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Our cats and the heat

By Gill Gray (Town Clerk/RFO) Westgate-on-Sea Town Council

Monday, 18 July 2022

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Westgate-on-Sea Town Council Contributor

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With the temperature looking to increase over the next few days, please be aware cats can suffer just as much as dogs in the heat. Although they are originally desert animals, house cats aren't built to withstand extreme heat for long periods of time. Like people, cats are also vulnerable to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. So, it’s important to watch out for signs your cat is overheated, especially during the summer months as temperatures rise. When you know that to look for, you can make sure Fluffy stays nice and chill. Unlike cats, kittens aren’t as experienced at keeping themselves cool. Therefore, you need to be extra attentive to new-born kittens to ensure their body temperatures are at the right level.

Symptoms to look for

· Breathing rapidly, racing pulse.

· Panting

· Drooling

· Red tongue and mouth.

· Vomiting.

· Lethargy.

· Increased heart rate

· Confusion and depression

· Stumbling or staggering.

· Rectal temperature over 40.5C/105F.

What to do if your cat is too hot

· Move your cat to somewhere cool.

· Offer water to drink.

· Spray cool water onto your cat's fur.

· Use a fan or any available breeze to help your cat to cool off.

· If possible, continue this treatment while transporting the cat to the vet, which you should do immediately.

· Have a regular supply of cool water available

· Keep your home well ventilated, either with air conditioning or by keeping the windows open - but not open wide if above ground floor level - cat's have a tendency to wander!!

· Alternatives involve keeping a bottle of frozen water in front of a fan

· Stoke them with a damp towel

· Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it in their preferred sleeping spot

· Try and avoid playing with them too much during the day, instead waiting for the cooler hours of the evening for play time.

If you are unsure take your cat/kitten to the vet IMMEDIATELY.

Contact Information

Trish Hamilton (Town Clerk)

  • 01843 836182
  • 01843 836182

Find Westgate-on-Sea Town Council

78 St Mildreds Road, Westgate-On-Sea, Kent, CT8 8RF

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Additional Information

The email address for the Town Clerk is townclerk@westgateonsea.gov.uk