe fans, and open windows to provide ventilation. You can also provide flat cool areas and pet cooling mats.
Make sure that your cat has plenty of clean, fresh drinking water. This is one of the most important ways to keep them cool and to prevent dehydration.
You can also provide ice cubes to bat around the floor, give frozen cat treats, or even pop a few ice cubes in their water bowl.
Some cats can be at risk of sunburn too. Although fur is a great sun barrier, cats can still get sunburnt especially on thin or sparsely furred areas, or areas with no fur, such as the ears and nose. Cats that are hairless, such as Sphynx cats, or are light in colour such as ginger or white cats, are especially at risk. Protecting these cats’ skin from sunburn is vital, as it can lead to skin cancer.
When the weather is hot, remember to protect the exposed areas on your cat, such as ear tips and noses, with a pet-safe sun cream.
Some breeds of long-haired cats are more likely to overheat in summer. A daily brush will help ensure your cat’s thick undercoat and excess fur is removed.
Flat-faced breeds can have difficulty breathing because of the shape of their faces, and they therefore struggle to cool themselves down in hot weather. Older cats or cats with health problems are generally more sensitive to the heat. It can be safer to keep older cats monitored closely and keep them mainly in the cool of the house when it’s hot. Overweight cats carry extra fat, which causes additional strain and insulates them, making it much harder for them to cool down.
It is important for all cat owners to also be aware of the risks and signs of heatstroke. Symptoms include lethargy and apparent low energy; excess salivation and drooling; dry mouth and gums; vomiting; diarrhoea; panting and mouth breathing; unsteadiness and collapse.
If you’re worried that your cat is suffering from any signs of heatstroke call your vet immediately, as with dogs, this is an emergency.
• Alison Laurie-Chalmers is a senior consultant at Crown Vets.
