My partner and I are heading away for a long weekend (3 days and 2 nights). We've decided not to take our cat with us because it's absolutely boiling at the moment and we don't want to put her through a long car journey in this heat.
The problem is, since we won't be around and it’s meant to be scorching, we won't be able to open the windows at night to let the cool air in.
I'm really worried she's going to roast in the flat, especially as we don't have anyone who can pop in to check that she's okay...
I'm obviously planning to keep the blinds closed as much as possible while still leaving her a bit of a gap to look out, and I'll leave plenty of water bowls out for her. Does anyone have any tips or hacks to help keep her cool over the weekend and prevent heatstroke?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Translated from French
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Hi there, a tip from my vet: hang some laundry out to dry (if you're heading off for the weekend, don't use the fastest spin cycle). Is there any way you could set up a pet cam so you can check that everything’s okay?
That's a good idea! Dundee always sleeps under my airer whenever there’s washing drying on it.
Leave several bowls of water out – it’s better to have too much than not enough. When I’m away for more than one night, I fill up two big water bowls and a large mixing bowl. Even if there’s still some left when I get back, at least I know he’s had plenty.
Keep your rooms dark; if he gets too hot, he can find a cool spot under some furniture or elsewhere. Cats are actually quite good at managing the heat – they don't even seem that bothered by it.
Does it get very hot in your house? The only real issue is not being able to leave the windows open at night. If only someone could pop in to air the place out in the evening and say hello to the cat...
Hi, I think it should be okay if we keep everything shut, but as we haven't lived here long, we don't have any neighbours we really trust yet... I’ll leave a damp cloth with an ice pack underneath for her, she likes that, even if it’ll warm up quickly over a couple of days...
Hello,
You’re right, it’s essential to adapt your home as best you can to keep the heat out. For instance, if you have rooms that heat up more quickly than others (like a conservatory, for example), try to keep them closed off. You can also get cooling mats for cats (damp towels are a great idea too). Don't forget to leave out several bowls of water before you head out. If you're in any doubt and the heat feels unbearable, it would be best if someone could pop in to check on your cat (a neighbour, perhaps?).
Have a lovely evening,
Marthe
No, I’ve got no way of putting up a camera since I’m in a rented place, and even if I saw that things weren’t right, I wouldn’t be able to get back because of all the traffic...
But thanks for the tip about the laundry! It’s true, she really loves getting underneath it!
Hi,
A tip from my vet: leave some washing out to dry (if you’re heading off for the weekend, don’t use the highest spin cycle).
Is there any way you could set up a camera so you can check that everything’s alright?
