Keeping Your Cat Cool

Summer isn’t far off. We probably don’t have to tell you that Nevada can be scorching hot at this time of year. Heat is a serious hazard for our feline friends! Cats can’t cool themselves off by sweating, and panting isn’t very effective for them. Fluffy could be in serious trouble if she overheats! In this article, a Las Vegas, NV vet offers some tips on keeping kitties cool.

First and foremost, the best way to help your cat beat the heat is to simply keep her indoors, in rooms cooled by AC and/or fans. Staying inside is also safer for Fluffy, as she’ll be protected from things like cars, wild animals, and other hazards.

Make sure that your cat always has fresh water. Many kitties prefer to drink running water, so you may want to get Fluffy a pet fountain. You can also drop an ice cube into her dish to cool the water down.

Daily beauty sessions will also help your feline buddy stay cooler. When you brush your pet, you’ll be removing dust, dead hair, and dander from her coat. These things actually interfere with the insulating qualities of Fluffy’s fur.

Who doesn’t love a cold snack on a sweltering day? Offer Fluffy a can of chilled tuna or chicken in water, or a bowl of cold sodium-free broth.

You’ve probably noticed that cats really enjoy lounging around when it’s really hot out. Hammocks are cooler than regular beds, because air can move beneath them. Make Fluffy a kitty hammock by attaching a piece of fabric to a table with four legs. Voila!

Offer your kitty a few comfy beds in cool corners. You can wrap a cooling pad in a towel and put that on your pet’s bed. A frozen towel will also work. Another option is to point a fan at or above Fluffy’s bed to help keep air moving. Just make sure she can’t knock it over!

Watch for signs that your pet is overheating. Some common ones include panting, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, unusual vocalizations, and discolored gums. If you see any of these red flags, take immediate steps to cool Fluffy off, and call your vet.

Please contact us, your Las Vegas, NV vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!