Summer can be rough on our feline pals. Fluffy is wearing a fur coat, and doesn’t have many ways to cool off if she overheats. Therefore, you’ll want to take some steps to help keep your pet cool and comfortable during the hottest part of the year. Read on as a Forest Hill, MD vet offers some tips on helping your kitty beat the heat.

Climate Control

This one may be a no-brainer, but the best way to help your cat stay cool this summer is to keep her indoors, in rooms cooled by fans and/or air conditioning. If you do let your little buddy out, limit her outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day.

Water

Make sure Fluffy always has plenty of cool, clean water. You can put a few ice cubes into her bowl on hot days if you like. It’s worth noting that many cats actually prefer drinking running water. If your pet likes drinking from the faucet, get her a kitty fountain.

Snacks

Who doesn’t like a cold snack on hot days? Offer Fluffy some chilled cat milk, which you can find in stores. Your kitty may also appreciate a bowl of sodium-free broth, or some cold canned tuna or chicken in water.

Brushing

Brushing your cat daily can also help keep her cooler, by removing dead fur and dander from her coat. This is also a good chance for you to spend some time with your pet, and make her feel loved.

Cool Bed

Our feline pals are very good at getting comfortable. You may find Fluffy sprawled out on your kitchen or bathroom floor, or even in the cellar, as these spots naturally stay cool. If you want extra purrs, get your pet a hammock bed. You can also make your own by attaching a piece of sturdy material to the legs of a table. Your kitty may also appreciate having a fan pointed at or above her bed.

Ice

Drop an ice cube into your kitty’s bowl on hot days. Then, if Fluffy likes playing hockey, put another one on the floor for her to bat around. This will actually help keep her cool, since cats use their paw pads to regulate their temperature. It’s also cute to watch!

Please contact us, your Forest Hill, MD pet clinic, if we can ever be of assistance. We’re here to help!