Keeping Kitty Cool

Do you often find your cat sprawled out in a sunbeam? Our feline friends certainly do love sunbathing. However, summer can be tough on kitties. After all, Fluffy is wearing a fur coat, and doesn’t have many ways to cool herself off. Here, a Fort Collins, CO vet discusses keeping cats cool.

Cats are pretty good about grooming themselves, but that doesn’t mean your pet can’t use a helping hand now and then. Brushing your feline pal regularly will get that dead hair, dust, and dander out of her coat. This will help keep her cooler. (Bonus: this is also a great way to spend time with Fluffy, and make her feel pampered.)

Make sure that your feline buddy always has plenty of fresh, cool water. You may want to get your furball an automated waterer, or a pet fountain. Many kitties actually prefer to drink running water.

Offer your kitty some comfy napping spots in cool areas. Fluffy may like a shaded corner near the AC, for instance. Of course, if you let your furball roam, she probably won’t have trouble finding a cool napping spot. Cats are very, very good at getting comfortable!

Did you know that batting an ice cube around can help your kitty cool off? Fluffy’s paw pads—or ‘toe beans,’ as some people call them—help kitties regulate their temperature.

It’s really very easy to make Fluffy a hammock. Just get a table or end table with four legs, and a sturdy piece of material. Cut the fabric so that it’s smaller than the tabletop, and then just tie the corner to the legs. Presto!

The best way to keep your kitty cool in summer is to keep her indoors, in rooms with climate control. If you do let your furry buddy roam, limit her outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day.

Who says kitties can’t have a cool treat? Drop an ice cube into your cat’s bowl on sweltering days. Fluffy may also enjoy a cool bowl of sodium-free broth, or perhaps some cat milk, which you can get in pet stores. Some chilled, boneless tuna, fish, or chicken in water is also fine.

Please contact us, your Fort Collins, CO vet clinic, with any questions about your cat’s health or care. We are here to help!