As summer approaches, you may find your feline friend spending quite a bit of time sprawled out in sunbeams. Fluffy doesn’t actually run on solar power, but she does love to charge her catteries by sunbathing! Even if your pet loves summer, it’s important to remember that, like all seasons, it does present some specific hazards for kitties. A Fort Bragg, NC vet offers some seasonal cat care tips below.

Heat is extremely dangerous for cats! Fluffy can only sweat through her paw pads, and panting doesn’t cool her down very effectively. Make sure your furball always has fresh water. Your pet may enjoy drinking from a kitty fountain. You can also give her a few ice cubes on occasion.

Cats are pretty good about keeping themselves clean, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use some help. Brushing Fluffy regularly will remove the dead fur and dander from her coat. This will help keep her cooler.

Fleas and ticks are out in force at this time of year. These tiny monsters will not only make your kitty miserably itchy, they also can transmit deadly diseases. Keep up with your feline buddy’s parasite control products!

Fluffy may really enjoy fun outdoor kitty activities, like chasing mice and leaving pawprints on your car. However, she’s much safer inside, where she isn’t exposed to hazards like traffic, weather, and wild animals.

Want to score some extra purrs? Make a hammock bed for your furry pal. You’ll need a table or end table with four legs, some sturdy fabric, and twine or Velcro. Attach the corners of the fabric to the legs. Then, tell your cat to stay out. She’ll jump right in! You can also point a fan at or above Fluffy’s bed.

Do you have a screened-in porch or patio? This is a great time to make it into a catio! Add some pet-safe plants for Fluffy to sniff at and nibble on. The ASPCA has a great list of non-toxic plants available here . Then, put in some kitty furniture. If you have a yard and you want to go all-out, build your feline overlord her own screened-in enclosure. You can find some great plans online.

Please contact us, your Fort Bragg, NC vet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!