Tips and tricks to keep your cat comfortable in the summer
What is summer fatigue in cats?
Summer is finally here, and it looks like we'll be experiencing another round of scorching hot days this year. This dangerous heat, which is life-threatening for humans, can also affect the health of cats. Did you know that even indoor cats can suffer from summer fatigue?
Summer fatigue is not a disease. The summer heat disrupts the autonomic nervous system, causing symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue. Unlike heatstroke, which causes sudden illness, summer fatigue is characterized by a chronic condition that lasts for several days to several weeks.
What causes summer fatigue?
Just like humans, sudden rises in room temperature and high humidity can cause summer fatigue. Cats only have sweat glands in their paws and part of their nose, so it's difficult for them to sweat like humans and lower their body temperature through evaporative cooling. Furthermore, Japanese summers are humid, and the air contains a lot of moisture, so even a small amount of sweat cannot evaporate sufficiently. As a result, heat builds up in the body, causing summer fatigue.
In addition to heat, cats can also become ill if the air conditioning is too strong. The cool air from the air conditioner accumulates at the bottom, so it can hit cats trying to cool off on the floor.
Cat breeds prone to summer fatigue
All cats can suffer from summer fatigue, but it is said that long-haired cats , whose long fur traps heat easily, short-haired cats with double coats that have a two-layered structure, and brachycephalic cats with flat noses that make it difficult for them to breathe, are particularly susceptible to summer fatigue. Other cats that have difficulty regulating their body temperature and are prone to falling ill include kittens whose bodies are not yet fully developed, senior cats whose physical functions are declining, cats whose immune systems are weakened by illness , and overweight cats. These cats are also prone to heatstroke, so be careful.
The difference between summer fatigue symptoms and heat stroke
Summer fatigue has distinctive symptoms. Cats instinctively have a habit of hiding when they're not feeling well, so it's important not to miss your cat's silent signs. We'll also explain the difference between summer fatigue and heatstroke, which may seem similar but are different.
[Symptoms of summer fatigue]
If you suffer from summer fatigue, you may experience the following symptoms:
Loss of appetite
The heat can weaken the stomach and intestines, causing a loss of appetite. If your child normally eats a lot but starts leaving food on their plate or stops eating altogether, it's important to be careful.
Feeling exhausted
As your appetite decreases, your physical strength will decrease and you will become lethargic and sluggish.
No grooming
Grooming not only keeps the body clean, but also moistens the fur with saliva and lowers body temperature through evaporative cooling. When the body heat builds up due to summer fatigue, saliva production becomes difficult, preventing grooming and preventing the body temperature from lowering. This can also cause the fur to lose its shine.
Reduced water intake and urine output
A decrease in urine output may indicate dehydration, which, if prolonged, increases the risk of kidney and urinary problems.
You have diarrhea or vomiting
This symptom occurs when the heat puts strain on your digestive system, and if it occurs repeatedly, it may be a sign of dehydration or another illness.
[Symptoms of heat stroke]
If your pet is panting and breathing with difficulty, or has bloodshot eyes, it may be suffering from heatstroke. Furthermore, if your pet is foaming at the mouth or drooling, it's in danger. Please be extra careful to avoid situations where you notice the symptoms have progressed.
Preventive measures against summer fatigue
Cats cannot change their environment on their own. Only their owners can create a room that is less likely to suffer from summer fatigue. There are various measures you can take to protect your beloved cat.
[Room temperature and humidity control]
First, use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to maintain the optimal room temperature and humidity for cats. The average humidity in Japan during the summer is said to be 50-60%, and can reach as high as 75%. For cats, a humidity level of around 50% is generally recommended, and the recommended room temperature year-round is around 20-23°C . It's okay to keep the temperature a little higher in the summer, but be sure to keep the air conditioning under control.
When using air conditioning, it is important to adjust the direction of the airflow or use a circulator to circulate the air so that the cold air does not hit the cat directly.
[Replenish moisture]
Encourage your pet to drink water by providing water sources in various locations or using automatic water dispensers. Some pets are apparently interested in running water. However, even though they may seem healthy, do not give them deep ocean water with a high magnesium content or special hard water sold overseas. There is a risk of struvite urolithiasis caused by magnesium. Also, although it varies depending on where you live, tap water with a high hardness can also cause kidney stones, so be careful. Giving your pet liquid treats or wet food with a high water content can also help with hydration.
If your pet drinks very little water, it may not like the container it's in. Try different containers to find one that suits it best.
[Brushing and summer cut]
Brushing helps to expel some of the heat that has accumulated in your cat's body. This is because the air trapped between the fur lowers the perceived temperature. For long-haired cats, which tend to retain heat, brushing and giving them a summer cut is one way to go. However, a summer cut makes the cat's skin more exposed to sunlight, so be sure to take measures to protect it from UV rays, such as dressing it in clothes when going outside.
In addition, for cats with pale pigmentation and prone to dermatitis, such as white cats, even when they are indoors, you will need to take measures such as putting UV-blocking film on windows and using blackout curtains.
[Provide cooling products]
When cats are hot, they will release heat by touching their bodies to cool objects. We recommend adding a cooling blanket or dehumidifying item to your cat's usual bed. Leave the door open so that your cat can easily go to its sleeping place when it's hot.
How to deal with summer fatigue
Even if you have taken all necessary precautions, if you notice any unusual behavior in your pet, you should take it to the hospital as soon as possible. If your pet is dehydrated, you can get an IV drip, and if your pet is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, you can get prescribed medicine or a therapeutic diet.
Related article: Column "Creating a comfortable space for cats who are sensitive to humidity"
Onddoka products
We also offer beds made from natural materials that can be used all year round, as well as dehumidifying mattresses and pillows. This summer, we have added cooling blankets to our lineup.
In addition to our regular collars, we have also created a new cooling collar to help your beloved cat spend a comfortable summer.
