How to protect your cat from the heat ?

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It’s gonna be hot there ! MeteoSwiss announces a heat wave for the whole of next week : temperatures will exceed 30 degrees during the day and 20 degrees at night.

Although we can handle heat better than dogs, we also suffer when it’s too hot. We cannot lower our body temperature by sweating like a human, because we only sweat from paw pads, which is not enough. In the worst case scenario, we can even have a dangerous heat stroke.

The tips that apply to humans are the same for cats : stay cool and hydrated.

How to protect your cat from the heat ?

Here are a few simple things to do :

  • If possible, encourage your cat to chill inside the house.
  • Close windows and shutters to prevent heat from entering the house too much.
  • Turn on air conditioning if you have one (not too cold!).
  • Pet your cat with a damp washcloth.
  • Encourage your cat to drink and play with water : put an ice cube in his water bowl, place toys in a water basin, place water bowls in different places where your cat likes to rest, if possible in the shade.
  • Offer your cat a cooling mat : you can find some in pet stores, or put gel pockets you place in the freezer under his favourite blanket (folded in two or four).

You will find other useful information in our other articles :

25 thoughts on “How to protect your cat from the heat ?”

  4. Pam

    We’ve been mostly cooler than the usual summer here but when Ted is outside he is super good about staying in the shady spots (which means we’re also in the shady spots since we have him by the leash at all times outside!!). Keep cool for sure since dehydration “sneaks up on you” !! Thanks for the tips.

    Hugs, Pam

  7. Eastside Cats

    That’s pretty hot, and I hope all kitties find a way to beat the heat. Sweetie doesn’t have much trouble in the summertime, but The PO’M pants and looks so unhappy. I wet his fur, and put his feet in air-temp water, hoping to help. He likes wintertime better, which is when I’m the most unhappy! The inside cats stay cool with fans and window a/c units if it’s really bad.

  11. Holly

    Important information and great tips. I got a cooling mat for Plush after spending one day in a crazy hot show hall. Great for in the car too.

  13. databbiesotrouttowne

    wavez two ewe pixie N zorro N thanx for sharin de grate tipz !! stay safe N kewl N heerz two a grate monday ~~~~~~ 🙂 ♥♥

  16. World Of Animals, Inc.

    Thanks for sharing this important information. With summer season here, it’s always good to keep cats inside during hotter days. We have a cooling mat to help on those humid days. Have a great day and thank you again.

  17. M. K. Clinton

    Heat can cause so much trouble for kitties! I remember when I was very young (20) and had three cats. I lived in a tiny mobile home and came home from work to discover the air conditioner had broken. The poor babies were panting! I felt awful but they were okay and we got a new a/c unit!

  21. Robin

    I hope that you will all be safe during your heatwave! Excellent tips. Manna and Dexter are quite spoiled and we turn on the air conditioning in our apartment for them when it is hot outside.

  22. Mark's Mews

    It was 33C here yesserday. We went out in it for a while. Going out is good. But we were glad to get back in the A/C and drink cool water. TBT never lets us stay out long in hot weather.

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