We know that the saying is really “the dog days of summer,” but we’re talking about feline heat safety here. In Texas, summertime heat can last much longer than the dog days’ period of July and August, so keeping your furry friend safe and cool is critical for preventing heatstroke.

Your cat likely isn’t playing intense games of fetch outdoors, or heading out on long walks, but they are still at risk for overheating in the summer. Tiny kittens, geriatric felines, and cats who are overweight, thick-coated, have a flattened face, or have a heart, respiratory, or metabolic issue, are more susceptible to heatstroke.

To keep your feline friend cool and comfortable all summer long, follow our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s heat safety tips for cats.

#1: Encourage your cat to drink

Because your cat is descended from wild felines who roamed the desert, they do not feel the urge to drink much water, despite its availability for modern house cats. However, if your cat doesn’t drink enough in scorching weather, they can quickly become dehydrated, and severe dehydration can affect organ function.

While you can lead your cat to the water bowl, you can’t make them drink, but you can make quenching their thirst more appealing. Try the following to get your cat to drink:

  • Drinking fountain — If your cat leaps on the counter every time you wash dishes to lap water from the faucet, get them a drinking fountain. Cool, running water entices many cats to increase their water intake.
  • Chicken broth — A little bit of flavor in your cat’s water can encourage them to drink more, but stick to no-salt-added broth to avoid excess sodium.
  • More canned food — Canned food has a much higher moisture content than dry kibble, so offer your cat more canned food, or switch completely to canned food.
  • Clean water  — Cats can be picky about their water’s freshness. While dogs are often content lapping up drool-filled water, your cat wants clean, fresh water at all times, so swap out stale water for new several times per day.

#2: Keep your cat out of direct sunlight

Although your cat is unlikely to overheat as they sit in a sunny windowsill inside your air-conditioned home, relaxing in direct sunlight can increase their risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. Cats who are light-colored or who have thin fur are especially susceptible to this skin cancer. 

Squamous cell carcinoma tumors can vary greatly in appearance, ranging from a skin sore, to a raised lesion, to a cauliflower-like growth. Typically, these tumors will appear on facial areas with thin fur or light pigmentation, such as the eyelids, top edge of the nose, lips, and ears.

#3: Groom your cat appropriately for the summer

You may be tempted to shave your cat down to the skin to help them stay cool this summer, but shearing your cat like a sheep does more harm than good. A cat’s fur coat helps them stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, provided the coat is well-groomed. By brushing your cat regularly, regardless of their fur length, you remove dead fur and disperse healthy skin oils. This prevents matted fur, which can trap heat against your cat’s body, and helps improve skin health, which provides additional sun protection.

#4: Never leave your cat in a parked vehicle

Whether you are taking a trip to Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital for your cat’s appointment, or heading out on a road trip, never leave your cat alone in a parked car. Your cat receives minimal air flow inside their carrier, and they overheat more rapidly than if they were left unrestrained in the car. Avoid any potential overheating situation in a parked vehicle by always leaving your cat with someone in the car who can monitor their comfort and keep the air conditioning running.

#5: Monitor your cat closely for overheating

You can best protect your cat from the heat by knowing impending heatstroke signs, so you can take quick action to cool them down. Any of the following overheating signs indicate that your cat needs heatstroke first aid immediately:

  • Panting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Drooling
  • Increased heart and respiratory rates
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Collapse
  • Seizures

To cool your cat down quickly yet safely, wet down their fur with cool—not cold—water. Avoid wrapping them in a wet towel, which will trap heat. Turn a fan on high and place your cat in a shaded, air-conditioned environment. Monitor their temperature, and stop your cooling measures and head to your nearest veterinary hospital if their temperature reaches 103.5 degrees.

If your cat has suffered heatstroke, they need a comprehensive veterinary exam to ensure they are OK. Schedule an appointment with our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team to evaluate your cat’s organ function, and to determine if they need further cooling treatment or nursing care.