Hey guys,
So, it's definitely summer in Toronto. It's so hot here it's unbelievable. Henry seems to be taking it alright, but I am just a little worried that it's too hot for him.
Right now he's sleeping normally, but every so often he'll walk around with his mouth open. He's not outwardly panting, which I know is not okay for cats, but it's still kind of weird.
He's got lots of cool water, just wanted to see if you guys had any tips on cats during the warm weather months.
Hi skirty. I got an excellent tip from a vet nurse friend when Pickle had a bug and a temperature during the summer two years ago (which was actually quite hot too by UK standards!!) - 3/4 fill a plastic bottle with water, do it up tightly and freeze it overnight. The wrap it in a towl (can't be too careful!) and out it somewhere the cat likes sleeping - kind of a reverse hot water bottle! Lasts well into the day, and works really well.
Posted 3 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
skirty...you might also try what I do. I take & wet a washcloth with cool water & wipe them all down with it. Some of my cats love to sit in front of the fan afterwards just like us humans. I also wet down the outdoor only cats(at least the ones that let me near them). They love it.
You might wipe down the paw pads with a damp washcloth, or simply dip each paw into a cup of water. Make sure lots of water is available to drink; you might even make a treat of an ice cube or two in the water. Some cats like to play with them. Or another treat would be tuna water, diluted 50% with tap water (just to make sure they're drinking enough to prevent dehydration).
Stay in the shade and breeze!
Posted 3 years ago by anncetera2 #
I don't have to ask what the first message said, Cheri--got the idea!!
Posted 3 years ago by MaxandCali'sMom #
lol yum, kittyfood soup (gags)
That is a really good idea though, so far he's been drinking as normal, he likes the ice cubes.
PS: how do you keep kitty litter from getting in your beds?! Henry sleeps with us and I have to change the sheets every 2 or 3 days because there always ends up being tiny pieces of litter everywhere!!
Hmmm, my boys both do the open mouth panting thing. They do it when they're chasing eachother and playing, but they definitely DO pant. Does Henry pant after playing and physical activity or just in general?
My place gets very hot as well. I make sure to leave the boys plenty of water and both the ceiling fan and a free-standing fan on for them. I also leave open the door to the bathroom as they like to cool down by laying in cool bottom of the bathtub.
Oh, he only pants when it's really hot or when he's really super exerting himself. It was really hot today and I noticed a BIG difference in him, he was doing much much better after I wet him down with the washcloth a few times.
He also has started to jump in the shower with me when I'm taking a cool shower, so I'm sure that's helped keep him cool as well :)
Thanks so much Tigger!! Lots of good tips in here. I am already using a wet towel to give Lucy Belle a once over so that really helps. I have the AC and the fan at full blast.
Posted 3 years ago by tuttibella #
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