Unlike dogs, most house cats only stay indoors.
You may think they are free from heat, but they are no exception.
Besides, cats tend to hide themselves when they are hurt or sick and if your cat does it on a hot day, she may get overheated.
5 Signs Your Cat is Overheated
No 1. Panting
Your cat may pant when she is scared, stressed,
overheated, or exhausted from exercising.
If you found her panting on a hot day when she hasn't exercised or excited,
cool her down by lowering the room temperature.
No 2. Changes in Paw Color
After playtime, her paw pads may become darker and sweaty.
However, if the color remains dark and pads are still warm after a while, she may be overheated.
No 3. Hiding
Your cat may hide herself when she is hurt or sick.
It’s because of self-protection by instinct.
If she is less energetic and hides in a corner when it’s hot,
check her health condition thoroughly.
No 4. Loss of Appetite
Cats lose their appetite when it's too hot just like us.
If your cat doesn’t finish her food, she may become heat stressed.
Ongoing loss of appetite leads to dehydration, malnutrition, and reduced immunity.
So, if you notice a change in her eating habit, go see a vet.
No 5. Vomiting and Diarrhea
If your kitty vomits and diarrheas in the hot summer, she may suffer from heat stroke. Then, take her to a vet immediately.
Common symptoms of heat stroke include open-mouth breathing, increased heart rate, hypersalivation, weakness, lethargy, and dizziness.
Cats can go into shock or a coma in severe cases.
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, you should cool her down.
First, wet a washcloth with lukewarm water and wipe her body.
Then, turn on the fan or air conditioner to cool off.
Even if she seems to be getting better, there is a risk of dehydration or complications.
So, go see a vet right away.
How To Keep Your Cat Cool In The Summer
No 1. Maintaining the Ideal Room Temperature
The ideal room temperature in the summer is about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the weather forecast.
Then, set the AC timer to start at the hottest time of the day, such as 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
No 2. Cooling Pads and Freezing Water Bottles
Cats tend to look for cool places and lie down.
Freeze a plastic bottle with water and cover it with a towel, and place it in the shade. Or prepare a cooling pad for cats.
No 3. Brushing
Fur protects cats’ skin.
They can get sunburned without fur.
So, instead of shaving it completely, brush your cat often just to remove dead hair.
No 4. Hydration
Clean the water bowls at least twice a day.
Place those in several places.
On hot days, water easily goes bad because of saliva or crumbs.
Let your kitty drink a lot of fresh water.
Also, wet foods and fruits such as watermelons and melons are good for hydration.