Along with Siamese cats, Persian cats are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. Known for their flat faces, Persians have short noses, which can reduce their breathing efficiency. Additionally, Persians have long, thick coats that keep their body temperature higher than other breeds. As a result, Persians are more susceptible to heatstroke and overheating during hot and humid seasons.
If you’re a Persian cat owner, you must be particularly careful about the well-being of your beloved pet during the long, scorching summer season in Pakistan. In this blog, you’ll find valuable information and tips on how to keep your Persian cool during the summer.
Some of the following tips are similar to what we discussed in our blog on how to take care of your dog during the summer.
Keep Them Indoors and Cool
Ideally, your furry friend should stay inside the house, especially during the day. If possible, turn on the air conditioner and keep your Persian indoors. At the very least, use a fan to create air circulation for your cat. If you have a basement, keep its door open so your cat can go downstairs to cool off. Ensure there is plenty of airflow in your home to keep your Persian cat naturally cool.
Pull the Shades and Close the Curtains
During hot summer months, your Persian will naturally seek out cool surfaces like tile floors. If you don’t draw the curtains or close the shades, your home will quickly heat up. Keep them drawn until the evenings to maintain a cooler environment.
Play in the Morning or Evening
Staying inside the house all day can lead to laziness, which may result in weight gain for your Persian. Therefore, it’s important to engage them in some activity to keep them healthy. Schedule play sessions either in the morning or late evening when the temperatures are lowest. Keep these play sessions short. If it’s too hot outside, you can play with your Persian in the basement or in an air-conditioned room as an alternative.
Recognizing Signs of Overheating
Despite taking all the precautions, your Persian cat may still experience heat exhaustion. Look out for the following symptoms, and if you notice any of these in your cat, take it to the vet immediately:
- Unusual lethargy
- Rapid breathing
- Red tongue and mouth
- Vomiting
- Staggered or off-balance walk
- Panting
Provide Ice Cold Water
Ensure there are plenty of water dishes throughout the house. You can add ice cubes to the water to keep it cool, as cats are often more attracted to cold water during hot summer months. Some cats even enjoy playing with ice cubes on the floor.
Utilize Cooling Mats
One of the best ways to lower your cat’s body temperature is by using cooling mats. Place one where your Persian likes to nap. However, not every cat enjoys lying down on cooling mats. Alternatively, you can use a wet towel to wipe down your cat’s belly to help cool its body temperature.
Regular Grooming
As mentioned earlier, Persians are known for their long, thick coats. If not groomed regularly, the hair can become tangled and trap heat. Therefore, daily grooming sessions are important for removing excess hair and preventing matting. This will help keep your Persian cool and comfortable. Grooming sessions also allow you to identify ticks and other parasites.
We hope you find this information useful. If you’re a Persian cat owner and would like to share tips with our readers, please leave them in the comments section. If you’re interested in buying a Persian cat, you can check them out on OLX Pakistan.
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