This week and through the Fourth of July weekend, an extreme heat wave is set to bring record-breaking temperatures across much of the eastern United States. Thursday and Friday could see the most historic highs, according to weather reports.
To help caregivers protect cats both outdoors and indoors, Alley Cat Allies is sharing critical information and tips to keep cats cool and safe.
Community cats are highly savvy and adapted to outdoor living. They instinctively know how to find cool, shaded areas to wait out high temperatures. However, caregivers can still step in to provide support—especially in extreme weather like the incoming heat wave.
1. Provide outdoor shelters for community cats
Outdoor shelters give community cats important options to escape from the heat. Be sure to only place cat shelters in shaded areas and on grass or dirt (concrete holds heat). If possible, elevating the shelter onto wooden planks or bricks will help keep air circulating.
The ideal summer outdoor shelter will also have two openings for air to escape, so hot air can cycle through it.
Alley Cat Allies has examples of options for inexpensive outdoor shelters to purchase and easy DIY outdoor shelters for cats in our shelter gallery.
2. Place cooling items under shelter bedding
For outdoor shelters, frozen water bottles can be nestled under straw or other bedding and replaced as they melt.
For cats indoors, use the same technique or consider providing cooling mats. Place these under thin sheets or other bedding as well, as some cats don’t enjoy the sensation of the bare cooling mats under their paws.
3. Feed cats extra wet food
Cats have a low “thirst drive” because they instinctively look to get the moisture they need from the food they eat. That’s why wet food is always the best option for cats over dry food!
To help cats stay even more hydrated, you can mix a little water into the wet food. Take care not to thin it out too much, or cats may not eat it.
When providing wet food to community cats, pick up any uneaten food after 30 minutes to ensure it does not overheat or attract insects. Placing the wet food bowl in a “moat”, or another container filled with a little bit of water, will keep ants and other insects away. A ring of food-grade diatomaceous earth can also be sprinkled around the bowl.
4. Give cats constant access to water
During an extreme heat wave, the key is to give cats options to stay hydrated. Even while feeding cats wet food, make sure they also have access to clean, cool water. Provide plenty of fresh water sources and top them off throughout the day.
To help the water last, you can use deep water bowls that keep liquid cool longer, place the bowls in the shade, or partially freeze the water in the bowls before setting them out.
5. Watch cats for signs of heatstroke
In extreme temperatures, cats can develop heatstroke in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. This is a serious medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. If you see signs of heat exhaustion in cats, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Heatstroke symptoms in cats include:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Restlessness or pacing
- Unusually red or pale gums or tongue
- Lethargy
- Difficulty balancing and walking
- Diarrhea or vomiting
6. Take steps to keep your house cool
For cats living indoors, actionable steps keep cool air inside the home and hot air out.
- Ensure blinds and curtains on your windows are closed during sunlight hours. Use blackout curtains and/or UV-blocking sheets or films on your windows to block out the heat of the sun and save energy.
- Keep the door closed. Try to minimize the number of times you open doors and windows in peak daylight hours to prevent letting cool air out of the home.
- Turn off electronics when not in use. Additionally, avoid running appliances like laundry machines, dryers, or ovens, which can pump heat into the home.
More Hot Weather Tips
Find more information about hot weather care for outdoor cats with Alley Cat Allies’ summer weather tips.
Please stay safe throughout the upcoming heat wave and take care of yourselves and your animals. Alley Cat Allies will be providing more urgent heat wave support throughout the week, and we will keep you updated.