Keeping Kitty Cool

Florida summers aren’t exactly known for being balmy. ‘Scorching’ is usually a better description. The heat can be particularly problematic for our feline pals. After all, Fluffy is wearing a fur coat! To make things worse, cats can’t cool themselves off by sweating, the way we can. A local Jacksonville, FL vet offers a few tips on helping your furry friend beat the heat below.

Did you know that brushing your cat can actually help keep her cooler? Removing all that dead fur and dandruff from Fluffy’s coat will increase the insulating abilities of her fur.

Make sure that Fluffy always has fresh, clean water. You may want to get your feline friend a kitty fountain. On hot days, you can drop a few ice cubes into her bowl to cool it down. Fluffy may also enjoy some chilled sodium-free broth.

Your furry pal will spend a good deal of the summer napping, likely in sprawled-out positions. Offer your cat a few comfy beds. You may want to point a fan at or near your furball’s bed. You can also add a frozen towel or a cooling pack. For extra purrs, make your furball her own kitty hammock. Just attach a piece of sturdy fabric to the legs of a table, using twine or Velcro. Then, tell Fluffy to stay off it. She’ll hop right in!

Does your kitty like to bat ice cubes around? Put one on the floor for Fluffy to play with! Since cats’ paw pads help them regulate this temperature, this is actually a fun way for her to cool off. (Plus, it’s cute to watch.)

We always recommend that cats stay indoors. This goes double in summer, when soaring temperatures and summer rains present serious risks to kitties. If you do let your furry buddy go out, limit her outdoor time to mornings or evenings, or after it’s rained.

Our feline buddies are very, very good at getting comfortable. You don’t have to urge Fluffy to find herself a cool napping spot on sweltering days. She’ll do that herself! Just keep an eye on her, and make sure she doesn’t accidentally get locked into a shed or garage.

Please reach out to us, your local Jacksonville, FL vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!