Summer's Unexpected Dangers for Cats

 

Cats, like us humans, perk up when warmer days start to appear after a long winter.  We all look forward to more sun, re-greening of plans and trees, and getting outside.  For our cats, though, the summer months can come with some unusual potential dangers that great pet parents should be aware of.
 
Catster online published a great list of summer-related things you might not think of as risky business for your cat.  The first on the list is shedding - that’s right, shedding!  Why is that a risk?  The article notes that cats can ingest up to 1/3 of their shed hair when they groom.  In the warmer months, when they’re shedding more, all that fur can cause hairball vomiting or even blockages that need a vet’s attention.  The solution, especially for longer haired cats, is regular brushing or combing and even baths.
 
Long haired cats, like Lisa, Sterling, Morticia and Misty, enjoy the freedom of a short summer haircut!  Since they spend some of their time in the “outdoor” catios where they are in the summer heat, their short fur is a relief.  Catster notes that indoor cats who live in AC-controlled homes may not need those haircuts as long as they are regularly brushed and matts and tangles removed.  Matts, too, are a danger for long-haired cats since, ungroomed, they can grow really large and will lead to overheating.  Best practice for a cat with a short or long coat is regular brushing.
 
Ever considered sunscreen for your cat?  It doesn’t make too much sense for indoor cats but for some who spend a lot of time outside or hours basking in a particularly sunny spot in the house - especially hairless cat breeds - it might be in order.  If  you’re concerned about your cat and sun problems (including dermatitis) talk to your vet.  There isn’t a sunscreen yet made just for cats and NEVER use human sunscreen on pets as they can contain ingredients that are harmful or even lethal for cats.  Since we know cats are big groomers, whatever you put on their skin will end up in their stomachs. Your vet will be advise you on what’s safe and what isn’t.
 
Heatstroke is a pretty obvious summer risk for cats so it’s really important to recognize the signs of heatstroke right away.  Senior kitties and kittens are at greater risk as are cats with asthma or kidney disease.  As you’ve probably noticed, cats do not usually breathe through their mouths.  So, you should be concerned if you notice your cat panting with an open mouth.  You may also see vomiting, extreme lethargy, difficulty walking and sweaty feet.  If you see any of these symptoms in your cat, get to your vet immediately.
 
We’ve shared information on keeping cats cool and hydrated on our blog and know that having lots of cool water available for your cat is critical.  Here are a couple of other ideas from Catster that you might not have thought of.  We know that neither cats nor dogs actually sweat like we do to cool off.   If you observe that your cat is hot, the article suggests that you dab some warm (not cold) water on your cat’s tummy, ears and paws and then point a fan turned to a low setting toward them.  This process mimics sweating and can help cool your cat down.  After an episode of heat stroke, make sure your cat sees your vet even if he’s acting normal again.
 
Fleas seem to be an all-season problem in more moderate climates these days and there are lots of great flea treatments available, whether you use a vet-prescribed one or something natural.  As always, be sure you talk to your vet about what’s best for your cat since some retail treatments can even be harmful or fatal to your cat.  If you’re going the natural route, stay away from essential oils.  Besides treatment, regularly vacuuming your cat’s favorite sleeping spot and washing the bedding are a big help in flea control.
 
So, what about other things that bite or sting in the summer, like bees, snakes, spiders and even other pets or wildlife?  Catster suggests that a good rule to remember is to take your cat to the vet if it looks like he’s been bitten by “anything with teeth,” since bites carry the added risk of bacteria and can cause infection.  For some cats, bee, wasp and other stinging insects can also trigger an allergic reaction and swelling at the site of the sting.  It’s important to act fast and get to the vet if you observe this in your cat.
 
It’s still true that the best way for cats to be safe in all seasons is to keep them indoors. Even so, it’s important to make sure the tools they need to stay healthy are in place, indoors and out!
 
CLICK HERE to read the full article.