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Working from home all hot and sweaty, sipping a Coke Zero with ice, I somehow still muster the energy to kiss my cat… at least three times an hour. He’s all clammy. I can literally feel his sweat somehow.
My overheated, delirious mind asks –
Should I shave my cat?
I looked into it. The simple answer is no, please do not shave your cat.
And that’s because cats are smart. Their fur has been designed so perfectly that it’s an asset to them come rain or shine. It feels obvious that our cats use their fur to keep warm and snuggly in winter, but in the summer, it actively keeps them cool! Each furry fibre traps the cool air between their coat and their skin, acting like a fluffy ice pack for our kittens.
It’s good to keep their fur nicely groomed (please, by a professional if it’s anything extravagant). Overgrooming can actually cause overheating as their coat is no longer long enough to function the way it’s designed to. Those trendy little lion haircuts you might see on the gram could actually be more of a hindrance for your housemate.
What can I do to keep my cat cool in the summer?
– Always make sure they have access to shady spots, especially our precious house cats who might not have access to the breezy outdoors.
– Fresh water should be available at all times, hydration is key.
– Keep on top of brushing, particularly for our long-haired pals to comb out any excess hair that could be keeping them a little warmer than necessary.
– Cooling mats and ice packs can also be a huge help, as well as a few ice cubes in their water (or even just to push around the floor).
– You can even use cat-safe sun cream on your cat’s more exposed areas like their nose and ears if they are seasoned sun loungers.
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