Summer is never a great time for cats. Sprinklers are shooting water over everything. Humans are talking loudly about beaches. And – perhaps worst of all – the weather has become too hot to tolerate. With summer just around the corner, the struggle is about to get real for our favourite felines. Fortunately, as your kitty’s faithful Owner/servant, you can ensure they keep cool during the hottest stretch of the year. Here’s how!
“Maybe if I lie here and don’t move, the sun won’t notice me.”
Water: awful on your cat’s belly, refreshing in your cat’s belly
A cat’s feelings towards water are much like a caffeine addict’s relationship with hot coffee. They love to consume it, but they hate when someone splashes it all over them. This is doubly the case for cats during warmer months. On a hot day, encourage your kitty to drink regularly by leaving several bowls of water around your home. To really entice them, replace the water a few times during the day so it remains fresh.
For extra points, leave a few ice cubes floating in each water bowl.
Tiles will keep them cool…but only if they’re in the shade
If you have tiles in your kitchen, laundry, or bathroom, great! Cats love cooling down by lying on tiles. However, tiles will only remain cool if you keep them out of the sun. If your tiled floor is anywhere near a window, make sure you draw the curtains closed. In fact, on sunny days over 28 degrees, it pays to keep your cat out of the sun as well.
Circulate the air flow
Whether you switch on the A/C, place a bottle of frozen water in front of a fan, or simply open a few windows, a bit of cool air circulation can go a long way. While opening one window might do little to cool your home, you can work wonders by creating a wind tunnel. You can achieve this by either opening the front and back door, or opening windows at opposite ends of your home.
Grooming your cat keeps them cool AND pretty!
As if you needed another reason to beautify your cat! By brushing them daily during summer, you’ll not only neaten their coats, you’ll also remove excess hair. This is the feline equivalent of taking off a layer of clothes on a warm day, so they’ll be grateful.
If you have a Himalayan, Maine Coon, or other long-haired cat breed, you should consider a trip to a pet groomer. A quick hair trim can make a major difference.
