Summer is the best time of the year for cat owners as you can spend plenty of time outdoors with the pet. You can enjoy the weather together, and let her explore the places around without worrying about rain and snow. The freedom makes the animal happy and does wonders for its health. At the same time, you need to protect your feline companion from heat because it can get hard to bear when temperatures rise unprecedentedly.
Additionally, you need to keep an eye on summer-related health issues so that the pet stays safe and comfortable throughout the season. You need not do a lot, but a little goes a long way when it comes to feline health. Here is a summer care guide that can help cat owners keep their pets happy and healthy.
Ensure adequate shade and outdoors
Even as your cat deserves to spend time outdoors at this time of the year, you need to make sure it gets a safe environment. The best way to do it is by providing adequate shade and shelter outdoors. If you are lucky enough to have a lush green garden with shady spots, it wouldn’t be a big deal. The cat will find her way to these areas and spend most of the outdoor time there. Alternatively, you can create shady spots outdoors by putting up shelters or even installing garden and patio umbrellas for the season. It wouldn’t cost a lot, and your pet will get a chance to stay outdoors without fearing the harsh heat of the sun.
Use sunscreen
Surprisingly, sunscreen isn’t only for you, but it can keep your pet cat safe from the harmful UV rays of the sun. If the feline has lighter-colored fur, the risk of sunburn runs higher. Thankfully, rely on sunscreen with her to manage the risk. Make sure it is Titanium Dioxide-based and does not contain Zinc Oxide. You can get a vet’s advice to be extra sure about the product. Apply generously on the exposed areas. Dab a little extra on parts like the tips of the ears and end of the nose because they are more vulnerable. Avoid exposure to direct sun during peak hours and take the pet outdoors during early morning and late evening on sunny days.
Set optimal temperature indoors
Apart from keeping the cat sun-safe, it is vital to ensure comfort indoors as well. Like humans, animals can feel the heat indoors, and temperature control keeps them happy. Set an optimal temperature and keep the air conditioner running even when you aren’t home. If you are worried about energy bills, invest in a smart thermostat. Installing a fan over the cat’s sleeping area is a good idea to keep it cool on the hottest days. Keep the house well-ventilated to maintain the temperature of your living space and provide fresh air for your family and pets.
Keep an eye on health issues
Feline health issues can aggravate during the hot weather, making the animal uncomfortable and anxious. It is vital to keep an eye on the existing health issues and watch out for new signs and symptoms. Early intervention can save your pet from a lot of trouble, so stay in regular touch with your vet. Consider trying alternative therapies to keep her comfortable during the long summer season. For example, you can try cbd for cat pancreatitis to address the symptoms of pancreatitis naturally. You will notice a difference within days and probably continue treatment for the long haul. Discuss the option with your vet to get a recommendation for dosage and timings.
Know the signs of heatstroke
A summer health issue that deserves the extra attention of cat owners is heatstroke. It can hit your pet at any point, no matter how well you look after it. Just an hour in the sun can do enough damage and make her sick. You must know the warning signs so that you can get help right away. Watch out for symptoms staggering, panting, restlessness, and or vomiting. If the cat has heatstroke, its gums can become dark red in color. If any of these signs appear, take your cat to the vet right away. Timely action can be life-saving because heatstroke can be fatal if ignored.
Check for fleas
Although fleas are regarded as a dog’s problem, they can attack felines too. While you can expect to see them throughout the year, the issue gets a tad more problematic during the summer months. Fleas can take a toll on your pet’s health and comfort, leaving her itchy and lethargic. Being vigilant is the best way to protect your cat because it ensures early detection and timely resolution to this common yet troublesome issue. Get a vet’s advice for a good quality flea control product to help your pet. Also, treating the environment is a good idea as it can help you prevent fleas in the first place.
Go the extra mile with hydration
When temperatures soar, hydration becomes crucial for humans and animals alike. You must go the extra mile to ensure that your kitty has access to adequate fresh and clean drinking water. Installing automatic drinking fountains is a smart way to get your cat to drink more water. You will not even have to worry about filling her bowl during the day or making arrangements if you aren’t at home throughout the day. Treat her with an ice cube in the bowl when the weather gets too hot. Give the kitty a shower or two every day to make her feel extra cool and hydrated.
The health and safety of your pet are your responsibility as an owner. While you must stay a step ahead with cat care throughout the year, summer is the time when you need to practice extra caution. The chances of getting sick are more, and a little vigilance and timely action can save you and your pet from big trouble. Now that you have this guide, keeping your cat safe and comfortable will be easy.