Hot Weather Precautions for Cats

IF YOU ARE TRAPPING CATS FOR A CLINIC…

* Do not leave traps unattended while trapping cats.
* Move trapped cats to a cool location as soon as possible.
* Cover the traps with a light cotton sheet only.

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Prevention is best!

  • Cats can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Outdoor cats should have access to additional water bowls. Consider adding ice cubes to keep the water cooler.

  • Whether outdoor cats or cats in a catio, make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun. Plants and patio covers can do the trick as long as there is plenty of air flow.

  • Pavement burns! When walking cats on a leash, be sure they can step on grass or dirt.

  • Be careful not to over-exercise pets.

  • If possible, keep cats indoors when it’s extremely hot.

  • When leaving windows and doors open in cooler weather, be sure indoor pets can’t escape out.

Know the symptoms of overheating

  • Anxiousness

  • Excessive panting

  • Restlessness

  • Excessive drooling

  • Unsteadiness

  • Abnormal gum and tongue color

  • Collapse

Some should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible

  • Animals with flat faces, like Persian cats (they are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively)

  • Senior cats

  • Overweight cats

  • Cats with heart or lung diseases