Summer is the perfect time to spend quality time with your cat. The warm weather and longer days give you more opportunities to play outside. Cats also enjoy lounging on the patio or sitting in a window watching birds in their backyard during summer. However, summer also comes with challenges that can make it difficult to keep your cat healthy.
In this article, we will go over some common health conditions that affect cats during the summer months.
#1 Fleas and Ticks
The most common health problem for cats during the summer is fleas. These small, wingless insects feed on blood and can cause itching and skin irritation in your cat. Fleas also transmit tapeworms, which make up part of their diet. If your cat has anemia caused by a heavy flea burden, it may have trouble fighting off other illnesses. In some cases, fleas can even transmit diseases to humans.
Cat scratch fever (CSF) is another serious illness you should be aware of if you live in an area with ticks. This disease is transmitted through the bite of a cat with CSF or from contact with infected blood or feces from an infected animal (including rodents). The signs include fever, headache, back pain, and joint stiffness lasting up to 2 days after being bitten or scratched by an infected animal.
Use a cat flea collar from an online platform like PetCareRx to prevent flea infestations in them. You can also buy cat flea medications from the website if you find an infestation. Flea treatment is very effective these days. However, always try to prevent the infestation instead of rushing to find a suitable cure.
#2 Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a serious condition that can be fatal. Symptoms include panting, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. If your cat has been exposed to heat for too long or has no way to cool down, bring her to the vet as soon as possible.
The best way to keep your cat cool during summer is with water and ice packs. If she likes not being soaked in cold water, you can also create an air-conditioned room with a fan.
#3 Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions in cats are more common than most people realize. While allergies can be hard to diagnose, they’re often the cause of many unpleasant symptoms your cat may experience during the summer months.
The most common signs of an allergic reaction are sneezing, itching, and rubbing their face against objects or on the floor or carpet. If you notice that your cat is doing this, it could indicate a problem with dust mites or pollen in your home that needs addressing.
In some cases, an allergic reaction may also lead to hives appearing on the skin of your cat—this condition is known as urticaria (also commonly referred to as “hives”). If you find hives on your cat’s skin during the summer months and these persist for longer than two weeks despite treatment, this could be an indication of something more serious like leukemia. Seek medical advice immediately in such cases.
#4 Skin Diseases
Skin diseases in cats are common and can be caused by external factors such as allergies or trauma to the skin, internal factors like metabolic disorders, genetic factors, and environmental factors such as dust mites. Skin diseases can also occur due to a combination of these factors. A veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination and blood test to determine if your cat suffers from any skin condition. Do not try to self-treat your cat without consulting a vet first in this regard.
#5 Dehydration
Dehydration is a common health problem among cats. It’s so common that many cat owners don’t realize it’s happening until their pets start showing signs of dehydration.
Signs of dehydration in cats include dry eyes and mouth and a reduced amount of tears being produced by the eyes.
If you notice these symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately. They’ll need hydration therapy as soon as possible. To prevent this health problem, ensure proper hydration for your cat.
#6 Bacterial Infection
Digestive problems and bacterial infections are common in cats. The bacteria causing these problems are everywhere. So, it’s important to be aware of how they affect your cat’s health and what you can do to keep your cat healthy during the summer season.
Bacteria are microscopic living organisms that can cause a variety of illnesses if they enter the body and multiply. They typically enter through wounds or cuts on the skin, by ingestion, through the respiratory tract, or via contact with other animals who may carry them.
While summer is a fun time of the year, it can also be stressful for your cat. When they’re out in the heat and exposed to other cats, they can get sick or develop infections. If you want to keep them safe this season, you must understand these common health problems so that you can prevent them from happening in the first place.
