Summertime Safety Tips for Cats

Like most animals, cats love the summer. How often do we find our cats sprawled out in their favorite sun beam on our living room floor? Does this picture look familiar?

 

No harm with a cat basking in the sun within the comfort of an air conditioned home, but please be aware, cats are just as susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration as any other pet. They should never be left in a hot car or carrier, or be out and about in the middle of an oppressive day. Click Here to see my previous entry for dogs as the rules of thumb are pretty much the same.
 

We all enjoy the fresh air and cats are no different. They can spend hours soaking up the sun and breeze in front of an open window. As far as house pets go, cats are certainly one of the most durable. Most healthy cats can leap from a second floor window without any concern. For cats that call the third floor of an apartment home, that same fearless leap out a window can become dangerous and even deadly. Always make sure the screens are securely fastened and there are no holes or tears, as cats can squeeze themselves through most holes wide enough for them to get their head through.  
  

For those cat owners who really enjoy spending time with their cats outdoors, including taking them for walks, there are a few safety concerns to think about before heading out. Cats are very strong and nimble and can easily slip a traditional collar. Invest in a sturdy harness that not only is comfortable for your cat, but also durable and secure enough to help prevent unwanted escape. If your cat goes out on their own, make sure to use a break-away collar which will help prevent them from getting caught or hung up in a fence or tree. A simple microchip, which I will discuss in more detail later, can be used to help identify your cat if they lose their tags. Cats paws are extremely sensitive, so try and limit your walks to the early morning or late evening hours. If you do venture out with your cat on a bright, sunny day, keep in mind that cats sunburn easily. Make sure you have a pet safe sunscreen such as Epi-Pet Anti-UV 30 SPF or some other ‘pet safe’ sunscreen. Apply a small amount to the tips of the ears and nose before heading out in the sun. Please be careful not to get any sunscreen down in the ear canal, or up into the nasal cavity. If this happens, do not worry, simply use luke-warm water to gentle flush the area and then re-apply the sunscreen.

When leaving your cat at home on very hot days, never confine them to one room that may get too hot for them during the day. Make sure they have access to several areas to cool down if they start to overheat, like rooms with tile or linoleum flooring such as the kitchen or bathroom. Always provide several fresh water bowls scattered throughout the house so they can easily get a quick drink if they begin to dehydrate. Extra care should be taken with senior and obese cats during the summer as they are less tolerant of the heat, as well as long-haired and brachycephalic breeds such as Persians and Himalayans. These are just a few quick tips to help keep your cat safe during the summer. Please feel free to comment if you would like more information on a specific topic that is important to you.