Ragdoll Cats Keeping Cool
At this time of year when temperatures can soar and even in the UK, normally known for rain and dreary weather, we have some hot summer days, it is important to make sure our cats don’t over-heat. Ragdolls are a long-haired breed and they can be susceptible to heat stroke and exhaustion in extreme temperatures. A rule of thumb is, if the temperatures are uncomfortable to you then it is likely they will affect your kitty too. However, don’t worry, Ragdolls do have some clever behaviours that help them keep cool and their long hair coats can actually help them too.
Ragdoll cats’ fur coats can help them cool down by trapping cool air and keeping it close to their skin. The fur also helps them regulate their body temperature and if they were shaved they would be more likely to overheat. It also protects them from sunburn. It is important to ensure they are groomed regularly to remove any chunks of matted fur or debris. Cats will regularly groom themselves which helps to keep them cool.
Panting can help with cooling themselves down but they normally only resort to this when they are very hot so if your cat is panting, put them in a cool shaded area and use a water spray bottle (fine mist) and encourage them to drink to keep themselves hydrated if you can. Cats sweat through their paws so keeping their feet cool also helps regulate their temperature.
Cats are crepuscular meaning they are more active in the early hours of the day and in the evening and less active during the hottest parts of the day. Overweight cats can be more prone to becoming too hot so should be carefully monitored in hot weather.
Clever Behaviours For Keep Cool
Drinking – okay so it’s not especially clever but it is important. Cats are notoriously poor drinkers and get a lot of moisture from wet cat foods. Try and encourage drinking with running taps, cat fountains, using flavoured ice cubes for example.
Finding a cool spot– Cats will seek shade if they are outside, although it is not recommended to have your cat outside in the hottest parts of the day. Ragdolls are mostly house cats and they usually know where the coolest spots are in your house. Tiled and wooden floors are helpful to cool their paws. Note that cement and stone retain heat and can cause injury to sensitive paws and increase the risk of your cat of overheating.
Laying on their backs– Yes we know Ragdolls love laying on their backs but there is a reason for it apart from its comfy! The spread-out position will allow them to regulate their body temperature and helps if they are in contact with a cool floor.
Sleeping through the heat- Cats spend 12-18 hours a day asleep and during hot weather, this is good as they can reduce their physical activity in order to keep cool.
What You Can Do To Help
The most important things are to provide fresh drinking water, shady cool spots for them to snooze in, and monitor their behaviour. You know your cat best. Symptoms of heat stroke to watch for include panting, lethargy, wobbling gait, vomiting, poor appetite, and very red or very pale gums. If you suspect heat stroke contact your local vet immediately for advice or emergency vet line such as VetFone 02034745566.
Some Cooling Tips
-Keep your cat inside when it is very hot outside.
-Never leave a cat inside a hot car. Ideally, when travelling in a car in hot weather use the air-con and take regular breaks if driving longer distances and offer your cat water to drink.
-Regularly groom long-haired cats
-Fill drinking bottles with water and freeze them and use them as toys for your cat to play with (also you could use ice cubes)
-Get some pet cooling mats
-Air-conditioners and fans
-Consider a cat paddling pool and put in some water-proof cat toys so they play with the water (Ragdolls love water!)
Sources
https://ragdollcatsworld.com/do-ragdoll-cats-need-to-be-kept-cool-in-summer/
http://catstourguide.com/how-to-keep-a-ragdoll-cat-cool-in-summer-without-an-ac/