Summer safety for Houston cats

May 13, 1:53 PMHouston Cats ExaminerKirsten Alvarez

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There are also other ways to keep cool in summer

It's hot. And that's nothing new for Houston. The summer months are here and for us, that means putting away our sweaters and jackets. For cats, however, it means shedding a bit and trying to adapt. 

Adapting is something cats tend to do very well, but the Houston heat can be hard on our furry friends. In a house left alone, there may be little to do other than lay in the shade on some tile.  However, there are easy ways to ensure your cat is safe throughout this summer:

• Leave the air conditioning set at reasonable level when you leave — and by a reasonable level, we mean around 90 degrees. It's still hot, but not so much that kitty can't find a comfortable spot.
   
• Put non-toxic sunscreen on your cat  — I know, it sounds a little strange, but cats (espeically those with pink noses and paws) can get sunburned! Watch cats with white fur the most on this one. Put the sunscreen on the nose and ears and always check with your vet before using any sunscreen to make sure the brand you got will be fine. 
  • This is for outdoor cats AND indoor cats, as they can get burned by laying in front of windows as well.
     
• Make sure fresh water is plentiful — so kitties don't get dehyrdated.
   
• Make outside time a minimum — cats can only release body heat by panting and through the pads of their feet so they have a harder time releasing heat from their bodies like humans. 
   
• Do not leave your cat in the car, even for a few minutes  — on a cool day with the window down, this would be OK. But, in the summer months, even if the window is down all the way, the car can get way too hot.
   
• Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion — Heavy panting, rapid pulse, vomiting and lethargy are all danger signs.

Another way to cool down your kitty? Try giving him or her the lion cut for the summer!