Hi everyone. We've got four cats, and to keep them cool this summer, I was thinking about getting those cooling mats that are usually meant for dogs. I'm just worried they'll shred the whole thing with their claws though.
Have any of you tried them before? What methods do you use to keep your kitties cool? We have two long-haired ones and they always struggle with the heat. I don't think just providing fresh water will be enough.
Thanks in advance.
Translated from French
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I only have long-haired cats and don't have any issues with the heat; cats absolutely love it. I actually have to bring them back inside when it gets too hot. I put the air con on when the windows are shut, or use fans when they’re open. I keep the fans high up so they circulate the air without blowing directly on them. I also pop some ice cubes in their water fountains and bowls during the day, but I’m worried those cooling mats are just a bit of a marketing gimmick and won't really do much.
Mine still seek out the rugs even in the middle of a heatwave...
Hi there, personally I bought two different kinds last year, but they’re both fabric so my cat doesn’t try to scratch them. The first one is a bit thick; she won’t go on it and it seems completely useless to me. The other one is a lighter fabric with a sort of honeycomb texture. She uses it every now and then and you can feel a bit of a cooling effect, but it doesn't last. I’m not sure if it actually cools her down, but it must be cooler than her bed or her blankets.
Thanks for your reply about the towel, that’s a good idea. I did think about using a fan too, but I’m worried it might be harmful. It’s not exactly great for us humans, after all, so I’m not really sure. Our cats love scratching to mark their territory, so I reckon they’ll just end up scratching it.
Evening,
I haven't tried it myself, but I love the idea!
When it's really hot, I soak a bath towel in cold water (it needs to be properly soaking wet) and leave it out on the floor for them. I change the water in their fountain every day so it’s nice and fresh, and sometimes I pop an ice cube or two in there—it’s more to keep them entertained than anything, as they love playing with them. They usually park themselves near a fan as well.