SUMMERTIME
CAT
TIPS
Learn how to keep your cat
cool and free from parasites,
hairballs, and other nasty things that can creep up during the year’s
hottest
season, with these tips for summertime comfort for cats!
BEAT
THE
HEAT:
Along with the higher
temperatures comes an increased risk for your cat to catch heat-related
ailments such as heat stroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Symptoms:
- Panting
- Restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hyperventilation
- Lethargy
- Increased body
temperature
***If
your cat exhibits any of these signs, cool the cat by using cool water
on the
footpads, wrap the cat with damp towels and take it to the vet
immediately***
Heatstroke
may kill or seriously injure your pet- but it can easily be avoided.
How
to Beat the Heat:
1)
Keep your cat indoors- we
recommend that cats always remain indoors, but if you do have a cat
that goes
outside it is very important that you be aware of some of the risks
particular
to the summer months. One of these is
anti-freeze/coolant. Auto coolant is deadly to your cat. Another thing
to note
is that asphalt can get very hot during the summer and could burn your
cat’s
paws. In addition, many people treat their lawns this time of year.
Many of
these chemicals are dangerous to cats and could lead to poisoning.
There are many ways to let your cat enjoy some of the outdoor
experiences without all the hazards that go along with allowing your
cat to roam freely outside. You can build an enclosed outdoor sanctuary
for your cat or plant a small indoor garden for your cat, with cat-safe
herbs and flowers!

2)
Make sure your home is well
ventilated- if you have air conditioning leave it at a reasonable
temperature
during the day. If you do not have an air conditioner use fans for air
circulation or open a window or two to keep air moving (just be sure
the
screens are tight so kitty can’t get out!)
3)
Rub the cat with a damp
towel (cold compresses can help cool off kitty) or immerse your
feline’s feet
in a tub of cool water!
4)
Always have bowls of cool
water available- cats need a ready source
of cool,
clean water at all times. Be sure and leave out a fresh bowl or two of
water
every day. Consider putting ice cubes in the water bowl to keep it cool
throughout the day!
5)
Groom your cat daily- brush
your cat every day to remove the excess fur and give your cat some
relief from
excess hairballs! They are particularly bad in the summer, when cats
tend to
shed more.
6)
Exercise your cat during the
cool part of the day- while cats may prefer to nap away during warm
days of
summer, they still need regular exercise to remain fit and trim. Set
aside 15
minutes or so in the early morning or evening (when temperatures are at
their
coolest) and indulge in some interactive play with your cat!
7)
Never leave your cat in an
unattended car during the hot summer days.
FLEA
SEASON:
Keep
your cat and household flea free- Summer time is particularly bad for
fleas. Even”
indoor only” cats can get fleas! Fleas from the environment
(grass,
wildlife, neighbour’s pets…) can come into
your home
on your pant leg! Once inside they will live on your cat and the
vicious cycle
and infestation begins. Ideally, flea control should begin as flea
PREVENTION-
before flea season starts! Monthly easy-to-apply topical treatments are
available from your veterinarian to prevent flea infestation. These
products
can also protect your cat against worms, ticks, mites, and other pesky
parasites.






ALLERGY
SEASON:
Cats
can have allergies too! There are several different
things that can cause allergies in cats. Seasonal allergies are most
common and
are caused by inhaled allergens, with often more extreme symptoms in
the spring
and summer when surrounded with high levels of mold, tree, grass and
weed
pollens in the air.
Allergy Symptoms:
Cats
typically show skin problems as the most common
allergy clinical sign.
-
Skin redness/irritation
-
Itching/scratching
-
Excessive licking or
pulling out fur
Unlike people,
sneezing, runny eyes and nose are less common,
but may be related to allergies too.
-
Sneezing
-
Runny eyes/nose
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PETS
&
FIREWORKS DON’T MIX:
Protect
your cat during the July 4th holiday. The sound of fireworks
can
terrify your cat. Keep windows closed and put on the radio or
television set to
help comfort your feline friend.
