AVOIDING SUMMERTIME HAZARDS

By Laurie Rich




As the mercury soars during a long, hot summer, it's up to you to make sure your kitty stays cool -- and, most important, healthy. Here are some important tips for keeping your kitty safe during the hot summer days.

Never leave your cat unattended in a vehicle -- not even for just a few minutes. On a summer day with an 85-degree temperature, for example, and even with your car windows slightly open, the inside temperature of your vehicle can climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and up to 120 degrees in 20 minutes. A pet whose body temperature rises to 107-108 degrees can, within a very short amount of time, suffer brain damage, heatstroke, or suffocation.

Always provide plenty of fresh water. Water can evaporate quickly on hot days. It's important to keep your pet hydrated, so always ensure your cat has a fresh supply of cool liquids. If it's especially warm inside your house, try floating a few ice cubes in your kitty's water bowl to help cool it down.

Keep hairballs under control. When the heat rises, your cat will begin shedding its winter coat. Coughing up a hairball is not only a source of discomfort for your cat, it can pose a potential danger by blocking the passage of digested food through the intestines, causing an impaction. Keep your kitty safe and comfortable by regularly brushing its coat.

Don't let fleas and mosquitoes win the war. Summertime is particularly bad for fleas and mosquitoes, making it even more important to protect your kitty from painful itching associated with flea bites and from the possibility of contracting heartworm from mosquito bites. Talk with your veterinarian about using a monthly topical treatment such as Revolution, which will protect your kitty from these pests.

Watch out for sunburn. Yes, it's true -- your cat can get sunburned. White cats, or cats with white ears and faces, are particularly susceptible. Over a period of time, exposure to sun can cause squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer found most often on the tips of the ears and nose. An early sign is a sore that does not heal or that bleeds. Cats should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible, and if they must be in the sun, you can help prevent sunburn by using a sunscreen on their ears and noses. Your veterinarian can recommend one which will not be harmful if ingested. Never apply a sunscreen not specifically labeled for use on animals.

Check your screen doors and windows for tears and a secure fit. Your kitty may enjoy a cooling breeze on the windowsill. But a cat leaning against a loose or improperly-fastened screen may fall. This can be life-threatening depending on the height of the building. In fact, the problem is so prevalent that veterinarians have a name for it: High-Rise Syndrome. Ensure that your screens are sturdy and are snugly installed.

Give a bit more TLC to kitties with special needs. Senior cats, very young kittens, and sick or debilitated animals are more sensitive to hot weather. Keep your special pets cool at all times and watch them closely for signs of heat-related illness.

Monitor your cat for symptoms of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, so if you suspect your cat has heatstroke, act quickly. Move your cat to a cool place and wrap it in cool wet towels. Immediately contact your veterinarian for further instructions. Symptoms of heatstroke include:

Summer should be a fun season for one and all. With just a few precautions, you can keep your kitty safe and healthy during hot summer days.