Dear Team Luna,

Ahhh … it certainly looks and feels like summer!  Much like their human counterparts, many of our sun-worshipping cats are now staking out their personal spots in the sun.  The solariums truly look like a day “down the shore” and stroller rides are again the e-ticket ride at Tabby’s Place.  We may not have our own boardwalk, but we have a wonderful garden full of flowers, birds, bees, and butterflies to discover.  And, of course, the construction crew’s bustling activity as it prepares Quinn’s Corner for an opening in the next few months makes our little corner of Ringoes, New Jersey seem just like an amusement park.

There’s certainly nothing quite like summer to bring out the best in Luna.  It’s such a wonderful time of year—with the sun to warm an old cat’s bones and the arrival of so many new kittens. Our industrious feline friend simply revels in all the caretaking skills required of her and never misses a moment to impart tidbits of her wisdom to staff, volunteers, and even visitors about “all things cat.” In addition to carefully perusing each Tabby’s Place resident’s medical records, Luna does an awful lot of reading and research on wellness.  It’s her favorite topic!

This week, Luna alerted me that she had some important summertime health and safety tips it would be my responsibility to share with you.

Just because cats like the heat doesn’t mean they can handle soaring temperatures.  Without adequate ways to cool down, cats can get too hot and can suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke (which can be fatal).

Furbabies affected by heat stress often appear distressed and restless.  They may drool saliva from the nose and or mouth, become unsteady on their feet, and collapse. Some cats or kittens may also vomit. You may notice their pulse is racing and their tongue appears red.

So, what can you do to protect your precious pal or pals during these hot summer months?

·         Leave the air conditioning or fans running, but offer a place to escape if it gets too chilly.

·         Provide a cool retreat.  If it gets really hot, line a box with dry towels you’ve placed in the freezer.

·         Keep the blinds down to help prevent a room from heating up in the first place!

·         Provide chilled, fresh water from the fridge or add a few ice cubes to their water dish.

·         Canned cat food frozen in an ice cube tray makes an excellent cooling treat!

·         Limit exercise … yes, kittens, it’s time for an afternoon siesta.

·         Avoid car trips!

·         Daily brushing with a moist towel can help release trapped body heat. Longhaired cats may benefit from strategic clipping to protect delicate skin and help them keep cool.

·         Shorthaired and furless cats can use pet sunscreen … a little dab will do ya!

And one more thing! Keep bottled water handy when you’re out and about.  You never know when you’ll need to rehydrate yourself or provide fluids to a stray or unlucky pet whose owner isn’t as prepared as they should be.  Luna will love you for it!

Luna thanks you for all your support that allows her to be her best wellness advisor!  Here’s to a healthy, happy summer!

Your correspondent,
Tina