The Moggy Mewsletter: Keeping Your Feline Friends Cool During the Heatwave

Hello kitty clients welcome to this special edition of the Moggy Mewsletter! As I write this, we’re experiencing quite the scorcher here in Worcester and Droitwich, and I know many of you are concerned about keeping your precious fur babies comfortable during this heatwave. With temperatures soaring and the hot weather set to continue for a few more days yet, I wanted to share some essential advice on keeping your cats safe and cool.

As someone who spends my days caring for your beloved felines (and keeping my own two kitties, Tifa and Yennefer, comfortable at home), I’ve learned a thing or two about managing the heat. So grab yourself a cold drink, find a shady spot, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about heatwave cat care!

Unlike us humans who can sweat all over to cool down, our feline friends have a much more limited cooling system. Cats only have sweat glands in their paw pads, which means they rely heavily on other methods to regulate their temperature. You might notice your cat:

• Panting (though less commonly than dogs)
• Grooming more frequently – as their saliva evaporates, it helps cool them
• Stretching out on cool surfaces – you’ve probably found them sprawled on bathroom tiles!
• Becoming less active during the hottest parts of the day

The concerning bit is that cats can be quite stoic creatures, often hiding discomfort until it becomes serious. This makes it crucial for us to be proactive about their cooling needs rather than reactive.

Before we get into prevention, it’s vital to know the warning signs that your cat is struggling with the heat. Early recognition can literally be a lifesaver:

Early Signs of Heat Stress:

• Excessive panting or open-mouth breathing
• Drooling (unusual for most cats)
• Restlessness or agitation
• Sweaty paw pads
• Excessive grooming
• Seeking out cool surfaces obsessively

Serious Heatstroke Symptoms (EMERGENCY):

• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Bright red or pale gums
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stumbling or weakness
• Lethargy or collapse
• Body temperature over 40°C (104°F)

If you notice any serious symptoms, immediately move your cat to a cool area, offer water, apply cool (not cold) water to their paws and ears, and contact your vet urgently!

Keeping your cats well-hydrated is absolutely crucial during a heatwave. Here’s what I do for Tifa and Yennefer at home, and what I recommend for all my clients:

Multiple Water Stations

Set up water bowls in every room your cat frequents. I’ve found that having 4-5 bowls around the house means they’re never far from a drink. Pro tip: cats often prefer their water away from their food, so don’t just add extra bowls near their feeding station!

Fresh Water Frequently

Change the water at least twice daily during hot weather. Cats are notoriously fussy about stale water, and warm water is even less appealing to them.

Make It Interesting

• Ice cubes: Some cats love batting at ice cubes in their water – it’s entertainment and cooling!
• Water fountains: Many cats prefer moving water. The Smart Choice cooling mat is perfect for cats, but a good water fountain can be equally important
• Flavour boost: A tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth (cooled) can encourage drinking

Wet Food Bonus

If your cat usually eats dry food, consider adding some wet food to their diet during hot weather. The extra moisture content helps with hydration. You can even add a tablespoon of water to their wet food for an extra boost.

Your home should be a cool sanctuary during the heatwave. Here’s how I’ve set up my own home and what I recommend:

Window Management

Keep curtains or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day (typically 11am-4pm). This simple action can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees. I keep all south-facing windows covered throughout the day.

Air Circulation

Fans are your friend! Position them to create air flow through your home. A neat trick: place a bowl of ice water in front of the fan for an extra cooling effect. Just ensure the fan is secure and your curious kitty can’t knock it over!

Cool Retreats

• Leave bathroom doors open – those tile floors are naturally cooler
• Create shaded spots with cardboard boxes or cat tents
• Ensure access to rooms that stay coolest (often north-facing)
• Consider leaving wardrobe doors open – cats often find these spots cooler

Avoiding Heat Traps

Keep cats out of conservatories, greenhouses, or cars during hot weather. These spaces can become dangerously hot very quickly.

Cooling mats have become increasingly popular, and for good reason! They can provide significant relief for our feline friends. Here’s what you need to know:

How Cooling Mats Work

Self cooling mats are activated by weight or pressure. No water, refrigeration or electricity is required. The gel inside absorbs your cat’s body heat, providing a cool surface that’s typically 5-10°C below room temperature.

Recommended Options Available in the UK:

• Premium Choice: The Ultimate Cooling Pet Mat from Help For Paws – Made with super cooling, pet safe, non toxic material
• Budget-Friendly: The Magic Toy Shop cooling mats (available on Amazon)
• Multi-Pet Household: All For Paws Chill Out mats
• Travel-Friendly: Pecute folding cooling mats

Getting Your Cat to Use Cooling Mats

Some cats take to cooling mats immediately, while others need encouragement:

• Place the mat in their favourite sleeping spot
• Sprinkle some catnip on it initially
• Put a thin blanket over it at first if they’re unsure about the texture
• Be patient – it might take a few days!

DIY Alternatives

• Damp towels (not soaking) placed in their bed
• Frozen water bottles wrapped in towels
• Ceramic tiles from DIY stores make excellent cooling surfaces

During a heatwave, it’s crucial to be prepared for emergencies. Here are your local emergency contacts:

Worcester Emergency Vets:

Vets Now Worcester (24/7 Emergency Care)

• Location: Severn Veterinary Centre, Berkeley House, Berkeley Way, Warndon Villages, Worcester, WR4 9UP
• Emergency Phone: 01905 780404
• Open nights, weekends, and bank holidays

Droitwich Area:

For Droitwich clients, your nearest emergency option is the Worcester Vets Now above. During regular hours:

• Vets4Pets Droitwich: 01905 792 300
• Macarthur Barstow & Gibbs: 01905 773262

Create an Emergency Kit:

• Digital thermometer (normal cat temperature: 38-39°C)
• Electrolyte solution (ask your vet for pet-safe options)
• Cooling packs (wrapped in towels)
• Your vet’s emergency number saved in your phone
• A carrier ready in a cool location

During extreme heat, adjusting your cat’s routine can make a huge difference:

Feeding Times

• Feed during cooler hours (early morning and late evening)
• Smaller, more frequent meals are easier to digest in heat
• Remove uneaten wet food quickly as it spoils faster in heat

Grooming

• Daily brushing helps remove excess fur and allows better heat dissipation
• For long-haired cats, consider a summer trim (consult your groomer)
• Never shave your cat completely – their coat provides some sun protection

Playtime

• Limit active play to early morning or late evening
• Use puzzle feeders instead of chase toys during the day
• Mental stimulation without physical exertion is ideal

Some cats need extra attention during heatwaves:

High-Risk Categories:

• Elderly cats (over 10 years)
• Kittens (under 6 months)
• Overweight cats
• Flat-faced breeds (Persians, Exotic Shorthairs)
• Cats with medical conditions (heart disease, respiratory issues)
• Long-haired breeds

These cats may need:

• More frequent monitoring
• Additional cooling measures
• Possible grooming interventions
• Consultation with your vet about specific needs

Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what to avoid:

Never:

• Use ice-cold water directly on your cat (gradual cooling is safer)
• Leave cats in cars, conservatories, or sheds
• Force them to stay on cooling mats
• Over-wet their fur (damp is fine, soaking is not)
• Use human cooling products or medications
• Ignore early warning signs hoping they’ll “adapt”

While we’re dealing with the current heatwave, it’s worth thinking ahead:

Invest in Summer Essentials:

• Quality cooling mats
• Pet water fountains
• Portable fans
• Blackout curtains for south-facing windows
• Pet-safe electrolyte supplements

Home Improvements:

• Consider air conditioning for at least one room
• Install UV-blocking window film
• Create permanent shaded areas in gardens (if your cats go outside)

During heatwaves, I take extra precautions when visiting your fur babies:

• Temperature monitoring in your home where possible
• Cooling mat positioning if needed
• Extra attention to cats in high-risk categories
• Immediate contact if I notice any concerning symptoms

Rest assured, your cats’ safety is my absolute priority during these hot spells. I’m experienced in recognizing heat stress and know exactly what to do in an emergency.

Final Thoughts and Reminders

As we navigate this heatwave together, remember that prevention is always better than cure. Keep those water bowls filled, curtains closed, and cooling mats ready. Our feline friends rely on us to keep them safe when the mercury rises.

If you’re one of my regular clients and have any concerns about your cat during this hot weather, don’t hesitate to WhatsApp me or drop me an email. I’m always happy to discuss specific cooling strategies for your individual cats or arrange additional visits if needed.

For those of you who aren’t yet part of our Moggy Daycare family, please head over to our enquiry form if you’d like to ensure your cats have professional care during future heatwaves or holidays.

Stay cool, keep those purr-babies comfortable, and remember – this heat won’t last forever (though it might feel like it!). We’ll get through this together, one bowl of fresh water and cooling mat at a time.

Meow-tastic regards,
Adam

P.S. Give your kitties some extra chin scratches from me, and maybe slip them an ice cube to bat around – Tifa and Yennefer absolutely love chasing them across the kitchen floor! 🐱❄️

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Remember: This guide is for general information. If you have any serious concerns about your cat’s health during the heatwave, always contact your vet immediately. Better safe than sorry when it comes to our feline family members!

AI Notice: This article has been written with the assistance of Claude Ai, the images within the article have been generated using AI tools