Many cats love the warm weather, but too much sun can lead to problems such as dehydration, sunburn and even skin cancer.
Here are our top tips for keeping your cat safe in the sun:
Avoiding sunburn:
- Provide plenty of shade outside – a cardboard box makes a great and inexpensive hide.
- On very hot days, try to keep your cat indoors between 10am and 3pm.
- Cats with white ears and/or noses are particularly prone to sunburn, which can progress to skin cancer. Please pop into your local Pennard Vets clinic to discuss suitable sunscreen.
Keeping cool:
- Keep curtains drawn and place fans around the house to keep it cool indoors for your cat.
- Use a Pet Cool Mat (available from your local Pennard Vets branch) to provide your cat with a cool sleeping area, or make your own by freezing a large bottle of water and wrapping it in a towel. Ensure your cat can move away from the cool mat if they choose.
Avoiding dehydration:
- Place several bowls of water in different locations, both indoors and outside. Cats will drink more if the bowl is filled to the brim with water, and placed away from the food bowl.
- Some cats prefer running water – a water fountain is ideal.
- Most cats prefer metal or ceramic water bowls, rather than plastic ones.
If you have any further questions about any aspects of your pet’s health, please do not hesitate to contact us.
