Keeping Kitty Healthy in the Heat

Spring has sprung! As a cat lover this means it's time to get educated and prepared for warmer weather! According to the Humane Society, the safest place for a cat in any season is indoors. But, no matter where your favorite fur person spends his/her time you need to know how to keep them COOL in the Heat. I have included my top 12 ways to keep kitty healthy in the heat.

#1) Both the Humane Society and the ASPCA recommend a check up by your vet in spring or early summer to check for over all health. This is a purr.fect time to check for heart-worms, and to discuss what warm weather can do to your furry friend. Some things you may want to ask your vet may include: How to check your cats body temp, the warning signs that something is wrong, and what the vet recommends for treatment of everything from insects to dry skin. Speaking from personal experience pet owners rarely ask the vet enough questions. And while I know a lot about pets, ( I worked as an animal caretaker for 2 years), not every pet reacts to over the counter treatments the same way.

#2) Time for a trim! Let's be honest, in hard economic times a trip to the groomer may seem a little indulgent. However; for felines of the long haired variety, it's a must! Think about it for a second. When you get hot, you change your clothes, remove your coat, or even get a hair cut. Mr. and Mrs. Kitty don't have that option. Even if you have a short haired cat, (like me), you should at very least give them a good brushing once a week to get rid of the shedding winter fur.

#3) Do you travel with Kitty? If hitting the highways with your four-legged friend please keep two things in mind. NEVER leave your pet alone in a vehicle! Even with the windows down it's a deadly gamble. And, ALWAYS keep a supply of cold water for them to drink. Travel safety with pets is the same in any season, but in the warmer weather it warrants special attention.

#4) Leaving town without your furry friend? It's never wise to leave a cat, or any pet, home alone. Like a child pets tend to get into trouble when no one is around. If you are planning to be gone for a while and kitty can't come with you there are two things to consider. Think about a kitty-sitter. Yes, I said kitty sitter. A friend or family member that the animal is accustom to may be the perfect solution. Once or twice a day the "sitter" can stop by and feed, water, pet, groom, change the litter box and play with your cat. The other option is a professional kennel. Most people hear the word kennel and think "dog", but truth is a lot of kennels accept cats! And it provides a safe and supervised atmosphere for your cat to be tended too. If this sounds like an option for you be sure to check with your vet for referrals, and be sure to check out the kennel before you check in.

#5) Outside play? OK! It is OK to let them play outside! There are people that may disagree with me, but as long as you follow a few guidelines I don't see a problem with letting your cat outside from time to time. First things first get kitty a collar! Just in case he/she wanders to far, you want to keep them safe. DO NOT let them out right after eating. In the heat full stomach plus heat and humidity equals trouble! And, monitor what times you let them out. The best times to let your cats play outside are early morning, and late evening. Try to keep them inside during the heat of the day, or all together if it's very humid.

#6) Got an OUTSIDE ONLY pet? While it isn't recommended, there are cat owners that can't, or in some cases won't, allow their cats indoors. My personal feelings on this matter aside, if you must keep an outside only pet of any kind please be warm weather ready. Have plenty of shade available. A shed, dog/cat house, or other shelter available would be ideal. And make sure they have plenty of access to water. Buckets, saucers, ever a small kids pool if you have the space, to give them plenty of ways to drink, bathe, and cool themselves.

#7) Let's talk pest control! Fleas, ticks, biting flies, they are called pests for a reason. Your cat is always in danger of infestation. While I try to remain open to all forms of pest control options, there are somethings you should know. First ask your vet which method they would suggest. If they give you several options, and most will, then do some research! DO NOT just assume that any over the counter solution will do. Animals, like people can have serious reactions to medications. Also remember, as much as true pet lovers hate to admit it, cats are not people! NEVER use "human" insect repellent on your pets! Make sure the treatment you are using is labeled "for use on animals" or "for use on cats/dogs". Misuse of certain repellents can cause serious illness or death. And use of products containing DEET, can cause neurological damage, says the ASPCA.

#8) Sunburn, not just for humans! Yes, cats can get sunburned. There are a few animal approved sunscreens out there. If your cat is going to be outside, full or part time, you may want to ask your vet which sunscreens to use and exactly how and where to apply them. DO NOT use "human" sunscreen of any kind on your pet! As with insect repellent, products not labeled for use on pets can be fatal if ingested. And if you have pets you know, they will lick anything!

#9) Does inside cat mean higher energy costs? No. Just because your pet is inside doesn't mean you leave your air conditioning on full blast and your lights on in every room. Keep your thermostat set at a comfortable level. Most people keep it in a mid 70's range. Or if leaving the A/C on isn't your thing open a screened window, or a screened storm door. Use a fan to circulate the air. PLEASE check that the screens are properly installed and down! Cats may be rumored to land on their feet, but too large a fall is dangerous, no matter where they land.

#10) Warning Heatstroke! Overheating and heatstroke are problems people tend to forget apply to their pets. As humans, we have heard the warnings about heatstroke. We know, or should know, the ways to prevent it in ourselves. But do you know the things it can do to your precious pet? Cats can't change their clothes. They don't sweat, or have the know how to go inside when it's too hot. Warning signs are there, as cat lovers we need to see them! Heatstroke usually occurs after a cats body reaches 104-110 (F) degrees. This is why I recommend asking your vet questions like, "How do I check my cats temperature?" If you notice excessive panting, staggering, stupor, bloody vomit, or diarrhea, contact your vet immediately. Left untreated heatstroke can cause dehydration, seizures, coma or even death.

#11) Dehydration! On a warm day nothing cools you down like a cold drink. Are you thirsty? Go get your favorite beverage, but while you're up make sure to check your cat's food and water. Have they been eating, drinking and using the litter box regularly? Illness, heatstroke, increased urination, dehydration can be caused by these or any number of simpler causes. Keep an eye open for the warning signs like sunken eyes, dry mouth, poor skin elasticity, increased heart rate, and constipation. If you aren't sure if your cat is dehydrated or don't know how to check ask you vet for help!

The very last, but possibly the most important thing for warm weather cat health.

#12) Give your cat the ultimate warm weather gift. Your ATTENTION! Keeping kitty happy is the best way to keep him/her healthy in the heat. By paying attention to your fur friends through playing, petting, and grooming you can easily notice the changes in behavior that may signal a problem. Not to mention it's the best part of having a pet!

For more information on the 12 points I have covered here, or any other questions you have about pet health, please feel free to check any or all of the following sources. Check out: ASPCA.org for the ASPCA, HSUS.org for the Humane Society, About.com Veterinary Medicine, or call your own veterinary professional.