6 Tips to Get Your Cat Summer Ready

It’s that time of the year again! Temperatures are rising, days are getting longer, and our kitties depend on us to help get them ready for the summer months. Below you will find six tips to help get our feline companions situated for the summer.

See Your Vet!

First and foremost, schedule an annual exam with your veterinarian. Making sure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccines is the first step to get them summer ready. Your vet can also educate you on potential summer hazards and how to combat them; hazards such as internal and external parasites, toxic plants and much more!

Keep it Cool!

Keeping your home cool during those hot days is very important for our feline friends. Having your curtains shut and having fans placed around your home are easy and inexpensive ways to help keep the temperature down! Limit UV exposure, especially for white or lightly coloured cats, as their risk of getting skin cancer is increased.

Stay Hydrated!

Always to have ample amounts of fresh water available. Place multiple water bowls throughout your home, being sure to place them in areas that are away from the sunlight to prevent evaporation. Electric drinking fountains are also convenient this time of year.

Stay Inside!

The safest place for your cat on a hot day is inside your home! Avoid tethering outside on a harness, as the sun shifts during the day. Those shaded areas can quickly become spots of direct sunlight exposure. NEVER leave a cat (or any animal) unattended in a car.

Just Relax!

Try to keep your cats’ activity level to a minimum on hot days. Cats can easily get overheated by strenuous activity, so it is best to keep any playing to times of day when the temperature is cooler. Restricting exercise and playtime until the evening hours is an effective and easy solution to help combat those rising temperatures.

Be Prepared!

Anything can happen, especially when you least expect it. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke — rapid panting, difficulty breathing and increased heart rate. Some typical household and garden plants can also pose a threat to your furry friend – so take care to purchase or plant products that are safe for cats. Having a pet first aid kit in your home is a great way to help prepare for those unexpected accidents, along with keeping your local veterinarian and emergency clinic phone numbers on hand. Having a copy of your cats’ medical record is also a good idea and can be a great help in case of emergency vet trips.

Written by: Sunrise Animal Hospital