Summer Dangers for Cats

While summer is often a fun time for us, it can pose some increased

risks for our pets, including our cats.  A little knowledge and

prevention can help ensure your summer is enjoyable for everyone in

your family, including your pets.

Heatstroke is a very common and deadly problem for our pets.  Cats are

more sensible about regulating their body temperature when it is hot

outside than dogs, but underlying medical conditions such as heart

disease, which may not be apparent in normal circumstances, can be

exascerbated by heat and result in obvious symptoms of distress such as

open mouth breathing.  A regular exam by your vet each year can help

detect such problems early.  Never leave your pet unattended in a car

on hot summer days because the temperature rises quickly to levels that

can be fatal.  Even more temperate weather (70 degrees) can become

dangerous in enclosed cars in very short periods of time.  If you

suspect your cat is having difficulty with heatstroke, use cool, not

cold, water to help lower the body temperature and seek veterinary care

immediately.

There are many summer activities such as gardening that also pose

increased risks to pets.  Fertilizers and insecticides may contain

ingredients that can be deadly if ingested.  Many foods grown in

gardens such as tomato plants can also pose risks if ingested.  Plants

such as lilies cause kidney failure if ingested, even in small amounts.

For a complete list of common toxic plants and foods, visit the ASPCA

website.

Many people travel more in the summer to visit friends and family.

Always be careful that your pet cannot escape and get lost during

travel.  Having a microchip implanted can also help ensure if you do

become separated from your pet that you will be more likely to be

reunited since most shelters and vet offices scan all stray animals

they encounter to determine if the owner can be located.

Cats that are allowed to roam outside have increased risks for injury

including fights with other animals and getting hit by vehicles.  In

the summer, more animals are out roaming and the likelihood of a

danerous encounter is also higher.  If your cat does go outside, make

sure it is up to date on all recommended vaccines, including the rabies

vaccine and feline leukemia vaccine to help reduce the risk of deadly

disease transmission.

White cats and cats that have been groomed/shaved are at an increased

risk of sunburn.  Even indoor cats that spend time near windows

sleeping in the sun are at risk.  Besides being uncomfortable,

increased exposure to the UV rays may also pose a greater risk of

certain types of skin cancer developing in these cats.  The ears and

nose are common areas for potential problems.  Always monitor these

areas for any changes in the skin’s appearance, including changes in

pigment color and appearance.  Sunscreen for human babies is safe for

daily use on cats and may be used in lotion or spray form.  The

waterproof varieties tend to be more resistant to grooming.

Keeping these potential risks in mind can help prevent common but

dangerous health problems in your cats so that everyone can have a safe

and enjoyable summer.