Wordless Wednesday: 5 Ways to Keep Your Cat Cool on Hot Days

Oh heatwave be gone!

Yes, it's real heatwave weather this week and Mum and I absolutely loathe it. It feels as hot as Hades (or should that be Tartarus?) Actually, hot as Hades sounds much better to me. Mum says it's because of the alliteration.

Of course as a goddess I should be able to freeze out this heat whenever I want. But unfortunately this is real life and I can't, but I can give your human some top tips on how to keep you cool and safe in this evil heat. 

So here are my top 5 tips on keeping your cat cool in summer.

1. Make sure your cat has access to a shady area (both indoors and out, and especially if you are going to be out of the house all day). 
2. If your cat is an outdoor cat it’s best to keep them inside during the hottest part of the day.
3. Make sure your cat has plenty of water to drink. An automatic water fountain is great, especially if you are going to be out of the house for a long time. On really hot days you could place an ice cube in the cat’s water bowl.
4. Wipe your cat down with a cool damp cloth or towel. Some cats may not like this at first, so be gentle.
5. If you have a white cat be sure to apply a high factor sun cream to their ears and nose. And remember, do not use one that’s meant for humans as the chemicals contained could be harmful to your cat. Instead, ask your vet to recommend one.

Heatstroke

Always be aware that heat can be deadly so keep a look out for heatstroke. 

For further info about keeping your pets safe and cool in summer please read my mum's post here 

Easter and Spring Time Dangers for Cats

So it was the Spring Equinox the other week and spring is springing, but remember, not everything in nature is beautiful and safe. Hidden dangers lurk everywhere, especially for your pets. And as it's almost Easter, here are things you should bear in mind if you haven't already to keep your cat safe at this time of the year. Indeed, all year round!

Easter Lily

photo credit: via photopin (license)

The Easter Lily, and indeed many types of lilies  are deadly to cats.The first signs that your cat has been affected is vomiting and lethargy, and if left untreated, may progress to kidney (renal) failure and death. Please call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your cat has eaten any part of a lily plant. Even pollen can be ingested while the cat is grooming himself.

Daffodil

photo credit: Delicious Daffodil via photopin (license)

Another spring flower, the daffodil, is also toxic to cats. Even tiny amounts of this plant and flower are highly toxic if ingested. All parts of this flower can be toxic so beware. Also, the pollen gets everywhere and so a cat can ingest it when they groom themselves. Again, the first signs your cat may have been affected is vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, tremors and seizures. Signs usually develop 6-12 hours after ingestion. Kidney failure occurs as early as 36-72 after ingestion.

Other flowers that can cause harm to cats are:

• Tulips
• Crocus
• Lily of the Valley

For a list of all poisonous plants click HERE

Fertilizers

Most fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and may also many other toxins that are dangerous to our pets. Then there are the pesticides and fungicides, etc. Please be careful when using these.

There is a list of all outdoor dangers for cats and dogs at the Pet Poison Helpline website.

If you think your pet has been exposed to fertilizer call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. For more information visit the Pet Poisons website.

Chocolate and Chocolate Easter Eggs

photo credit: Food via photopin (license)

Yes, chocolate is highly toxic for cats. Chocolate contains theobromine and if ingested the following symptoms may occur:

• Vomiting,
• Diarrhoea
• Excessive urination
• Irregular hearbeat
• Nausea
• Seizures
• A larger dose may cause coma or death.

Contact your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs or if you suspect your cat has eaten chocolate.

Helpful Links:

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/foods-are-hazardous-cats
http://www.icatcare.org/advice/keeping-your-cat-safe/cats-and-poisonous-plants http://www.cats.org.uk/wolverhampton/news/lethal-lilies
http://www.yourcat.co.uk/Outdoor-cats/why-are-lilies-dangerous-to-cats
http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/toxicology/a/Lily-Toxicity-In-Cats-And-Dogs.htm