Overview:

With summer fast approaching, now is a good time to look at some summertime tips which will help make life just that little bit more comfortable & safer for our feline family members.

Heat stroke & dehydration are real dangers, especially in summer.

Safety:

Do not leave your cat inside the car at any time, but especially in the summer months. Even with the window open it only takes a matter of minutes for the inside temperature to soar, which can easily result in the death of your cat.

On especially hot days bring your cat inside.

If you live in a high rise apartment, make sure that you have appropriate screens on windows if you leave them open to bring in some air.

Don't keep your cat confined to an especially hot room, such as a sun room. Give them access to cooler rooms. Areas with tiled floors are a good idea, as they are generally cooler.

If you take your cat for regular walks, make sure you do so during the cooler hours in the summer months.

Keeping Your Cat Cool:

• Fill a hot water bottle with cold tap water for your cat to lie on.
• Put some ice cubes in their water bowl.
• Cool down towels in the freezer and then place in your cat's bed to lie on.
• Fill up bottles of water & place in the freezer. Once frozen, wrap in towels for your cat to lie next to.
• On especially hot days, use ceiling fans or air conditioning to keep the house cool.

Water:

Make sure that your cat has a constant supply of fresh drinking water. You should try to have several bowls scattered around the house.

Sun Protection:

As stated above, on hot days keep your cat indoors. If your cat does go outside & is fair skinned, apply sunscreen to it's nose & ears to avoid sunburn.

Always provide your cat with adequate shelter from the sun outdoors.

Fleas:

Fleas are a problem throughout the year but they are especially bad during the summer months.  Ensure you use a good quality flea control product on your cat & don't forget to treat the environment too! Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the best products to use.

Ticks:

Ticks are also a problem, especially in the summer months, and can result in death. It is important to ensure that you thoroughly check your cat for ticks.

Elderly & Obese Cats:

Senior & overweight cats are far less tolerant of the heat, therefore it is even more important to ensure they are kept cool.

Bushfires:

Summertime brings along the increased danger of bushfires. Find out how to prepare for an evacuation here...