It is May 29th, and for those of you that dont believe in climate change, ITS AWFULLY HOT in NC. Kids are still in school, but of course they have A.C. in our county schools now. We had huge fans in each classroom. I can't say they helped alot but then again hot weather meant we lived at the pool, or the campground. WE didn't have A.C. at school in the 60s and 70s, but then again we got out of school before June. I always said I Loved hot weather, but that was before I turned 30. And before our world got so polluted, and HOT. Before you stop reading climate change deniers this post isn't about climate change . Its about our animals and their inability to change the weather. Or their failure to have the instinctual knowledge to get out of the sun.
This year I have 3 long haired cats that mainly live outside, and 7 others who are short haired but black or white. If you know me, you know I'm an animal lover. I love all animals. I love my dogs and cats and of course all the other animals in this world, and feel compelled to take care of them. Their is nothing I hate more than people who willingly hurt animals. But its just been in the last few years that I have worried as much about them in the summer as I do the winter. Or maybe I have worried MORE. I mean I have always considered that animals are freezing their behinds off when its 10 degrees. Therefore I've always tried to take extra care in the frosty months. But after living the last couple of summers with a broken down central air conditioner,I am concerned about my cats health in the hot months. My 2 dogs (a pit bull mix, and a white lab) live inside and I dont leave them outside when its so hot. They have a nice fenced in acre that they would play in all day if I didn't know it might kill the dummies. They go out to potty when its this hot and then come right back in. Not because they want to but because I said so! No really, I have been trying to find a good way to care for my cats without sentencing them to cruel and unusual punishment. So I have been online looking up ways to tell if a cats too hot, grooming said cats, and trying to make sure thy're safe while remaining happy. I have found a few things that I think may be worth sharing.
Hyperthermia means a high temperature and occurs when cats are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a normal level. This can occur when they are exposed to high environmental temperatures, for example in a car.
Although this generally only occurs on really hot days, it’s worth being aware of.
Some common signs
Also if you can do it check her rectal temperature. Anything over 103 is serious, GET TO A VET.
105 and over is life threatening and organs may begin to shut down.
After reading these articles I noticed all my outdoor cats were congregating on the carport, stretched out and the skin on their stomach felt hot to the touch!
Ways to keep them from getting so hot. in the first place...When the temperature becomes extreme, here are some steps you can take to keep your cat safe and comfortable in the heat.
This year I have 3 long haired cats that mainly live outside, and 7 others who are short haired but black or white. If you know me, you know I'm an animal lover. I love all animals. I love my dogs and cats and of course all the other animals in this world, and feel compelled to take care of them. Their is nothing I hate more than people who willingly hurt animals. But its just been in the last few years that I have worried as much about them in the summer as I do the winter. Or maybe I have worried MORE. I mean I have always considered that animals are freezing their behinds off when its 10 degrees. Therefore I've always tried to take extra care in the frosty months. But after living the last couple of summers with a broken down central air conditioner,I am concerned about my cats health in the hot months. My 2 dogs (a pit bull mix, and a white lab) live inside and I dont leave them outside when its so hot. They have a nice fenced in acre that they would play in all day if I didn't know it might kill the dummies. They go out to potty when its this hot and then come right back in. Not because they want to but because I said so! No really, I have been trying to find a good way to care for my cats without sentencing them to cruel and unusual punishment. So I have been online looking up ways to tell if a cats too hot, grooming said cats, and trying to make sure thy're safe while remaining happy. I have found a few things that I think may be worth sharing.
Hyperthermia means a high temperature and occurs when cats are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a normal level. This can occur when they are exposed to high environmental temperatures, for example in a car.
Although this generally only occurs on really hot days, it’s worth being aware of.
Some common signs
- Stretching out on cool surfaces, like cement carports
- Skin feeling hot to touch
- Drooling, salivating
- Agitation, restlessness
- Very red , purple , or pale gums
- Bright red tongue
- Increased heart rate
- Breathing distressed or rapidly
- Vomiting ,Diarrhea (possibly with blood)
- Sweaty feet
- Glazed eyes
- Constant grooming
- Signs of mental confusion, delirium
- Weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Collapsing and lying down
- Little to no urine production
- Coma
Also if you can do it check her rectal temperature. Anything over 103 is serious, GET TO A VET.
105 and over is life threatening and organs may begin to shut down.
After reading these articles I noticed all my outdoor cats were congregating on the carport, stretched out and the skin on their stomach felt hot to the touch!
Ways to keep them from getting so hot. in the first place...When the temperature becomes extreme, here are some steps you can take to keep your cat safe and comfortable in the heat.
- WATER. Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water. ...
- SHADE. Most cats will enjoy a snooze in the sunshine and then retire to a shady spot when they get too hot. ...
- GROOMING consider a professional--Brush your long haired cat daily Matted hair traps heat This is important for a long haired cat.
- Create a retreat Cats are clever when it comes to comfort and they will seek out places such as the bath or sink as these often stay cool even when it’s hot outside. You could also try creating a cool and darkened indoor retreat for them to sleep in . A top tip is to place a cardboard box on its side and position it somewhere cool and quiet in the house, such as behind a chair or on a cool surface like a wooden floor. Line it with a towel.
- Keep Outdoor Cats Indoors -If the temperature soars it is worth keeping them inside. (This is easiest on me.)
- Close the blinds or curtains
- Circulate cool air. Open the windows, turn on a box fan or keep air conditioning at a reasonable temperature. Your cat will appreciate having a cool place to relax indoors if it’s scorching outside.
ALSO CATS CAN GET SUNBURNED
Don’t forget cats are susceptible to sunburn, particularly those with white ears and noses. This can lead to painful blistering and sores, and long-term exposure can lead to skin cancers. It is possible to buy pet sunscreen to apply to the hairless areas on the end of the ears and nose. It’s also advisable to keep white-faced cats indoors during the heat of the afternoon.
I did not know that cats could get sunburned!
After a day researching and writing this post I learned so much that I thought 58 years of having cats would have taught me. Tomorrow We will go over what to do if you suspect your cat has hypothermia!
