Boston has been hot in the past couple of weeks, and it doesn’t seem like the temperatures will go down much in the near future. As humans, we can strip down to a t-shirt and shorts, but it’s not as easy for our furry friends.

The hot weather brings with it the risk of a heat stroke, which happens when our cat is exposed to extreme temperatures, and their body loses its ability to regulate temperature. When this happens, our cat may be panting, have increased body temperature, increased heart rate, sweaty paws, vomiting, stumbling, diarrhea, and lethargy. Senior cats or kittens are at higher risk since their body does not regulate their temperature as effectively as healthy adults. Also at higher risks are cats with flat faces (brachycephalic), and cats with some preexisting conditions. If your cat shows any of these signs, it is important to take them to the veterinarian immediately to be treated. On the way, cover the cat with wet towels and use a fan if you can. You can read more about the risks of heat stroke here.

However, there are things we can do to make the weather more pleasant for our cat, and reduce the risk of heat stroke.

Keep Hydrated

Just like for humans, hydration is important for our cats. Cats normally don’t drink a lot of water, but you can increase your cat’s water intake by mixing in a few spoonfuls of water into their wet food. You can also encourage your cat to drink more water by dropping a couple of ice cubes into their bowl on a hot day, or using a water fountain that keeps the water fresh.

Stay In A Cool Environment

During hot days, it is important to keep your cat’s environment cool. Keep your cat indoors and away from the sun. Keep the air conditioning on, if you can. Closing the curtains to maintain the shade will also prevent the room from heating up, as well as reduce your cooling costs. You can add a fan at floor level, where your cat is likely to hang out. You can also freeze a soda bottle filled with water ¾ of the way up, wrap the frozen bottle in a towel, and leave it at your cat’s favorite hangout spot.

Of course - NEVER EVER EVER leave your cat in a hot vehicle!

Postpone Playtime

I’ve posted many times before, stressing the importance of playtime for your cat. However, when it’s hot, it may be better to reduce your cat’s physical activity, and just let them lounge and stay cool. If your cat is very active and needs their playtime, you can find some interesting ideas for activities that help your cat stay cool in this article from Catster.

At Purrmore, our furry friends’ comfort and safety are our top priority. When you are away on a hot day, we will ask for permission to add water to food, turn on the AC, or hold off on play. We will make sure your cat has enough shady and comfortable spots to hang out, and ensure they enjoy their summer vacation at least as much as you do.

You can find more tips for keeping your cat cool here.