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Answer Your Burning Summer Kitty Questions

cats decoded More on PawNation: Behavior, Cats, Kittens, Safety, Summer

By Kelli Bender Jul 10, 2012

  • Alamy
    1 of 16

    Summer is here. Don't make it a bummer for your cat. Find out the answers to essential questions about this hot and humid season. Learn what adjustments you need to make as temperatures rise to decrease the pet drama. By the end, you and your cat will know what to do to stay cool under the sun.

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    2 of 16

    Do cats suffer from heat stroke?

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  • Alamy
    3 of 16

    ANSWER:

    Yes, cats can definitely suffer from heat stroke. If you have an outdoor cat who spends too much time in the heat, or gets trapped in an unventilated, closed space, it can become affected easily. The signs of heat stroke in cats include hot paws, rapid breathing, drooling, lethargy and red gums. If you see these signs in your cat, immediately take it to a cool place, give it water and wipe it down with a damp towel. Once your feel that your cat is a little more comfortable, take it to the vet to make sure there is no serious damage. (Care 2)

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    Do cats shed more during summer?

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  • Alamy
    5 of 16

    ANSWER:

    Most cats do shed more in the summer and spring months to help regulate their body temperature. The increased shedding is a long process, usually starting around the peak of spring and continuing throughout the summer. Cats shed the extra fur they grew for the winter months that is no longer needed. They also can shed more when they are ill or anxious. If your cat seems to be losing more fur than last summer, you should take it to the vet to make sure there is not a more serious problem. (Vet Info)

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    Is it normal for cats to pant in the summer?

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  • Alamy
    7 of 16

    ANSWER:

    Panting in cats is usually a sign of excitement, anxiety or over-heating. If your cat begins panting after a long laser chasing session, or always pants during stressful visits to the vet, this could be your cat's way of dealing with the extra strain on its body. However, if your cat is in the heat and begins panting, it is probably over-heating and could get heat stroke. Unlike dogs, it is not normal for cats to cool down through panting, so you should help your feline out, and move it out of the sun to a cooler place. If the panting continues, you should take your cat to the vet. (Cat Channel)

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    Can cats get sunburned?

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  • Alamy
    9 of 16

    ANSWER:

    Even though cats are covered in protective fur, it is still possible for them to get sunburned. The best preventive measure you can take is to limit your cat's time outdoors and make sure shade is available. There are pet sunscreens, but since felines have the tendency to lick themselves, it is hard to find a non-toxic cream that works. If you decide to use sunscreen on your furry friend, consult with your vet to make sure the protection you use is safe for your cat. (Vet Medicine)

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    Should I leave the air conditioning on for my cat?

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  • Flickr User: jessamyn
    11 of 16

    ANSWER:

    Would you want to wear a fur coat in the summer? Probably not. Your cat probably isn't psyched about it either. It is best to leave the air conditioner on between 78–80 degrees for your feline while you are out of the house. This prevents your cat from overheating. The decision to use air conditioning does vary between each individual cat. Monitor the time yours spends around air vents when the AC is on to help judge how much your pet depends on the cold. It is also important to remember that long-haired, elderly, ill and obese cats need more cool air than others.

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  • PawNation
    12 of 16

    Can cats get mosquito bites? 

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  • Alamy
    13 of 16

    ANSWER:

    A cat's fur acts a natural barrier against most mosquitoes, but cats can still get bites on their ears and nose. It is important to protect your pets against the pests, since a bite can lead to heartworm disease. Make sure to change your cat's water every day and place screens on windows and doors. These efforts will lessen your cat's run-ins with the bugs. If your cat is bitten, you can treat the bite area with an antibacterial cream. If the bite does not clear up, take your cat to the vet. (Hartz)

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    Should I shave my indoor cat for the summer months?

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  • Alamy
    15 of 16

    ANSWER:

    No, it is not necessary to shave your indoor cat for summer. Thanks to modern marvels like air conditioning, your cat should be able to stay cool during the summer months, maybe even seeking out a sunbeam or two. It should be comfortable enough without a new 'do. If you do decide to lose the fur, make sure to limit your cat's time in direct sunlight, since it will be easier for it to get sunburned. (Pethub)

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    Next: Solve More Kitty Questions!
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janet.judah

My male cat,Chino, is very loving and stays in the house these hot days, but goes out at night when it is cooler. He knows what to do. I have a doggie door and he goes out when he feels like it. Sometimes it is raining and he hurries back in to me... as though I could do something about it. He only likes Salmon in a certain kind of can, and Meow Mix dry food. The one thing he does that I don't like is to jump on me about 3:00 am and bite my face and the buttons om my PJs.
Why does he do this and only to me?.

July 18 2012 at 1:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
dragonhoney1

my 20 year old blue point Siamese has to be helped to stay in a cool place.He gets lost and needs to be shown where to lie down.He wants to lie in the sun on the back porch .I only let him if it is under 80 degrees.

July 16 2012 at 8:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Emperor Andrew

This is ridiculous. If humans haven't tampered with animals DNA and made them dependent on us this article wouldn't even nee to be written. Animals in nature can take care of themselves and the weak ones that can't die off and the strong survive. I am so sick of people having animals as slaves but claim that they are just pets. BS

July 11 2012 at 1:58 AM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Emperor Andrew's comment
Leprechaun

Peta Member? Love you crazies.

July 11 2012 at 3:12 AM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply
mark_epsilon

I am the slave -- the human slave.

July 11 2012 at 3:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
pondbldr

I know this is a cat allergy page but I have a question I hope can be answered, what makes my cat poop a gelatinous bloody stool sometimes?

July 11 2012 at 1:11 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
pondbldr

I know this is a cat allergy site but I have a question, what makes my cat poop gelatinous bloody stool every so often?

July 11 2012 at 1:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Amy-Christine

The allergy issue is a known problem for some breeds of cats. Our Flame Point (Siamese white) was allergic to wool (just like her mommy!) and she broke out in hives (or whatever cat's get), which later itched and she chewed or rubbed to sores... tender little ears can get easily get infected, so this was the first place we noticed problems. The vet thought it was mites, but we noticed, she LOVED rubbing everywhere on a wool blanket and then would proceed to have a scratching fit... we got rid of the blanket, with some salve and time, she never had the problem again... when we brought a wool blanket in again, yep, repeat issues. Trial and error is helpful... Also, be wary of some foods, check for corn additives, many of my cats have had oil issues and dandruff because of poor nutrition from and was misdiagnosed for other ailments, not allergies.

July 11 2012 at 12:39 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
amcdev2001

We live in Florida where its hot most of the time. We have 3 cats, 2 adults and 1 kitten.
The adult cats are allowed outside when the sun is going down in a 6' vinyl fenced yard where we have a pool and landscaped area with trees and shade. We have clean cool water for them to drink. They love it and are never overheated. The kitten will not be outside until she is 1 year old. Whenever the adults hear thunder or lightening they want to be inside the house.

July 10 2012 at 9:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
forteluv

where's the picture?

July 10 2012 at 8:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
vlanewalker

I believe your flea drops are causing your problem. We previously used a cheap version of these drops that we purchased at a big box store (I won't name the name as you would be VERY familiar with it) in order to try to save money. For 2 years 3 of our cats suffered with this problem of losing hair just as your is. We had them in for several vet visits and spent tons of money on expensive medications, all for naught. We finally switched them to a veterinary sponsored flea & tick preventative that was initially more expensive. Wish we had never tried to scrimp and save money on the cheap retail store stuff. It cost us way more in vet bills and medicines than if we had simply purchased the good stuff to begin with from our vet. Now we use the product on the cats that kills fleas, ticks AND ear mites! Their hair has grown back and all the sores on their back end and legs are gone. Stop using that cheap junk and buy the good stuff from your vet, for the sake of your kitty's health. She is allergic to that nasty stuff in the cheap product. Good luck!!! V. Hurst, Dallas, TX

July 10 2012 at 8:14 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Sexy Slut Terri

this page wont load for me.
i have 6 cats 11,11,7 & three rescues 3,2, & ?
wish i could see this page and see if there's something i dont know about

July 10 2012 at 7:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Sexy Slut Terri's comment
sylvabugg2

Won't load for me either.

July 10 2012 at 8:10 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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