Keep your cat cool as the weather heats up

June 29, 12:14 PMCats ExaminerBarbara Kohn

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Make sure you outdoor cat has plenty of cool water

Just like people, when the temperatures soar, your cat is at risk of heat stroke or exhaustion.  Here are a few things that you can do to help your feline companion get through the extremely hot days of summer.

If don’t have air conditioning, which of course could help you and your pet on a very hot day, fans are your next best option. Ceiling fans are safest -- cats can knock down floor fans or get their paws inside the screens -- and provide good ventilation to keep your cat cool.

Here are some other tips from Full Petential

Have plenty of water around. Place ice cubes or chips inside your cat's water bowls to help make the water more refreshing and to encourage your cat to drink. Consider adding a cup of Gatorade to the bowl of water, which can help keep a cat’s electrolytes level high and prevent dehydration.

Indoor cats should have a cool place to relax. You might want to leave a little water inside the bathtub or sinks so your cat can play in the water to cool off.

For both indoor and outdoor cats with long hair, consider trimming the cat's fur to help it keep cool.

You also might want to fill plastic bottles with water and put them in the freezer (leave room for the water’s expansion). When the bottles are frozen, let your kitty play with them.

Hopefully your cat will not get overheated, but here are the signs of overheating, according to the ASPCA. They include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They also can include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature. An overheated cat also may have bright red gums.

If your cat does get overheated, cool it down gradually, not quickly. Apply cool -- not cold -- tap water all over its body. You can use a damp towel.  If your cat doesn't perk up after getting cooled down, see your vet.