Grooming tips to keep your cat cool

Looking for ways to help your cat stay cool?

Fun fact: One of the biggest ways cats cool down is through grooming. When cats lick their fur, the saliva evaporates and helps lower their body temperature, similar to how sweat evaporates to cool humans. But while most cats are pretty good at grooming themselves, they might need a little extra help when the temperatures rise.

So where do you start? And what about shaving – does it actually help cats stay cool?

Let's dive into hot-weather grooming tips, what to focus on, and when to consider taking other measures to cool your cat.

Look for signs of overheating

Cats are naturally built for warm climates, but even they can struggle with excessive heat. It's pretty typical for warm cats to seek out cool surfaces and reduce their activity levels during the hottest parts of the day.

But if you notice these other symptoms, it could be a sign of heatstroke:

• Weakness

• Panting

• Drooling

• Increased heart rate

• Skin that feels hot to the touch

In severe cases, cats may experience:

• Seizures

• Trembling

• Collapse

• Unconsciousness

• Disorientation

• Red gums

If you notice any of these symptoms (or anything your cat's doing that's concerning you, really), get your cat to a cooler location and call your vet ASAP.

Brush your cat frequently

Regular brushing sessions help remove excess fur and prevent matting, which can trap heat and cause discomfort. Long-haired breeds can especially benefit.

Try different brushes if you and your cat aren't fans of your current options. Special deshedding brushes can effectively remove the undercoat fur and keep your cat purring—we list a few options here.

Aim to brush your cat daily during the hot months to keep their coat light and airy. Once your cat gets used to the brushing routine, don't be surprised if they start begging for it!

Reconsider shaving your cat

While shaving your cat's fur might seem like a great way to keep them cool, it’s not always the best approach.

Cats' fur provides natural insulation against both heat and cold, so removing it completely can mess with their body's temperature regulation; not to mention increase their risk of developing other issues.

If your cat's prone to matting and regular brushing just isn't doing it, you might ask your vet and a professional groomer if trimming could be a good option--particularly for areas like the belly, hindquarters, and underarms.

If you think shaving is a must, make sure to consult with a professional groomer and your vet first!

Keep their paws cool

Cats sweat through their paw pads, so keeping the fur around them clean and trimmed might help them stay cool. But it's a small surface area, so results won't be drastic.

You can also gently wipe their paws with a damp cloth to help them cool down.

Bring on the water...with caution

Bathing your cat can help keep them cool, but let’s face it, not every cat is a fan of water.

If your cat tolerates baths, use lukewarm water and a mild, cat-friendly shampoo. Make sure the water isn't too cold or too hot.

For those water-loving cats (yes, they do exist!), you might even try a gentle sprinkler outside. Just make sure the water pressure is low and keep the experience pleasant for your cat.

For the majority of cats who would rather avoid a bath, you can also use grooming wipes or a damp cloth to gently wipe down their fur. This can help cool them off without the drama of a full bath.

Consider seeing a pro

While pros are a financial investment, they can also help with other grooming tasks like nail trimming and ear cleaning and help you avoid the stress and potential risks (read: scratched-up arms) that can come with DIY grooming.

Look into alternative cooling strategies

Looking for more ways to keep your cat cool? Try investing in a cooling mat or gel pad (or just DIY one with a frozen water bottle). These can provide a comfy, cool spot for your cat to relax.

To make the summer months easier, check out our guide to summer essentials for cats. You'll find recommendations for cooling mats, cat fountains for fresh drinking water, and sun protection for outdoor cats.

Keeping your cat cool during the summer is all about smart grooming, the right tools, and paying attention to signs of overheating.

Oh, and always reach out to your vet before taking drastic measures (like a full-body shave for your cat).

As you keep your feline friend cool and happy, it's also a good time to look into cat insurance. It can provide peace of mind knowing you're covered for any unexpected health issues that might arise.

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