Summer can be hot and sticky for everyone, including our kitties. Every cat needs the usual fresh water and shade but did you know that if your cat is on the mature side, or suffers from kidney problems, you need to take extra special care of them in summer?
Here are some tips to prevent possibly deadly heatstroke in your cat, as prevention is ALWAYS better than cure.
- Make sure your cat has easy access to fresh, clean water and shade.
- Try to stick to fans, instead of air conditioners, as they can actually remove more moisture from the air and in turn add to dehydration.
- In a heat wave, you can gently wet your cat’s legs in cool water (even with a damp cloth is fine), as that will encourage them to lick the water off and, therefore, slowly hydrate them.
- Try a hydrating treat. Freeze some fish, chicken or kangaroo meat in water in an ice tray or, better still, freeze it with chicken stock or tuna juice (make sure it’s unsalted). Your kitty will love it! Plus, it will keep them hydrated and occupied
- If you have a long-haired cat, October and November is the time to get them clipped and washed, ready for the heat of summer. Clipping really helps keep their core temperature down in the sizzling heat, not to mention helps keep their tummy happy — no more hairballs.
If you do have a mature cat (eight years and older), book in with Dr Kim or your local vet before the burn of summer kicks in to get a urine test to check your cat’s kidney function. Kidney problems in older cats can be dangerous around summer and it’s better to be informed, prepared and calm, than unsuspecting, questioning and anxious.
For more great feline health and grooming advice, visit thecatpalace.com.au.
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