While most of us have been enjoying the recent heat wave, if you are a cat owner then you will probably have noticed that your fluffy bundle of joy usually does not enjoy the good weather as much as we do!
Although cats are good at keeping themselves cool, if she gets too hot, then she could be susceptible to heatstroke or dehydration, so try to make sure that there are plenty of cool and shady areas available to her and that she has a constant supply of fresh water.
Your tortoiseshell cat will usually love to play games with you and your family, but if it does get very hot then it is best for her if she is not running around and getting too agitated and excited – especially in the middle of the day when the temperatures are at their peak. This will avoid her getting too tired or in danger of overheating – and it is also a good idea to keep her in the house at the hottest time of the day between 11am and 3pm.
Your cat will probably be spending a lot of time in the garden at this time of the year, and so make sure that there are some shady areas for her to relax and enjoy. Also, please check your sheds and outbuildings before you lock them to make sure that she is not shut inside!
Keep your house cool by shutting blinds, drawing curtains and opening windows, especially in parts of the house that receive direct sunlight. However, please make sure that she does not have access to rooms on the higher floors of the house with open windows!
Follow these basic tips and your feline friend should enjoy the good weather as much as us. She will especially love the light and cooler evenings, when she can get out when temperatures have dropped from their daytime peak. Let us know how you keep your tortie cool.
As well as all the above, our vet advised us to dampen a cloth and gently dab her ears and pads with it.