Cats love to sunbathe, whether it’s somewhere nice and warm on the porch, in a cat condo or by a patio. window sill. but sunbathing can become a dangerous situation if the temperature gets too high. Even if you keep your cat inside all the time, there is a chance that the house or a certain room may become too hot for your cat. pets through open media spoke with dr. Jennifer Conrad, veterinarian and founder of the paw project, to find out just how hot is too much for cats, plus tips for keeping them cool when temperatures rise.
As a general rule of thumb, Conrad says “it’s too hot for cats if it’s too hot for you or your kid.” Of course, some people have a higher tolerance for heat than others. and certain cat breeds are more sensitive to heat than others. To be safe, the American Animal Hospital Association says that any temperature above 80 degrees is too hot for your feline friend.
how to keep cats cool and safe
One of the most obvious ways to keep cats cool is to keep them indoors when you can control the temperature. The inside is also ideal because, as Conrad points out, it helps cats regulate their body temperatures. But if your air conditioning breaks, your house heats up, or you have an outdoor cat, you may need other cooling options.
“Providing cool surfaces like sinks, tubs, floors, and air conditioning ducts will allow them to choose where they feel most comfortable,” says conrad. Plus, he says to “always provide fresh, clean, fresh water in places that are easily accessible to cats.” If your cat tolerates it, consider adding ice cubes to her water dish to cool off. You can also pat your cat’s paws, head and back with water to help prevent overheating.
If you’re not home when the house heats up, try not to panic. most cats will instinctively find a place to cool off inside your home, such as a shady area or a dark room, until you get home.
Also, never leave your cat in a car. The temperature rises quickly inside a car and can become unbearable, or even deadly, in a matter of minutes.
signs of heat stroke in cats
Related: Cat water fountains can save your feline friend from expensive vet bills
Your cat can get heat stroke if it gets too hot. although temperature plays a role in this, some cats are more prone to heat stroke than others. Persian cats, for example, are more prone to heat stroke because they don’t regulate temperature as effectively as other breeds. long-haired cats, such as maine coons, also have a hard time as their fur traps heat. during the warmer months, you’ll want to watch for signs of heat stroke in cats, including:
- lethargy
- sweaty paws
- difficulty breathing
- excessive panting or drooling
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- lack of coordination or stumbling
- red around the tongue and mouth
If your cat is panting or vomiting, take her inside for cool, not cold, water. you can also cover them with towels soaked in warm water. be sure to cool your cat down gradually (ie, no ice baths), as drastic changes in temperature can cause dangerous swings in blood pressure. If your pet’s condition does not improve within 10 minutes, see your vet or emergency vet immediately.
How do you keep your cats cool? tell us on our open pets facebook page.
read more: 5 reasons why your cat doesn’t drink water from its bowl
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