Just like us humans with our SPF, hats and giant water bottles, cats need special precautions taken in the summer when the temperatures rise, parties are thrown and holidays are celebrated. For a healthy, safe season for your kitties, please review our Top 10 Tips for Summer Cat Safety. Stay Cool Cats!
#1 Anticipate and Prepare for Fireworks
Loud noises, especially those out of the ordinary, can frighten even the calmest cats. Keep them indoors in a quiet room with familiar bedding, toys, and maybe calm music or TV on before the booms begin.
#2 Keep Them Cool
Cats sweat through their paw pads, so cooling works a little differently for them. For hot weather comfort:
- Provide plenty of fresh water in all your cat’s hang out spaces.
- Offer shaded resting spots.
- Run extra fans and A/C to improve air circulation and aid evaporation. Aim at the room or the cat’s body to avoid directly blowing on the face or whiskers.
#3 Watch for Heat Stress
Drooling, panting, lethargy or strange breathing patterns can indicate a heat-related illness. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any symptoms.
#4 Remind Your Guests to Mind the Cats!
Parties mean distracted visitors coming and going. Place noticeable notes on doors and screens asking them to keep your pets inside.
#5 Skip the Chips
Party favorites that are high-salt or high-fat are no-no’s for cats. Specifically, keep your pets away from cat-toxic human food containing chocolate (no s’mores), onions, grapes and raisins, and alcohol. If you notice any signs of poisoning — vomiting, lethargy, shaking or panting — call the ASPCA Poison Helpline (888-426-4435) and us immediately!
#6 Batten Down the Décor
Balloons, ribbons, string lights, and sparklers can become choking hazards or cause burns and digestive blockages if chewed or swallowed.
#7 Microchip and ID Tags
Double-check that your cat’s microchip information and tags/collar are current in case they slip outside and stray from familiar territory.
#8 Plan Ahead for Vacation
- If you are traveling, consider boarding at your trusted vet hospital. They will be familiar with your cat’s health needs, food requirements and quirky personalities. (Request your overnight boarding reservation at AristoKatz at 203-690-1099. We are excellent hosts!)
- If you hire a pet sitter in your home, check references and ensure all feeding, medical info, emergency numbers and kitty rules are written down and understood.
- Consider asking a trusted friend or neighbor to be an extra set of eyes and check in during your absence.
- Before you go, make sure you have enough food and medication to cover your time away.
#9 Protect Against Pests
Flying, buzzing and crawling insects aren’t just nuisances to humans. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworms to cats. Ticks and fleas can spread disease, itches and infestations. Even indoor cats need safe, year-round parasite prevention. Learn more about the risks at Aristokatzvet.com/blog and talk to us about what’s best for your pet!
#10 When in Doubt, Call Your Veterinarian
If your cat eats something questionable or seems unusually stressed or ill, don’t wait—contact your veterinary team for guidance.
For general information purposes only. Not intended to diagnose any veterinary conditions. Please contact your veterinarian for specific concerns regarding your cat.