As much as we love a bit of sunshine finally, the hot weather can be dangerous for our pets, especially cats and rabbits, who can really struggle when temperatures soar. Unlike us, they can’t strip off or head for a cold shower, so it’s up to us to help keep them cool, comfy, and safe.
Here are some simple tips to help your furry family members stay cool during heatwaves:
Cats
Here are Animed vet Jess’ top tips for keeping cats and rabbits safe and comfortable in the heat:
- · Ensure your cat has access to shady areas and keep an eye on them as they naturally gravitate towards warm spots such as greenhouses.
- · Hydration is very important! Ensure water bowls and water bottles are regularly topped up.
- · Move rabbit hutches into the shade or set up an umbrella to provide a block from the full sun. Try setting up a scratching post in a shady area. · Regularly groom cats and rabbits to remove excess fur.
- · A damp cloth to lie on can help rabbits cool down.
- · Like dogs, pay particular attention to flatter-faced cat breeds such as Persians. Their skull shape and smaller airways means they are more likely to overheat in the hot weather and struggle to breathe.
- · If your pet is suffering, the sooner they are treated the better the outcome with be so please call your vet immediately for further advice.
- · Fleas thrive in warm and humid conditions which is why they are a particular problem during the summer. Be sure to keep up to date with your pet’s flea treatment and keep an eye out for any of the pesky critters.
Rabbits
- If your rabbits live outdoors, make sure their hutch is always in a shady spot. Use sun umbrellas or reflective covers to block direct sunlight.
- Freezing bottles of water and just wrapping in a towel and place them in the hutch or run. Your rabbits can lie next to them to cool down.
- Fresh greens & hydration water bowls not just bottles are often easier for rabbits to drink from. Add a few water-rich greens such as romaine lettuce or cucumber to keep them hydrated.
- Try and keep the hutches or bed area clean and dry, damp bedding can cause flies and heat stress. Check for flystrike daily in summer months.
- No handling in the heat: Rabbits can overheat quickly if stressed or overhandled, so give them space and quiet during the hottest parts of the day.
If your pet shows any signs of heatstroke, such as been lethargic, drooling, rapid breathing, or collapsed seek immediate vet advice. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, as it could be a matter of life or death for them. They haven’t got a voice to be able to tell us or shout at us when they are too hot.