cat care > hot weather cat care

Take precautions to protect your cat this summer. When the temperature rises, cats that are old, sick, or have white fur need special attention.

• Do not take your cat along for car rides. It is dangerous to leave a cat in a car alone for any amount of time. Cats cannot sweat like people. Brain damage, heatstroke, and death can occur within a matter of minutes from the extreme heat that can quickly build up in a parked car.



• Make sure that your cat always has a supply of clean, fresh, cool water.



• Apply sunscreen to a white cat's nose and ears tips. White cats do not have enough color pigment to protect their skin and thus can easily develop skin cancer just like people.



• Talk with your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention. There are new treatments available that are safe and effective. Also, consult with your veterinarian if it is necessary to protect your cat from heart worms in your area.



• If you have a cookout, do not share your foods with your cat.

• heavy panting
• glazed over eyes
• rapid pulse
• unsteadiness or staggering
• vomiting
• a deep red or purple tongue

• If your cat becomes overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately



• Move your cat into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over his/her body to gradually lower the cat's temperature



• Apply ice packs or cold towels to your cat's head, neck, and chest only



• Let your cat drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes



• Take your cat to your veterinarian as soon as possible - It could save your cat's life