Cats also fear heat: 7 ways to cool down cats / prevent heatstroke in pets
Summer has arrived in Hong Kong again. Even at home, cats may be too hot to move or eat, and just want to lie on the tile floor to cool down.
In fact, cats are like humans; if they get too hot and can't sweat, the trapped heat in their bodies can lead to heatstroke, or in more severe cases, heat exhaustion.
Cats don't have as many organs for heat dissipation as humans, and the weather in Hong Kong gets hotter each year, so it's very important to pay close attention to preventing heatstroke in cats.
All cat owners must not underestimate the dangers of heatstroke. Heatstroke in cats is a very serious condition with a high mortality rate, so measures must be taken to help your pet combat the terrible summer heat.
How do cats dissipate heat?
Although cats also sweat through their paw pads, they only have a small number of sweat glands, so this method of heat dissipation is very inefficient.
They will increase the frequency of grooming in summer to help cool down. When the saliva left on their fur evaporates, it takes some of the heat with it. However, even so, it is not enough for Hong Kong's summer.
We, Petsthing, will focus on cat heatstroke and list 7 ways to help cats cool down / prevent heatstroke. We welcome interested owners to read the article in detail to provide more comfort for their pets' daily lives.
Table of Contents for Keeping Cats Cool in Summer
- Keep the cat's environment ventilated and dry / Provide shade
- Turn on the air conditioning
- Prepare cooling tools for cats
- Use a damp towel to directly cool down the cat's body
- Provide plenty of water
- Trim paw pad fur / comb cat's fur frequently or trim it appropriately
- Avoid excessive strenuous play or exercise
- Conclusion
1. Keep the cat's environment ventilated and dry / Provide shade
When you go to work or school, remember to leave some ventilated windows for your cat before you leave, and ensure there is enough shade.
And leave a fan in the area where the cat is active. If you have a small circulating fan or ceiling fan at home, it's even better. Turn it on directly to keep the indoor air circulating.
If doors and windows are closed tightly, and air doesn't circulate, the indoor temperature can easily rise, making cats prone to heatstroke.
All curtains and blinds at home should be drawn to prevent sunlight from increasing the indoor temperature.
Petsthing has also launched a series of toys, climbing frames, scratching posts, and other furniture that can keep cats cool and dry in summer, allowing them to find a cool space even when left at home alone.
Summer Cooling Cat Furniture
2. Turn on the air conditioning
In this weather, air conditioning is the most effective way to lower the temperature. Setting the air conditioning to 24°C-26°C is the best for cats.
However, please pay attention to the following 4 key points when turning on the air conditioning:
2.1 26°C is the most suitable temperature for cats
Our perception of temperature is mainly based on the difference between our body temperature and the ambient temperature. Cats' body temperature is slightly higher than ours, so at the same temperature, cats will feel cooler than we do.
Some owners are really afraid of heat and usually set the air conditioning to 20°C. If a person feels a bit cold at that temperature, a cat in the same environment will definitely feel very cold. The most suitable air conditioning temperature for cats is around 26°C. If your cat shares the air conditioning with you, it is recommended not to set the temperature too low for the cat's well-being.
2.2 Prepare a shelter for cats in the air-conditioned room
What if you're really sensitive to heat and can't stand it if the air conditioning is not set below 26°C? In that case, it's recommended to prepare some corners where your cat can hide in the air-conditioned room, ensuring these spots are not directly exposed to the air conditioning.
A small fabric house is very suitable to be placed in the corner of an air-conditioned room for cats to hide in. As long as it's not directly exposed to the air conditioning, the cat's body temperature inside will usually prevent it from feeling too cold.
Petsthing has also launched many cat beds that can be placed in air-conditioned spaces to serve as a "shelter" from the cold.
Cat Houses, Cat Beds, Cat Nests
2.3 Be aware of temperature differences when cats move between rooms
In summer, sometimes we're in an air-conditioned room while the outside space is very hot. In such cases, if there's a large temperature difference between the room and outside, when cats go out or come in, you need to be mindful of this temperature difference.
Especially for older cats, it's best to bring them into the air-conditioned room when you turn it on, allowing them to gradually cool down with the environment.
If cats frequently enter and exit spaces with significant temperature differences, they can easily feel unwell in the summer.
2.4 Prevent "air conditioning sickness"
Some owners worry that their cats will get too hot indoors, so they turn up the air conditioning when they leave for work, fearing their pets might overheat. However, prolonged exposure to air-conditioned rooms can make cats prone to "air conditioning sickness".
Although "air conditioning sickness" is not a true disease itself, it can easily lead to autonomic dysfunction in cats, or even cause them to catch a cold.
Therefore, there's no need to blast the air conditioning; a cool and well-ventilated space is sufficient for cats.
These are the guidelines for indoor cat care during the scorching summer. By following them, you and your cat can enjoy a cool summer.
3. Prepare cooling tools for cats
There are many pet cooling mats on the market today. If your budget allows, you can buy a few cooling mats and place them in shady spots. This can increase a sense of concealment and security, and when the cat gets hot, it will go there to cool down.
Alternatively, if you have a large metal basin at home, you can also use it as a cooling tool for your cat. Because metal conducts heat well, if placed in a cool spot, lying inside it will actually help the cat dissipate heat.
You can also chill damp towels in the refrigerator. Once frozen, take them out and lay them on the floor for your cat to lie on and cool down. When the cat finds the towel's temperature comfortable, it will automatically go to rest on it, which also helps to lower its body temperature.
Petsthing has also launched a series of toys, climbing frames, scratching posts, and other furniture that can keep cats cool and dry in summer, allowing them to find a cool space even when left at home alone.
Summer Cooling Pet Products
4. Use a damp towel to directly cool down the cat's body
Gently wiping your cat's body with a slightly damp towel can provide a cooling sensation and lower its body temperature.
Most cats don't mind a little moisture on their fur, especially when they realize the water from the towel can cool down their body.
Use a towel soaked in cold water to wipe the cat's fur, starting from the head and moving towards the back.
The cat's belly, paw pads, armpits, chin, and outer ears are the areas that get hottest most easily. You can wipe these areas with a damp towel to dissipate heat.
5. Provide plenty of water
Cats, with their limited sweat glands, rely on breathing to dissipate heat, using the evaporation of water to remove excess body heat.
Given the high indoor temperatures, drinking water is the most effective way to regulate body temperature.
Cats are more interested in running water, so it's recommended to buy a running water dispenser and place the entire bowl in a cool place.
Cat Water Fountain
In addition to leaving windows open, make sure your cat has enough drinking water multiple times a day. Also, ensure the drinking water is clean, as some cats are particular about water quality and will not drink water with even slight impurities.
To help regulate your cat's body temperature during these hot days, cat owners should change the water frequently and replenish the water source to keep it fresh whenever possible.
6. Shave paw pad fur / Regularly groom or trim your cat's fur
During summer, you should groom your cat frequently. Dead or matted fur can trap body heat, so it's important to brush your cat regularly.
A cat's sweat glands are located on the inner side of their paw pads. We can shave the fur there to help the cat dissipate heat, and this method is highly recommended.
Dead or matted fur balls can prevent body heat from dissipating, so they must be removed frequently. As for whether to shave, consult your veterinarian before deciding.
It is generally believed that fur has protective and sun-blocking functions, so it is not recommended to shave your cat completely bare in summer.
Moreover, as Hong Kong's weather starts to get hot earlier and earlier, sometimes cats haven't shed all their fur from the previous season when summer arrives.
At this time, it is recommended to brush your cat daily with a fine-toothed comb to accelerate the shedding of old fur. If your cat is a long-haired cat, you might also consider trimming their fur, but there's one thing to note when trimming a cat's fur.
It is not recommended to shave all the fur off, like a buzz cut. It's better to leave some fur all over the cat's body, similar to a flat top haircut. This is because if all the fur is shaved off, the cat's skin will be directly exposed, making them more vulnerable to insect bites and more prone to sunburn.
7. Avoid excessive strenuous play or exercise
Hot weather is not suitable for overly strenuous play or exercise. Keeping your cat calm can prevent their body temperature from rising.
Try to play with them in the early morning or evening; midday is best for napping.
Cooling pet products for summer
Summary
The conditions that make cats comfortable are the same as for us humans: not too hot and not too cold. Cats are very good at finding comfortable environments, but for cats living indoors, space is very limited, so owners must manage temperature and humidity well.
Additionally, hot weather can cause food to spoil easily, which can make cats sick if consumed. Furthermore, there are especially many insects in summer, and if pet owners are not careful, cats can easily get sick and experience discomfort.
