Five summer healthcare tips for senior cats

Here’s how to help your senior pet enjoy sunny days in safety and comfort.

---

While they may still enjoy lounging in the sunshine, the high temperatures of summer can be tough for older cats.

As they age, cats become more vulnerable to dehydration, heat stress and other seasonal risks. To help counteract these, here are five ways to keep your senior cat safe this summer.

Provide plenty to drink

Cats are prone to kidney disease as they age, and any condition where a cat can’t concentrate urine will worsen if they become dehydrated. To help them stay topped up, make sure fresh, clean water is always available in multiple spots around the house and garden.

If your senior cat has a thing for drinking from the tap, try swapping bowls for a cat water fountain. Many cats prefer running water, so a trickling source can encourage them to drink more. Wet food is another sneaky way to up their moisture intake, since it contains far more water than dry kibble.

Some owners also swear by making cooling ice treats by freezing tuna water or low-sodium chicken broth into ice cubes. Pop them into their bowl for a delicious hot-weather snack during the warmest parts of the day,

Watch out for sunburn

Many cats love to sunbathe on hot days, but too much sun exposure can be harmful to senior cat health – particularly for light-coloured or thin-coated cats. Years of sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, with early signs including redness, crusting or sores. Keep an eye on the tips of the ears and nose, which can be particular problem areas for senior cats.

One handy skin solution is to apply a pet-safe sunblock to vulnerable areas before your cat heads out into the sun. It’s also a good idea to keep your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm. If you notice any suspicious marks, get your vet to examine them promptly.

Keep bugs at bay

Warmer months bring an increase in parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms, which can all impact senior cat health care. Flea infestations, in particular, can cause a great deal of discomfort, causing itching, allergies, and anaemia in older cats, while mosquitoes can spread heartworm.

It’s important to stay up to date with flea and worm treatments, even for indoor cats, and regularly check their coat for signs of fleas or ticks.

Be mindful of insect stings too. Though most cats learn to avoid them, bites can cause swelling or allergic reactions. If your cat has a reaction to a bite or sting and seems uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to consult your vet for advice.

Protect their heart health

Cats with heart conditions, such as murmurs or hypertension, can struggle more in the heat. As well as ensuring they stay cool and hydrated daily, you should avoid excessive exercise during hot days and schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor their heart condition.

Unlike dogs, cats don’t pant as a cooling mechanism, so if you see your cat breathing rapidly, it could be a sign of distress or illness – and one that requires immediate veterinary care.

If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by logging into your My Petplan account and speaking with a professional about any concerns regarding your senior cat’s health.

Be prepared for shade

While cats are generally adept at seeking out cool spots when they need them, you can assist their hunt by using parasols or garden plants to create comfortable shady places to rest. Whether they prefer lounging indoors or outside, the key thing is making sure they can escape direct sunlight when they need to.

Closing curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day can help keep your home cooler, making it a more inviting escape. Some senior cat owners like to use pet-safe cooling mats or even damp towels in their cat’s favourite napping zones for a bit of extra relief.

With a few simple adjustments, you can stay on top of senior cat health care and help keep your pet happy, cool and comfortable all summer long.