Heat exhaustion is a condition that many associate with humans, dogs or outside cats after prolonged exposure to the sun. However, humans, dogs and outside cats are not the only ones that are at risk of developing heat exhaustion. Inside cats are also prone to suffering from the increased temperatures as summer approaches. Cat owners need to take preventative measures to protect their inside cats from heat exhaustion. Read on to learn more about what you can do to protect your inside cats from the harm caused by heat exhaustion.
Inside Shelter
Inside cats need to have plenty of places around the home where they can find shelter from the blazing sun. If you usually leave the blinds open all the way during the day while you are at work, it would be a good idea to think again. The blazing sun’s rays can quickly heat up a home and leave inside cats with little to no shelter around the home during the daylight hours. If you must leave some of the shades open, opt for just one room to allow some sun in and leave the rest of the shades shut. This will keep the temperature down inside the home as well as allow inside cats more shelter from the sun’s harmful rays.
More Water
Heat exhaustion can badly affect cats, which can lead to the more serious condition of heatstroke. But before it ever gets that far, make sure that your inside cats always have plenty of fresh water in several different locations once the weather heats up. Remember to replenish your cats’ water supply each day and whenever you notice that it is running low, add a fresh supply. Some cats drink less when the weather heats up. But you can encourage inside cats to drink more if you add an ice cube in their water bowls and keep the water clean and fresh. But if you notice that cats are not drinking as much as usual, gently coax them to drink by taking them up to their water bowl and placing them down beside it.
Cool Compress
Inside cats are strong and adaptable. But try wearing a fur coat year round! That is the lot of inside cats. If you notice that your inside cat feels hot to the touch and is more lethargic than usual, apply a cool compress or use a clean, wet cloth to rub over your cat’s body. Many inside cats do not like the feel of water on their bodies. But if you gently rub the wet towel over their body a few times, they may even appreciate the gesture and allow you to continue.
Inside cats are just as susceptible to heat exhaustion as outside cats if the temperature of the house is not kept cool, cats do not drink as much and their body temperature rises. Cat owners should think ahead to the summer months and do all they can to protect their inside cats from the affects of heat exhaustion.
