Summer is officially underway – and for many of us, that means barbecues, parties, picnics in the park and large family gatherings.
But some fun activities for humans can present dangers to our feline friends, so before you start planning your next big backyard barbie, add these pet-safety pointers to your pre-party checklist.
How to keep your cat cool
A cat that becomes overheated in summer can suffer from dehydration, heatstroke, and shock. Unlike people, cats don’t sweat and therefore it can be a struggle for them to keep cool when summer temperatures start to climb. The best methods to keep your cat cool include keeping them out of the sun, letting them enjoy lazy days inside and providing plenty of clean fresh water. If your cat is stuck in a roasting house or car without a means of escape, they will become overheated and at risk of heat stroke. But there are several things that you can do to help your cat cool down in the summer so that he or she will be healthy and happy.
Run the air conditioning. If you have air conditioning, keeping your cat indoors will ensure that she or he stays cool too. Many of the things you do to keep the house cool for yourself will also benefit your cat, such as keeping the blinds, windows, and doors closed. Use fans to improve the airflow in your home. If you do not have an air conditioner, fans and open windows are another good option to cool off your home and your cat.
Picnic & barbecue special treats
While these foods are relatively harmless for humans, they can be extremely dangerous for cats so it’s especially important to keep little snouts away from these summertime luxuries. Human foods often aren’t suitable for cats at any time but the greasy, spicy, fatty foods often served at barbecues can all cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and that’s not much fun for anyone the morning after the night before.
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