The Dog Days of summer are approaching fast … and, as usual, our feline friends couldn’t care less. Fluffy will no doubt spend most of the next few months sprawled out in whatever cool, comfy spot she finds appealing at the moment. You’ll need to keep an eye on your pet as temperatures rise, as this can be a dangerous season for kitties. A local Michigan City, IN vet discusses summer cat care tips below.

Heat Exhaustion

Fluffy’s fur coat does insulate her from the weather, but, as you can imagine, it can be pretty hot in summer. Kitties only sweat through their paw pads, and panting doesn’t lower their body temperature enough to make much of a difference. That means that if your feline buddy gets too hot, she’s going to have a hard time cooling off again. Keep an eye out for signs that your cat is overheating. Panting is a huge red flag here. Other things to watch for include trembling, restlessness, discolored gums, dark or decreased urine, lethargy, and unusual vocalizations. If you see any of these things, immediately give your furball some water, take steps to cool her off, and call your vet.

Hydration

Keeping your kitty hydrated is always important, but it’s crucial at this time of year. Make sure that Fluffy always has plenty of fresh water. If you have more than one cat, multiple floors, and/or allow your pet to go outside, you’ll need a few water bowls. Your furball may also appreciate a pet fountain.

Grounding Fluffy

Speaking of letting cats go outside, that is definitely a don’t in our book. Fluffy may enjoy chasing butterflies or stalking the neighborhood birds, but she’s much safer as an indoor kitty. Kitties that go outside are exposed to many different dangers, including traffic, predators, weather, parasites, and chemical exposure. Keep your furry little explorer safe and sound indoors.

Cool Cool Kitty

Want to keep that motor going? Take a few small steps to keep your feline pal purring. Make Fluffy a hammock bed by attaching a piece of material to the legs of a table or chairs. You can also occasionally give her an ice cube to play with and bat around.

As your Michigan City, IN animal clinic, we’re dedicated to offering top-notch care. Please feel free to contact us for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs.