How to Help Your Cat Beat the Heat

Summer is coming, and so is the hot weather. Although Minnesota isn’t as hot as other states, we do get our share of heat waves, like the one that buckled Highway 36 in 2016. These temperature spikes can be very dangerous to kitties! Here, a local Lakeville, MN vet offers tips on keeping Fluffy cool in summer.

Ice Hockey

Did you know that Fluffy’s paw pads help regulate her temperature? Batting an ice cube around can help your furry friend stay cool. Kitty hockey is adorable to watch, so you’ll also benefit!

Climate Control

When temperatures soar, keep Fluffy indoors, in rooms cooled by fans or air conditioning. Your feline pal will be much safer inside anyway: outdoor cats face many dangers, such as cars, predators, and other hazards. For extra purrs, point a fan at your kitty’s bed. Just don’t put it too close, as this could frighten your furball.

Brushing

Dead fur and dander both reduce the insulating properties of your feline buddy’s fur. Brushing your kitty regularly will help keep her cooler. Incorporate cuddles and compliments into Fluffy’s beauty sessions, so she knows she’s being pampered.

Water

Make sure Fluffy always has fresh, clean water to drink. Some cats prefer drinking running water, so you may want to get your furball a kitty fountain.

Let Fluffy Roam

Cats have an amazing ability for making themselves comfortable. Fluffy can sleep almost anywhere, and can even doze off in formations generally associated with pretzels. If you let your furball go where she wants, she’ll use her incredible comfort-seeking skills to find the coolest spot. Don’t be surprised if you find your kitty ‘chilling out’ on the bathroom floor or in the cellar: these areas tend to stay cool.

Hammock Beds

Hammock beds are another great option for hot weather. Because air moves below them, they stay cooler than regular beds. You can buy Fluffy a hammock, or make your own. Just get an end table or coffee table with four legs, and a piece of material. Cut the material so that it is the same shape as the tabletop, but slightly smaller. Then, just attach it to the table legs. Instant purr!

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Call us! As your Lakeville, MN animal clinic, we are dedicated to keeping our feline patients happy and purring.