Ah, summer time… The sun is shining. There is not a cloud in the sky. And danger is probably the last thing on your mind, especially when it comes to your cat.
But warmer weather can introduce some unexpected dangers for our feline friends. The heat, the sun and even a change in routine can all affect your cat’s health and well-being. And it’s not just your outdoor cat you need to worry about. Summer hazards can also affect indoor cats.
To help you and your cat enjoy the sunny days ahead, here are six potential summer hazards to watch out for this summer, plus practical prevention tips to help you keep hot weather extremes at bay.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep our feline companions safe, cool and happy, no matter what the season brings.
How to Protect Your Cat From Most Summer Hazards
Nothing ruins fun in the sun like an unexpected pet injury, illness or emergency trip to the vet. So here is a list of six common summer dangers and how best to defend your cat against them.
heatstroke
Depending on where you live, warmer summer weather could spell bad news for your kitty. While cats are generally able to regulate their body temperature, extreme heat could overwhelm their natural cooling abilities and cause heatstroke.
Heatstroke in cats can occur when their body temperature rises above 104°F (40°C), usually as a result of exposure to excessive heat. It can lead to serious health complications if not treated immediately.
“Did you know that heat is a leading cause of death in cats during the summer?” warns a UK-based vet Dr Alex Crow, MRCVS. “It is important to recognize the signs, such as rapid breathing, panting and restlessness, and take action to cool them down.” Other signs to look out for include lethargy, drooling, a fast heartbeat and an unusually red tongue and mouth.
Although outdoor cats may be more likely to develop heatstroke in the summer, indoor cats are also at risk, especially in homes that tend to get too hot (above 90 degrees).
To prevent heatstroke in cats, always make sure your cat has a cool, shaded area they can retreat to – both indoors and out – to escape the heat. And when summer temperatures rise, it’s a good idea to limit outdoor cat activities to the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
If you detect symptoms of heat stroke in your cat, move them immediately to a cooler place, try to give them water to drink and contact your vet immediately.
Dehydration
When temperatures rise, cats can become dehydrated faster than you would expect. This is especially common in senior cats or those in poor health. Dehydration in cats can cause a variety of other health problems, from kidney problems to urinary tract infections.
To help prevent dehydration, it’s best to keep an eye on rising temperatures and provide plenty of opportunities for your cat to drink throughout the day. Consider placing multiple water bowls around the house or yard, using a cat water fountain, or switching to wet cat food to increase their daily water intake.
Monitor your cat water bowl nearby during hot weather. If you notice that they are not drinking as much as they should or detect signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry mouth, lethargy or weakness), contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. While very mild cases of feline dehydration can be treated at home, severe cases require immediate veterinary treatment.
Parasites
Summer is the high season for many dangerous parasites, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoesand worms. Not only are these pests annoying to pets and people, but they can also transmit diseases to your cat.
Remember that threat applies to both indoor and outdoor cats. While outdoor cats face a higher risk of encountering parasites, there are many ways these tiny intruders can find their way into your home.
In many cases, it only takes one pest bite to infect your cat, so effective, year-round parasite prevention is your best defense against this peak summer hazard.
Parasite prevention comes in a wide range of forms, from topical treatments, to collars, to oral medications. Talk to your vet about what preventative medicine offers the best defense for the parasites in your area. And to make sure you never miss a dose, join a free GreatPetCare account for medication reminders, easy access to your pet’s medical records, automatic shipping and more.
Toxic Plants and Chemicals
Do you have a green thumb? Summer may find you putting in your outdoor garden or nurturing your indoor plants. But be aware that what you grow (and how you grow it) could be a danger to your cat.
Common outdoor plants, such as lilies, azaleas and chrysanthemums can be poisonous if your cat ingests them. And most garden chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, are dangerous whether ingested or exposed to your cat’s skin.
To keep your cat safe, always check the plants in your home and garden toxicity and either make sure they are unlimited for your cat or exchange them for cat-friendly alternatives. Consider using safe fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Store hazardous garden chemicals behind locked doors. And keep your cat from rolling in newly “treated” areas…including your neighbors’ yards.
If, despite your best efforts, you suspect that your cat has been exposed to a toxic plant (or have doubts), contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure prompt, effective treatment. You can also call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for guidance. But be aware that both services charge a consultation fee.
Fireworks and Loud Noises
Summer parties are great. However, if they include fireworks or other loud noises, you may find yourself with a scaredy cat on your hands. Not only can these fearful stimuli cause stress and anxiety in cats, but they can also cause dangerous attempts to escape.
To keep your cat calm during noisy summer parties, try creating a safe, quiet space for them to retreat to in your home. You may also want to consider using soothing solutions such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps to help them stay calm. If you know your cat is prone to anxiety, ask your vet if your cat could benefit from prescription tranquilizers to relieve the stress caused by loud fireworks.
Sunburn
Don’t let the fur fool you. Just like humans, cats can also get sunburned. They are particularly at risk wherever their fur is sparse and their skin is exposed. And, just like people with lighter skin, skins with light-colored fur are extra vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays.
To protect your cat from painful sunburns and long-term health risks such as skin cancerit’s best to keep them inside when the sun’s UV rays are strongest — generally mid-morning to mid-afternoon, even on cloudy days. And if they’re going to be outside, apply pet-safe sunscreen to places where their skin is most exposed, like their ears, nose and belly.
If your cat is sunburned, don’t panic! Most mild sunburns can be treated at home with some expert guidance from your vet. Depending on how much discomfort your cat is in, your vet may recommend cold compresses, pain relievers, or anti-inflammatories to ease the pain and heal your cat’s burned skin. For more severe sunburns, however, or if the skin is broken or blistered, immediate veterinary care is best.
Summer is a wonderful time of year, but it’s important to be aware of the unique dangers it can bring to our feline friends. By remaining aware of these potential hazards, taking proactive steps to prevent them, and setting your free GreatPetCare accountyou’ll help your feline friend stay safe and enjoy all the best this sunny season has to offer.