Vet says ‘never’ spray cats with water to cool them down in heatwave | Weather | News
Veterinarian warned (Image: Getty)
As Britain prepares for the hottest May day ever recorded, cat owners have been warned not to spray their pets with water to help them cope with rising temperatures. Heat health warnings are in place across much of England, with temperatures expected to rise to 33 degrees over the bank holiday weekend.
Forecasters say some areas such as Marbella, Mykonos and Barbados could be warmer than holiday destinations. As hot weather intensifies, veterinarian Mireia Balliu has urged owners to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe, stressing that some well-intentioned cooling methods can actually make cats uncomfortable. He said: “Cats should never be sprayed with water to cool down; they hate it and it can cause them great stress.”
Read more: Households in England were urged to close doors and windows on Sunday
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Balliu recommends focusing instead on hydration, ventilation, and providing cool rest areas around the home.
Cats are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat, he said, because “unlike humans, cats do not sweat effectively and have a limited ability to regulate body temperature, making them more sensitive to temperature increases and, in extreme cases, they can suffer from heatstroke, a potentially serious condition.”
According to the vet, heatstroke “develops when a cat’s body temperature rises above 40°C and the animal is unable to regulate it. This can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain or kidneys and can be fatal if not treated in a timely manner; it can also experience dehydration, extreme fatigue and, in severe cases, seizures or coma.”
Balliu said it’s crucial to spot warning signs early. She noted that “the most common signs are excessive panting, weakness, tremors, reddened gums, vomiting, loss of coordination and in advanced cases, loss of consciousness; it is also important to pay attention to unusual behavior, such as the cat seeking to hide or being very still and apathetic. If these symptoms are observed, one must act quickly and go to the vet.”
Street cat enjoying the sun (Image: Getty)
Some animals are more at risk than others in hot weather. Balliu warned that “older cats, kittens, those who are overweight, those with chronic diseases (such as heart or respiratory problems), and brachycephalic breeds (such as Persians or flat-faced exotics) are more vulnerable to heat. Cats with very dense or dark-colored fur also retain more heat.”
The vet advised owners to ensure their pets always have access to cool, fresh water, adding that bowls should ideally be refreshed several times a day and kept in shaded areas of the house. Wet food and cat soups can also help increase hydration levels.
In hot weather, “it is important to always provide clean water from various points in the house, keep the house ventilated and cool, avoid exposure to direct sunlight (especially during peak hours), and never leave the cat in a closed car or in poorly ventilated areas,” he said.
Temperatures are expected to rise this weekend (Image: Getty)
For owners looking for safe ways to cool their cats, Balliu suggested gently petting them with a damp glove if the animal is comfortable and placing cold towels on the floor for them to lie on. Frozen water bottles and cooling mats wrapped in towels designed for pets can also provide relief.
He also recommended brushing long-haired cats daily to help improve airflow in their fur and avoid energetic play sessions during the hottest parts of the day.
As temperatures continue to rise, experts say prevention and early intervention are essential to keep pets safe during the heat wave.
