Summer Cat Care
The last few weeks we have focused our summer series on our canine family members. This week we are going to discuss some tips to keep your feline friends safe this summer. Some people, due to space limitations or personal preference, choose to keep their cat outdoors or even have cats that are both indoor and outdoor. Special considerations need to be discussed in these cats that roam the wild outdoors.
It is a good idea to provide a safe and comfortable place for your cat to rest. A small cathouse equipped with easy escape is recommended. The floor of the cathouse can be covered in straw or a blanket to help the cat stay cool in the summer. An upside down plastic storage container with the lid as the floor and a hole cut out to enter and exit works great and is inexpensive. If straw bedding is used, it will need to be periodically changed. The straw can become moldy creating a variety of skin and respiratory problems.
Longhaired outdoor cats will need periodic grooming. These cats are prone to mats and debris caught in their hair. Removing the mats, which may require periodic shaving, will help reduce skin trauma and help the cat maintain proper body temperature. Most shorthaired cats do not require consistent grooming, but may need to be brushed occasionally. Removing the dead undercoat will also help your cat be able to regulate their body temperature easier.
Outdoor cats are typically quite active. Offering adequate nutrition is essential. Make sure the food offered is a good quality cat food. Offer food at least twice daily. Unfortunately, you may end up feeding more outdoor cats in your neighborhood than just yours or even the local wildlife. Always provide fresh clean water. Stagnant water pools or puddles are not proper alternatives for water sources and your outdoor cat could contract many different parasites from standing water.
A significant health concern for outdoor cats is the potential for traumatic injury. Being hit by a car, attacked by an animal or malicious injury from other people can result in serious injury or even death. It is very difficult to prevent these injuries in the outdoor cat. Many people do not know that cats can also be trained on an electronic fence. This allows your cat to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your backyard; although it does not keep other animals from coming in.
If your trash can is not properly sealed, ingestion of trash can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Keep all automotive items away from your cat. Many people change antifreeze in the spring and fall and exposure to antifreeze can be deadly. Make sure all toxic or dangerous chemicals are safely stored away. Herbicides, fertilizers and other lawn and garden supplies can pose a health threat. Keep these products safely away from your cat.
At Ash Veterinary Clinic and Emergency Center, we recommend annual physical exams for all cats, whether indoor or outdoor. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of illness is important. Make sure your outdoor cat is adequately protected from diseases by vaccinations. Have your cat checked for intestinal parasites and properly dewormed at least once or twice a year. In addition, fleas, ticks and flies are prevalent outdoors. Any skin irritation or wound can result in an infection that can attract other unwanted pests. Flea, tick and heartworm prevention are very important in the outdoor cat. By being outdoors, their exposure to mosquitoes is great and the possibility of contracting heartworms or fleas is increased. If you need to schedule an appointment to have your feline family member examined, please call Ash Veterinary Clinic and Emergency Center in Carleton at 734-782-2827.
