Cats like to head outside on their own accord, but sweltering sunshine can cause problems for felines including dehydration and even sunburn.
There are precautions pet owners can take to help their four-legged friends through a heatwave, such as providing shady spaces indoors and outside your home, if your cat is one that likes to wander into the yard or garden. And make sure you check any sheds or greenhouses for napping cats before you lock them.
Some cats are more at risk of the sun's rays than others, especially those with white fur. You can get specific sun cream to help them.
Read more: Heat stroke warning and how to keep cool during July heatwave
With a heatwave on its way, including an extreme weather warning in the North East, take these steps to help your cat.
How to keep cats safe during a heatwave
Cats Protection and RSPCA are among the pet experts who have tips for how to look after cats during a heatwave, to prevent them from overheating or becoming dehydrated. As cats often love spending time lounging in the sun, there are precautions pet owners can take to prevent overexposure.
Cats Protection says: "Provide plenty of shade both inside and out. From sheltered plant pots to cardboard boxes, these items offer makeshift sunshades for outdoor-loving moggies.
"Think about planting shrubs or using cat hides and boxes in the garden. These help your cat hide away from the sun’s potentially harmful rays."
There is advice for keeping cats cool indoors too. "Place fans around the house to keep the air circulating, remembering not to point the fan directly at your cat," says Cats Protection.
You can also try freezing a bottle of water, wrapping it in a towel or pillow case and leaving it in a spot where your cat likes to hang out. "This stops them from feeling overheated during hotter spells," says Cats Protection's advice.
"Remember to ensure that your cat can get away from the bottle if they chose to, and make sure the bottle does not leak!"
The RSCPA offers further advice for keeping cats cool indoors. The charity says: "Where safe, keep windows and doors ajar to allow a breeze through the house. If your cat lives indoors full-time, consider different options such as windows with locking mechanisms, which allow air into the house while also keeping your cat indoors."
You should also be aware of any spaces that cats like to get in, such as sheds and greenhouses. If they are in one, make sure they have an easy route out and check before locking.
"Check sheds, greenhouses and summerhouses before closing them up. Cats can find their way into warm areas if they're looking for a cosy spot, but could get too hot or dehydrated if they get trapped," says the RSPCA
Do cats need suncream?
Cats with white or thin fur are especially at risk from sunburn, and even skin cancer. Cats Protection recommends keeping them indoors between 11am and 3pm, when the sun tends to be strongest and using sun cream. Don't use human sun cream, buy a variety designed for cats.
Cats Protection says: "When choosing a sunscreen for your cat, use one specifically for pets and, if in doubt, speak to your vet for a recommendation. When applying, focus on your cat’s nose, tips of the ears, belly and groin areas as well as anywhere that has thin to no fur."
The RSCPA adds: "Use pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your cat's skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose. This is especially important if your cat has white or light-coloured fur, as they can be very vulnerable to getting burnt. Speak to your vet if you're unsure which product it's best to use."
How can I tell if my cat is dehydrated?
As with humans, cats are more likely to get dehydrated in the summer. Hydration helps animals keep a normal body temperature and proper circulation.
Cats Protection has these tips for checking if a cat is dehydrated:
- Assess your cat’s gums. If your cat’s gums are sticky or tacky, this may be the first sign of dehydration.
- Test skin elasticity. In a well-hydrated cat, the skin should snap back into place immediately. If it doesn’t, it could well be dehydrated.
- Check your cat’s eyes. Severely sunken eyes that appear dry can indicate significant dehydration.
- Feel your cat’s paws. If the paws feel cool or cold, this could be a sign of dehydration.
- If dehydration is suspected, please seek veterinary advice.
How to keep a cat hydrated by helping them to drink water
Drinking water is key, but cats can be picky, so sometimes need some encouragement. Below are Cats Protection's tips:
- Avoid plastic bowls. In the heat, these can taint the taste of the water. Use glass, ceramic or metal instead.
- Place water bowls away from food bowls. Cats don’t like to drink in the same place that they eat.
- Make sure the water bowl is large, with a big surface area too.
- Keep the water topped up so your cat doesn’t have to put their head into the bowl, and to make sure your cat isn’t left without any water at all.
- Many cats prefer running water, so try offering a cat fountain.
- Putting water bowls in different places around the house will help cats always find somewhere to drink.
- If your feed your cat tinned food, small amounts of water can be mixed into the food, which will increase fluid intake.
And don't ever leave your cat in a hot car
It's well-known advice that is worth repeating. Do not leave your pets trapped in your car, especially when the sun is shining, as they can overheat and die.
The RSCPA says: "Never leave animals in hot cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans, even if it's just for a short while. Temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be fatal."
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