Just like humans, cats can struggle with the temperature when it’s very high or very low. That’s why it’s important for all cat parents to be aware of the tell-tale signs of any issues that your pet might have.
Some cats will naturally find it more difficult to cope with the heat or the cold than others due to physical characteristics and will need some extra care when the seasons change in order to ensure that they are comfortable.
Flat-faced breeds can be more prone to overheating due to the extra tissues at the back of their throats, making it more difficult to breathe, and fluffy cats will naturally feel the heat more due to their long or thick fur. Meanwhile, hairless cats will feel the cold and need additional help in the winter.
Cats that are elderly can also be affected by hot and cold weather. So, what can you do to make sure that your cat is comfortable all year around?
Create Shelter
If your cat loves to be out exploring the world, it can be tricky to help them keep at the right temperature – unless they’ll agree to stay inside for a while. If your cat spends a lot of time in your garden, make sure that there is plenty of shade out there for them. Trees and shrubs are excellent for cats to sit underneath in the shade, or you could build something for them to go inside or underneath when they need to cool down.
If it’s cold, then make sure your cat has a way to get inside if they’re feeling chilly. Provide them with a catflap or an open window so that they can always get inside if they feel cold. If your cat tends to suffer the cold, you could invest in a heating pad for your cat to help keep them toasty.
Plenty Of Water
Your cat should always have access to drinking water, regardless of the weather. This is even more important when the weather is warm, as your cat will need to drink more frequently in order to stay hydrated and cool. In the cold weather, you need to make sure that outdoor cats have access to freshwater that isn’t frozen over.
Place water bowls for your cat in various areas around your house, and if your cat likes to go outside, put fresh, clean water in the garden for them too. It’s best to put the water in a shaded area so that it doesn’t end up getting hot in the sun or cold in the winter. If your cat prefers to drink from a running water source, you might want to think about investing in a cat drinking fountain or two for them to encourage them to drink more.
Keep Them Indoors During Major Weather Problems
If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, try to keep them indoors during the hottest or coldest part of the day. Let your cat outdoors during the mornings and evenings when the weather is likely to be a temperature that they can cope with, so that they don’t have to miss out on exploring.
Protect Their Skin
Cats with thin fur, white fur or hairless cats will need some extra protection from the sun if they go outdoors when it is hot. You can get pet-safe sun cream to apply to your cat to keep them safe and avoid sunburn. Speak to your vet for advice on the best sun protection cream to get if your cat needs it.
When it is cold, you could consider keeping your short-haired cat indoors. Check that they are warm enough and if it is very cold then leave blankets near the cat door to warm them up when they get inside.
Grooming
A good grooming routine is important all-year-round if you have a long-haired cat, but it can be particularly useful when your cat is exposed to heat. Daily grooming will ensure that your cat is not carrying any excess fur and will make sure that they don’t have to deal with troublesome knots as well. Some cats might need to have their long or thick coat trimmed in order to keep them cool in the heat; it’s best to visit a professional groomer for this. In the winter, make sure that your cat’s fur is clean to keep them happy no matter the temperature. If they need it, you could look at a cat winter coat for them.
Overall Health
Make sure that your cat is in the best overall health by taking them for regular vet checkups, making sure that their vaccinations and boosters are up-to-date, and following any advice given to you by your vet. It’s also worth considering a cat insurance policy for your cat; if they do run into health problems due to the heat or the cold, this can help when it comes to vet bills and mean you can help give them the best possible care. You can find details here on cat insurance. Everypaw lets you get a quote online and compare different levels of cover so you can find the right one for your cat.
Any cat can be affected by temperature changes, so it’s important to pay some extra attention to your cat to ensure that they can keep healthy at all times and live their best life.
