How to keep your cat healthy and happy during the summer months
Summer is finally upon us, meaning plenty of barbecues, pool parties, and sunbathing for the whole family to enjoy. However, the warm weather is not fun for everyone—especially if you have a thick fur coat all of your own! To make sure that your cat enjoys the hot weather as much as you do, here are four tips to help you make sure that your furry friend remains healthy and happy during the summer months.
Provide shelter
As the nights start to grow shorter and the temperature rises, outdoor cats spend an increasing amount of their time outside. Ensure that there are plenty of shaded areas for them to hide in and shelter from the sun. These could be boxes, large shrubs and bushes, or a pet cave. You could even wrap up an ice pack in their favorite blanket for them to sit on if it gets scorching. When you spot your tabby cat hiding in the bushes, you’ll definitely spot similarities with their larger tiger cousins!
Provide refreshment
Make sure that your cat has a lot of access to drinking water when outside. Place water bowls, made from a cool material such as ceramic, in strategic places around your garden. Add ice cubes to their water to help keep it cool for longer. As a lot of cats prefer to drink from running water, you could also consider installing a water feature. Though you’re unlikely to see your cat taking a refreshing dip in your pool, it’s actually a myth that cats hate water—they simply dislike the loss of control involved in getting soaking wet.
Make sure your cat is microchipped
With days becoming longer and hotter, many cats may spend more time outdoors or wander further from their home. They might decide to spend the entire night outside, finding a cool, shady spot to sleep in. To keep track of your cat, you must get them microchipped if you haven’t already done so. A microchip, provided by a veterinarian such as veterinarian Midlothian VA, enables you to track your cat’s movements and whereabouts, meaning that you are much more likely to be reunited with your beloved pet should they go missing.
Prevent sunburn
You might think that being covered in fur prevents a cat from getting sunburnt, but that is not the case. The exposed parts of a cat’s body, like around the nose and the tips of the ears, can get sunburnt when the sun is strong. Some types of cat are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, for instance, white cats and hairless breeds like the sphynx and the Donskoy. To help protect them from the sun, apply pet-safe sun screen with an SPF of 15 or 30 to the exposed parts of your cat’s body. You should also consider keeping your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day, ensuring that your home is cool and well-ventilated.
