Just like people, cats sweat to keep themselves cool in the heat. However, they don’t have sweat glands all over their body. Instead, they perspire through hairless parts of their body—such as the paws or lips. With fewer places to sweat, felines can be subject to a high risk of heat-related illnesses—including dehydration and heatstroke. Fortunately, if you own a cat, here are a few steps you can take to avoid a pet emergency when warmer weather strikes.

5 Ways Cat Owners Can Protect Pets From Heat-Related Illness

1. Make Fresh, Cool Water Available

Make sure your cat has an ample supply of cold, fresh drinking water so that they can replace body fluids that are lost through sweating. If you’re gone for more than a few hours, put ice cubes in the dish to keep the water cool. It’s also smart to use a device that will automatically refill the water dish as your cat drinks.

2. Provide Shelter From the Sun

If you have an outdoor cat, make sure they have plenty of shaded areas during the day where they can escape the sun’s heat. If you have an indoor cat, program the thermostat to keep your cat cool and keep their bed out of the sunlight.

3. Brush Daily

A cat’s coat of fur can help shield them from heat and allow them to lower their body temperature. However, these protective benefits will be hampered if the fur becomes matted. To ensure that your cat’s hair is fully-functional, brush it every day.

4. Serve Wet Food

Food is another great way that your cat can get the water they need to stay hydrated and keep cool. If you only serve dry food, talk to your veterinarian about healthy moist food options that are appropriate for your feline. Serve some of this food every day to support balanced nutrition and avoid a heat-related pet emergency.

5. Pat Down With a Towel

If your cat feels particularly warm to the touch, you might cool them down by patting them with a damp, cool towel. However, if you notice signs of heatstroke—such as excessive panting, unresponsiveness, vomiting, and drooling—visit an emergency vet as soon as possible. In many cases, professional care is necessary to treat this pet emergency.

No matter what the season, Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital offers the comprehensive care you need to support your cat’s health. With two offices in Columbia, MO, this veterinary hospital is a convenient resource for preventive care—including pet grooming and nutritional services that can help your feline beat the heat. If you have a pet emergency, this vet clinic is also equipped to provide responsive treatment to address heat-related conditions—including dehydration and heatstroke. Visit this veterinarian online to learn more about their advanced pet wellness services. For appointments, call (573) 449-3791 to reach the Keene Street location or (573) 449-7387 to speak with the team at Buttonwood Drive.