How to Keep Cats Cool During Hot Summer Days

This is a sponsored post*

Even if your cats don’t go outside, summer heat can be uncomfortable even for indoor cats. While cats are not as prone to heat stroke as dogs, and are generally good at regulating their body temperature, extreme heat and humidity can still put them at risk. Our tips will help keep your feline family members cool during the dog days of summer.

Keep your home cool

• If you have AC, don’t turn it up too high if you’re not home. If you wouldn’t be comfortable, chances are your cats won’t be comfortable, either.
• Use fans to help circulate air. You can enhance the effect of fans by placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan.
• Close blinds and curtains. Blocking out direct sunlight helps keep indoor temperatures down and reduces your cooling bills.
• If your cats gravitate toward cool areas of your home, create comfortable retreats for them in rooms that have cool flooring.

Offer fresh, cool water at all times

• Keeping your cat well hydrated is important any time of year, but especially when the temperature rises. Change water several times a day. You can even add a few ice cubes to keep it cooler longer.
• Try a cat fountain. Many cats prefer running water and may drink more from a fountain. The circulating water keeps water fresh longer.
• Place multiple water bowls around the house.

Use cooling beds or blankets

Cooling mats or blankets are made to absorb heat and provide a cool surface for cats to lie on. There are many commercially available options, or you can make your own by placing a damp towel in the freezer for a few minutes and then placing it under your cat’s favorite napping spot. Alternately, wrap a bottle of frozen water in a towel and place nearby.

Brush regularly

Regular brushing helps remove excess fur and prevents matting, especially in long-haired cats. Mats trap heat close to the body and make it harder for your cat to cool down. Avoid shaving your cat, especially if your cat goes outside, as their coat provides some protection against heat and sunburn. If your cat sheds heavily, brush more often during heat waves to keep their coat light and breathable.

Schedule play time during cooler times of day

Cats are smart and naturally slow down during hot weather, but if your cat is active, encourage play early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Avoid intense play sessions during the heat of the day.

Never leave a cat in a hot car or a hot room

It should go without saying, but every summer, tragedy strikes when a cat carrier is left in a hot car. Even a few minutes in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, can be deadly. Rooms without AC, or without ventilation or sunlight pouring in can quickly become too hot. Make sure your cat has access to cooler areas of the house.

Watch for signs of overheating

While not as common as in dogs, cats can suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are medical emergencies. Symptoms of overheating include:

• Panting (rare in cats and a severe warning sign)
• Rapid breathing
• Lethargy
• Drooling
• Red or pale gums
• Vomiting or staggering

If your cat shows any of these symptoms, move them to a cooler area immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Tips for outdoor cats

If your cat spends any time outside, ensure they have access to shade throughout the day. Provide a bowl of fresh water outside and keep it in a shaded spot. Consider bringing them inside during heat waves or setting up a sheltered, ventilated outdoor enclosure.

About Darwin’s Natural Pet Food

Darwin’s is doing everything right, both in terms of what’s in the food and what’s not:

• • 100% meat – no animal-by-products or fillers
  • Ethically sourced human grade ingredients from farms they trust
  • Formulated under the guidance of veterinary nutritionists
  • Free range, pasture raised, cage-free meats
  • No GMO
  • No steroids
  • No hormones
  • Made fresh: you will receive your meals 4-6 weeks from production
  • Ready to serve

Darwin’s statement on H5N1

Darwin’s is very selective in choosing which suppliers we work with. We have been in contact with our poultry suppliers who all have testing protocols in place for a range of viruses, including H5N1, and will not ship products from flocks in which even one bird tested positive. In addition, as part of Darwin’s normal production process, all our meals are treated with an organic Peracetic Acid solution, which is effective against multiple pathogens, including H5N1.

If you are concerned about feeding raw, cooking poultry to a temperature of 165° Fahrenheit will destroy H5N1. Sous viding is the gentlest option that retains the most nutrients. Since sous viding is not always accessible for all pet parents, we also recommend very gently sauteing Darwin’s. This should be low and slow, and all liquid rendered from the cooking process should be served with the food. The food should be completely cooled before serving.

Special offer: Get 50% off your first 10 pounds

Darwin’s has an introductory offer that can’t be beat so you can try this for your own cats: get 75% off your first 10 pounds of raw food (up to $100.) You can customize the proteins depending on your cat’s taste preferences.

Use code PURRSOFWISDOM to take advantage of this special offer.

For more information and to order, please visit DarwinsPet.com.

*This post is sponsored by Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. Purrs of Wisdom is an affiliate partner of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. This means that if you decide to purchase through any of our links, we get a small commission. We only spread the word about products and services we’ve either used or would use ourselves.

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