Cool cat in the heat

[UnaCorda]

My cat doesn't seem to like the heat (always seeks out shade or comes indoors, and is happy to be out when it has snowed) and isn't very keen on drinking water. I bought a water fountain but that largely gets ignored, so I've been adding water to her food, and also sometimes give her watered-down milk which she loves (she's not lactose intolerent and I checked with the vet that this was ok).

She's a young and healthy short-haired moggy, up to date with all treatments. Can be a bit grumpy sometimes.

She eats a mixture of good quality wet and dry food. Is there anything else I should be doing during this hot weather to keep her fit and well?

[Tinty]

Ha ha that’s what I have been doing to my cats, adding a half bowl of water to wet cat food (my cats also have biscuits, I don’t add it to that).

I can almost see their annoyance that they have to drink the water to get to the meat !

I also give them tuna in spring water And add a little more water to it, and they drink it quite happily really.

We call it meat water, but they drink it all and I hope it is keeping them more hydrated in this hot weather.

[emmacat]

I have an elderly black cat that doesnt seem to understand she cannot sit and bake in the sun.

I bought some sort of pet cooling gel cushion from the range and it is fab!! Doesnt need to be put in the freezer like some I've seen so doesnt get too cold and is just activated somehow by body heat. Was about a fiver best money I've ever spent on her.

Ps I persevered with the fountain and she loves it. I dont think she wanted to admit she liked one of the many gifts I have gotten her and was secretly drinking. Now she happily drinks and sometimes just sticks her feet in.

[Ontheboardwalk]

My elderly cat only wants to sit on my all day south facing window. It does worry me.

She drinks water but the fan in my living room has shown 28 degrees and is still showing 27 now so I worry about her

I did buy her one on the cooling cushion pads, it was like lava to her. I do enjoy it myself now so def worth a try

[ipswichwitch]

The only water my cat will drink is manly outside water. We spotted her drinking out the birdbath, and from the bowl we put out for hedgehogs. We just make sure they’re both topped up and left in shady places and she will happily drink it.

[Ohnonotnow]

Where is the water bowl? A lot of cats don't like their water near their food, something to do with them not thinking it's fresh if it's near food.

[violetbunny]

Yep we also have cooling gel mats for our cats. That, and access to shade and fresh water (changed morning and night) are the main things we do. They're short haired and seem to cope OK.

[Toddlerteaplease]

I've got a cooling mat. Not that they use it. But my two are quite sensible and don't go out if it's too hot. One is long haired and black!

[UnaCorda]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and advice.

[vanillandhoney]

I have to say I've never done anything different for mine in the heat. We just make sure the house is as cool as possible and that they have plenty of water if they want it.

[Fluffycloudland77]

They like water from a water filter jug ime. You can groom them more regularly too so their coat isn’t clogged up with dead fur.

[Itwasntme1]

Mine hides in the shade and sleeps inside on hot days.

I give her watered down cat milk - she is eating a lot less in the heat.

[Weedsnseeds1]

Mine is long haired and black and will sprawl in the sun until he practically ignites.
He's faded to a gingery brown at the ends of his fur.
He does enjoy lapping away at slimey pond water and hopping in the shower in the morning for a soapy slurp though.

[Toddlerteaplease]

Be careful if travelling with cats in the car. I took Snorg to the cardiologist last week. And even with the air con on full blast, she was getting very distressed. She's normally a very good traveller. He vet had to wipe her with a damp cloth and put an ice pack in her carrier for the journey home.