If cats are more heat resistant than dogs, they are not invulnerable - Pixabay

  • International Cat Day is celebrated every August 8th. This year, it coincides with a heat wave to which animals are particularly sensitive.
  • Shade, water available, but no shower or mowing ... 20 Minutes takes stock of the recommendations to protect your cat from heat stroke.
  • These tips also apply to other pets.

Venerated as a God in ancient Egypt, associated with witchcraft during the Middle Ages and savior of the population in the face of the Black Death for his skills as a pest controler, he has often generated many myths and legends. But the cat is also that little ball of hair that snuggles up on your knees in the evening in front of the television. This Saturday, August 8 is International Cat Day, a date that this year coincides with one of the hottest days of the year. And if these felines are from North Africa, they are not invulnerable in the face of heat waves. 20 Minutes gives you some tips to avoid heatstroke.

Shade and cool

Like humans, cats can suffer from hot air in the house, so be sure to draw any blinds, shutters or curtains to protect the room from the sun. Etienne Andrieu de Lapierre, veterinarian in Paris explains: "If you may be tempted to open the windows wide to let the air circulate, it is better to close everything to avoid letting hot air in , with the exception of a small opening which allows air renewal. A ventilator can also relieve the little beast too. And, if it still had to be specified, the Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) reminds us that an animal should never be left in a car, even with a window ajar.

Like every year, the heatwave returns! ☀️

Discover our advice in this period of strong heat ➡️ https://t.co/EKskk88zje#Canicule #VosAnimauxOntChaud #NouSPArtageons

- The SPA France (@SPA_Officiel) July 31, 2020

Fresh water and moisturizing food

To avoid heatstroke, cats must also stay well hydrated. To do this, it is important to provide water in several places in the home or room and make sure that it is not in a place where it would be liable to evaporate too quickly. Changing it regularly helps keep it fresh. If this is not possible, Etienne Andrieu de Lapierre suggests “placing a block of ice under the cup to keep it cool. "

Your cat can also hydrate himself with his food, hence the need to offer him cooked vegetables, such as green beans, or pâtés rather than croquettes during this period. For the Cordons Bleues, Etienne Andrieu de Lapierre has a solution: “It is possible to make jelly cubes with fish broth. The cat will come directly to hydrate. This is ideal for the car trip, for example. "

Do not shave the coat, but brush it

A cat's coat may feel warm, and some might think it helps by shearing it. Bad idea ! The bristles serve as protection against heat. Only a few breeds with very long hairs can have their hairs shortened, but not to less than a centimeter. A close mowing would expose it more to sunburn. On the other hand, it is advisable to brush it regularly to remove any excess hair. For this, Etienne Andrieu de Lapierre recommends a “Furminator” brush which removes part of the undercoat. It preserves the coat by thinning it.

No shower, rather a cat toilet

Apart from a few (very cute) specimens that bathe on a few Instagram stories, cats are rather reluctant in the bath or in the shower. A cold or icy shower could even cause thermal shock. It is best to moisten your coat with lukewarm water using a glove or a damp towel. “This will help him regulate his temperature,” explains Etienne Andrieu de Lapierre.

Water for her pads

Like his buddy the dog, the cat has very sensitive pads that allow him to sense his surroundings. These pads are also very sensitive to heat. It is therefore possible to moisten them to help cool it off, especially when it comes back from outside.

Signs to watch

When your four-legged friend exhibits symptoms such as general weakness, tremors, very fast heartbeat, anxiety, unusually heavy breathing, diarrhea or vomiting, he should be taken urgently. to the vet ! The SPA reminds that one must be particularly attentive to brachycephalic animals, that is to say with very short muzzle. These are prone to respiratory problems. All these signs of heatstroke can lead to a coma… even death of the feline. Etienne Andrieu de Lapierre warns cat owners: “It can go very quickly. We must react at the first signs. "

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