Is YOUR Cat a HOT Mess?

It really has been HOT here lately. Don't have central air, so the cats and I are looking for cool places to be. Do have an air conditioner in a living room window which helps, but it hit 95 here yesterday! We don't normally get to those kind of temperatures until August. As I was looking through my Catster magazine, I found an article about keeping your cats cool. Will share with you and see what answers you would give.

1.Your weather app indicates it's going to be a scorcher of a day! Your home isn't air conditioned, so how do you keep your cat comfortable?

     a. Place fans near their favorite resting spots as well as food and water dishes.
     b. Place one fan by their food and water dishes so they can feel cool while they drink and eat.
     c. Take deep breaths and blow cool air on them throughout the day.
     d. Nothing special; cats are adaptable.

2. You have to leave for several hours, and the temps are escalating. What kind of cool treat should you leave for your kitty?

     a. Catsicles (wet food that's been frozen in plastic cups and then put into your cat's dish)
     b. Refrigerated wet cat food.
     c. Plain water is just fine for a cooldown.
     d. A banana milkshake obviously.

3. The heat is boiling, and even indoor cats have an increased need for fresh water during the summer months. How do you keep your cat's water dish cool and refreshing while you're away from home?

     a. Place ice cubes in a cat fountain, which provides a constant flow of oxygenated water.
     b. Place ice cubes in your cat's water bowl.
     c. Give your cat fresh, cool water right away in the morning, when you get home, and before you go to bed.
     d. Give your cat fresh, cool water right away in the morning. Good enough!

4. Signs of heatstroke include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting, and collapsing. How do you protect your cat's rising body temp from the dog days of summer?

     a. Place frozen water bottle in your cat's bed and other regular resting places.
     b. Regularly rub you kitty down with a cool washcloth. 
     c. Fill up a baby pool, and let it take a dip.
     d. Grab electric clippers, and start shavin' the kitty coat!

5. Your cat needs comfortable places to sleep during a heat wave. How do you help that hot cat find its cool while you're gone for the day?

     a. Make sure rooms with cool floors, like basements, are easily accessible.

     b. Move kitty's food and litter box to the bathroom creating a cozy one-room sanctuary with cool sinks and tubs for napping.

     c. Move your cat's beds away from areas that heat up quickly.

     d. Close the windows so warm air stays outside.

6. Families can become busy during the summer, but cats still need play and interaction. What's the best way to keep your cat active during hot weather?

     a. Encourage play during the cooler hours of the morning and evening.
     b. Place their favorite interactive toys in the coolest parts of your home.
     c. Dance with them in front of an open freezer.
     d. Who wants to be active when it's hot?

7. It's unavoidable; You have to take your cat on a long car ride, and the heat is miserable. What's your plan?

     a. Keep the air conditioning blasting so you and kitty don't melt.

     b. If there's no AC, attach a portable fan to the carrier.

     c. Make sure he drinks plenty of water before the ride.

     d. Drive really fast so the trip is as short as possible.

What answers did you pick? Some were so funny you knew they weren't right, but that's okay. Next week we'll discuss the best way to help your cool cat keep its cool. If I have enough people respond, I can report that too. Let me know what you think.

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty.  Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night.  Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667