Heatstroke in Cats: 6 Tips to Keep Kitty Cool on Hot Summer Days

A Guest Blog by Gary Le Mon

Your cat's favorite pastime may be curling up in a pool of sunshine, but she is as susceptible to heatstroke as a dog or human during hot days. Check out these six easy tips to learn how to keep your cat cool in summer:

Give a cooling wipe down. Many cats will not mind if you wipe them down with a damp paper towel or facecloth. The moisture on their fur cools them off. Do this in front of a box fan or open window for added comfort.

Have a supply of fresh water. Do not be the owner with the dusty water bowl. Change the water several times a day to keep it fresh in the heat. You can also place several containers around your property so that kitty does not have to look for one when she is feeling the heat. If you are out for the day, you can add some ice to the water before leaving.

Create air flow. You can use a box fan or open window to let a draft cool down your furry friend if he needs some relief on a hot day. Place a frozen water bottle in front of the air source if you do not have air conditioning. However, frozen gel packs could be toxic for your pet. Do not leave them lying around.

Raise the pet bed. If you elevate your cat's bed, air will circulate and cause a cooling effect to keep body temperature down. Placing it in a drafty room or near a box fan will double the effect.

Provide shade. Make sure there are lots of shady areas for your cat to stretch out. Many cats will seek out cool places like basements and rooms with heat-resistant hard flooring. If it is safe, let your pet have access to these rooms in hot weather. Closing the blinds will also create a dark, cool environment.

Avoid car trips. Cats are just as vulnerable as dogs to the heat trapped inside a car. Never leave your pet in a vehicle on a hot day, even with the windows cracked. It is not safe.

Use these tips to create comfort for your cat during hot days. This will provide a better environment to keep your pet safe and healthy.

Symptoms of Heatstroke

If you suspect your cat has become overheated, check for the following symptoms of heatstroke:

• excessive panting
• lethargy
• drooling
• fever
• vomiting
• collapse

If your pet has any alarming symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away for assistance. Remember the six simple steps above to help you avoid a dangerous situation.

How do you keep kitty cool during the dog days of summer?

Bio: Gary Le Mon is a Board Certified Master Herbalist specializing in natural home remedies for dogs and cats. He is certified by the American Naturopathic Medical Certification Board, a member of the American Herbalists Guild and the American Botanical Council. Founder and chief formulator of Natural Wonder Products, Gary, now retired, dedicated himself to caring for animals and the formulation, testing and distribution of Earth-friendly, 100% natural veterinary-naturopathic medicine.

Photo Credit: flickr creative commons/KeithJustKeith