How Do Cats Keep Cool In The Heat?
Cats, like dogs, are animals that do not perspire through the skin like us, who use sweat as a means of cooling the body. Cats stay cool primarily through their mouths and paw pads.
Thermoregulation in cats
Dogs and cats have a normal body temperature of about 38-39 ° C and 38.5-39.5 ° C. When temperatures are very high, as in summer, certain heat response mechanisms are activated.
Cats perspire through sweat glands located on the pads of their paws; They are also chilled by keeping their mouths open, just like dogs. This is the biological process by which cats stay cool.
However, excessive panting in cats can be a sign of a lot of stress or a health problem. If you notice an alarming panting, check with your vet.
When grooming, in addition to detangling their fur, they distribute saliva throughout their body, which manages to reduce body temperature. Other ways to cool off are certain behaviors such as hiding in the shade or increased contact with a cold surface.
How to keep cats cool in summer
In summer, when temperatures are extreme, we have to take care of our pets against heat stroke, which can be very dangerous. We always have to make sure that the animals in our care have enough water and a cool place where they can rest.
Since cats do not usually go outside or enjoy outdoor baths, we can refresh them in the following ways:
- Cools the interior of the house. Use the fan or turn on the air conditioning, not too low, to cool your home. If it is enough to have the windows open, make sure they have protection to prevent falls.
- Make hiding places. Cats like to hide; If the hiding place is also a shady place, where they can be cool and calm, they will make this space their favorite place for the summer.
- Water always available. Cats are more special with where they choose to drink; they always prefer fresh, clean and moving water. They will first choose a stainless steel or ceramic drinking trough than a plastic one, wide and shallow, but without a doubt they prefer fountains where the water is always in motion or the current from a tap in our house.
- Offer him wet cans. Wet food contains more water than dry food, and they tend to like it quite a bit. Do not leave the food in the sun or exposed to high temperatures, as it will spoil and can be indigestible for your cat; After a while, remove everything that has not been eaten.
- Brush your cat daily. Brushing keeps the hair detangled and the skin healthy and airy: it is a way to keep it fresh, since it prevents the animal from accumulating dead hair for a long time.
- If your cat tolerates it, you can refresh it by passing wet towels over its skin ; the water in the towel will have an effect similar to sweat. Do not do it too often, as it is not advisable for the cat to keep its skin moist for a long time, as it could even catch fungus.
- Avoid exercise in the hottest hours. Physical exercise should be moderate in summer, especially in the hottest hours, since the feline can suffer a heat stroke.
- Water games. There are toys for cats that work with water; They are usually games that stimulate their hunting instincts while refreshing themselves.
