As a historic heat wave sweeps across much of the United States through the Fourth of July weekend, Alley Cat Allies’ Rapid Response Team is on the ground to support cats and kittens through record high temperatures.
Support Our Heat Wave Response
Cats instinctively know where to find cool, shaded areas. However, in extreme weather scenarios, a helping hand—or bowl—can make a big difference. That’s why Alley Cat Allies is bringing hydrating wet cat food to communities where it will have the most impact.
Just today, our team has delivered thousands of meals’ worth of nutritious canned food—all at no cost to cat caregivers.
Delivering Hydrating Cat Food in Virginia
Among those communities is Richmond, Virginia, which is expecting severe heat over the next few days. By Thursday, the heat index is predicted to reach as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Our team is delivering cases of wet cat food to ensure the Richmond SPCA’s food bank is stocked.
Richmond community members can come pick up the food and be ready to provide extra hydration and nutrition to the cats they care for (like Bob the orange tabby, who is benefiting from the many meals delivered by our Rapid Response Team). Not only is this resource important during the extreme temperatures ahead, it also plays an essential role in Keeping Families TogetherTM.
“By providing this assistance, [Alley Cat Allies] prevents these animals from needing to be surrendered to a shelter,” said Katie DeSanto, Coordinator of Stewardship at the Richmond SPCA. “It is better for both the animal’s and caretaker’s well-being to allow them to stay together.”
Stocking a Food Bank in Florida
In Jacksonville, Florida, which is also under an “excessive heat” advisory, Alley Cat Allies’ team is bringing extra wet food to EveryPet, a Florida-based affordable veterinary care organization, to ensure local caregivers have what they need.
Why wet food? Because it’s the best option to help cats get the nutrients and hydration they need to stay cool. For cats, it’s more natural to take in moisture through the food they eat. As such, they have a low “thirst drive” and often aren’t drawn to drinking water directly.
However, affording wet food is a challenge for caregivers across the country. Through the current heat wave and throughout the year, Alley Cat Allies is committed to improving access to care—including cat food. It’s all to help community cats like Baby, pictured below with a meal of wet food from our heat wave response delivery.
Important Heat Wave Cat Care Tips
In addition to on-the-ground action, Alley Cat Allies is sharing more tips to keep cats cool and safe during the extreme heat wave.
From providing outdoor shelters in shaded areas to feeding extra wet food (and adding a little water to boost hydration), caregivers can find our tips at alleycat.org/HeatWave.
Alley Cat Allies is also reminding caregivers to watch their cats for signs of heatstroke. Cats can start to suffer from heat exhaustion, the beginning stages of heatstroke, in a matter of minutes.
Symptoms to watch for are detailed in the link above. If you see any of them, contact a veterinarian immediately.
We Can Respond Because of Your Support
Through even the most urgent emergencies, Alley Cat Allies’ Rapid Response Team can jump into action to protect cats because of you. Your gift today supports our emergency response throughout the year. Give today at alleycat.org/Donate.