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Saturday • 8:30 am-10:30 am
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Seasonal Tip

Summer: Heat Exhaustion

While cats have a normal body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, they could still be at risk for heat exhaustion, especially in homes that lack air conditioning. Cats do not have sweat glands like we do, so to cool down, they need to pant and lay on cool surfaces, and have plenty of water available to stay hydrated.

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For optimal safety, we recommend placing a few water bowls around your home and changing them out frequently, so your cat always has access to fresh water wherever they are.

Additionally, before you leave the house, make sure to draw the curtains to keep the sun from heating up your rooms. Don’t leave any windows open; cats can escape or even get stuck! To keep the air circulating, place one or more fans around your home.

Certain cat breeds are more prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke than others, and this usually includes Persians and other flat-faced breeds. These breeds tend to have breathing difficulties and can’t cool down as effectively by panting, so they especially need to be watched closely. Signs of heat exhaustion in cats include little to no urinating (empty or mostly empty litter box), excessive panting/labored breathing, and sunken eyes. A good way to tell if your cat is dehydrated is to gently pinch the skin between their neck and shoulders. If the skin is slow to smooth back down, your cat likely needs to see a vet right away. Dehydration can be deadly!

If you’d like to know more about protecting your cat from the heat and preventing heat exhaustion, contact us today at 386-671-0747.