Keep your cat cool and safe throughout the summer months with Your Cat Magazine's top tips!
- Your cat may not want to eat as much in hot weather but if he seems persistently off his food, speak to your vet
- Don't leave your pet in a parked car, conservatory, greenhouse or caravan on hot days as this can easily lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal
- Keep your cat well groomed, especially if he has long or thick fur.
- Always make sure your cat has access to fresh, cool water - indoors and out.
- Provide your cat with shady spots outside - this could be achieved with clever planting! Read our advice on creating a cat-friendly garden.
- Ensure all the flowers and plants in your garden are cat-friendly - many, including lilies, are toxic to cats if nibbled.
- Sadly, air gun attacks on cats increase in the summer. If you see a wound that is 5mm across with a reddened edge, take your cat to the vet immediately
- Cats with white or pale fur should have a cat-friendly sunscreen (or one suitable for babies) applied to their noses and ear tips to prevent skin cancer.
- The temperature in our homes can become quite uncomfortable on a hot day, so you may want to open a window for an indoor cat. To prevent escape, purchase an escape-proof window screen, or have an electric fan on when you're at home. If your cat does escape, having your cat microchipped will help to reunite you both.
- Bee and wasp stings are common in cats, but stings in the mouth and throat that interfere with breathing can be serious - seek advice from your vet if you think this may be the case. Otherwise, wasp stings can be treated at home with a weak solution of vinegar or bicarbonate of soda for bee stings (after removing the sting with tweezers).
- Wet cat food can be a breeding ground for flies in the summer - remove any uneaten food and clean bowls thoroughly.
- Many slug pellets, weed killers, lawn fertilisers and ant powders are harmful to cats - check labels carefully to see if they're safe to use with pets around.
- If you'd like your cat to enjoy the summer months outdoors but you're worried about his safety, try cat-proofing your garden to prevent escape.
- If you're going on holiday this summer, ensure you have pre-booked a suitable cattery well in advance (and make sure your cat's vaccinations are up-to-date before his stay).
- Curious cats just won't be able to resist open sheds or garages, so make sure you check these for wandering felines before you close up.
- Remember to pack away tools and lawnmowers so little paws don't stand on anything sharp or play with the cables!
- Make sure barbecues and coals have completely cooled before leaving them unattended.
Content continues after advertisements