Can you give your cat a popsicle? and how to keep your cats cool in the sun
It was a beautiful hot sunny Sunday afternoon in June, the whole family basking in the sun enjoying a cooling refreshing popsicle when our daughter suggested that wouldn’t it be wonderful to give our cats, Misty and Bella Boo, a cooling treat! Which got us thinking…can you give your cat a popsicle? Therefore after some research and some feedback from our feline friends this is what we discovered.
Are popsicles and ice creams safe for cats?
To keep your cat healthy, don’t feed them sugary foods. Although sugar isn’t toxic to cats, to keep your cat healthy you should not give them sugary foods as it can cause obesity, cause dental decay and potentially cause diabetes. Cats can also have lactose intolerance, which can result in an upset tummy and diarrhea therefore the combination of milk and sugar make ice cream unsuitable for cats.
But there are alternatives…
Ice cubes for cats and kittens
We tried our cats with some ice cubes and they loved it! We soon discovered an ice cube is not only a great cooling treat for our cats on a hot day but also a really great toy! Give your cat a few cubes on a plate or add a few ice cubes to their water bowl and you will see them sniffing, licking and swatting at the cubes. Ice cubes in the water bowl ensure the water is kept cool for longer. If you make large ice cubes they will last longer – even freeze an entire bowl for longer lasting coolness! There are plenty of fun ice cube trays for variety of shapes – both fun for you and your cat! How about some cat shaped ice cubes? Or your cat may prefer some mouse ones! Whatever their shape, introducing ice cubes on a hot day are a great way to ensure that your cat keeps up their fluid intake.
Check out our homemade iced water dispenser! Simply cut the bottom off a plastic soda bottle, secure upside down to a piece of wood. Fill with ice, place a bowl underneath and as the ice melts the water drops fall into the bowl.
Keeping pets hydrated on hot days is very important. Ensure there is always fresh water available and keep in the shade to keep it as cool as possible. Check out our article on how much water a cat needs to drink and various ways to encourage reluctant drinkers. ‘How much water does a cat need’
What is a catsicle?
A catsicle is an ice-lolly or a popsicle for a cat! You can be as creative as you like tailored to your cat’s favourite flavours! They can be as simple as drizzling some cat-food gravy or the juice from tuna over some ice cubes or slightly more elaborate by making some ice cubes layered with a few bits of dry food inside, giving the cat a treat she can lick while waiting for it to melt so she can get to the tasty bits inside. Like us, cats may not be as hungry as the temperatures soar, these simple, quick and easy alternatives can heighten their interest in food and drink during this period.
Cat food smoothie
Another option to the catsicle is a cat food smoothie – simply blend one can of cat food, a few ice cubes and a small amount of water – a new way for your cat to enjoy her food as a cool refreshing option. We have a whole article dedicated to cat smoothies and juices, discover new ideas here.
Apart from water and ice here are a few other key steps in keeping your cats cool in hot weather:
Shade
It is very important that cats have somewhere cool to rest in the shade so as to avoid heatstroke. Temperature above 21oC can begin symptoms of heat stress in cats. Shade can be sought under shrubs, furniture or even a mini sun umbrella like our cats enjoy in their catio! Indoors, keeping blinds down or curtains closed can help to keep the house cool. For outdoor cats, let your cat outside in the morning or late evening as it’s cooler during these periods.
Air circulation
A cool breeze from an open window, or a fan can help keep the air circulating. Point a fan where your cat can enjoy the breeze it creates but please remember some fans are more stable than others therefore ensure it can’t be toppled over and ensure inquisitive paws can’t get to the fan blade.
Grooming
Cats naturally keep themselves cool by grooming. Cats may therefore groom more in the summer as they lick their fur to cool down. This is the equivalent of sweating – as the cat’s saliva evaporates after licking themselves it provides a cooling effect. Pay attention to your cat’s feet, as this is where their sweat glands are – on their paws. Wet paw prints mean your cat is sweating and will need to replenish its fluids.
Brush your cat often to ensure a clean tangle free coat, your cat may even enjoy been smoothed down with a cool flannel on very hot days. For tips on the best way to groom your cat, have a read of our article ‘Do I need to groom my cat’.
Ice pack
An easy way to provide a cool resting place is to fill a small drink bottle with cold water and leave it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, wrap the bottle in a towel and put it in your cat’s favourite relaxing spot. Be careful not to fill the bottle to the top, as water expands when it freezes and it may burst.
Hopefully ensuring all the above steps are taken your cat will be safe during hot summer spells. But always be vigilant and look for the following symptoms of overheating and sunstroke.
Safety
Cats may wander into sheds and outbuilding – and even cars if windows are left open – seeking cool shady spaces – always check before shutting doors. If they become trapped there is the danger they can become dehydrated.
What are the signs of overheating in a cat?
- Heavy panting
- Loss of energy
- Restless in trying to find a cool spot
Encourage your cat to drink water and move your cat to a cooler place if you recognize any of these symptoms. Overheating can rapidly deteriorate into heat exhaustion.
What are the signs of heatstroke / heat exhaustion in a cat?
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting
- Stumbling, staggering gait
- Rectal temperature over 105F
If you find your cat unconscious and you suspect heat exhaustion soak him with cool (but not ice cold) water avoiding the nose and mouth. Place a bag of ice or frozen veggies between the legs and get your cat to the veterinarian immediately.
If you find your cat still conscious but showing signs of heat stroke / heat exhaustion, move him to a cooler area, give him water, pat him down with cool, but not ice, water and then take him to the vet immediately.
Without intervention heatstroke can lead the cat collapsing, having a seizure, coma and death.
Prevention is always better than cure therefore ensure your cat has plenty of water, access to shade and never leave your cat in a car or any other confined spaces where they cannot escape the hot sun. Always seek professional veterinary advice if you have any concerns regarding your cat’s health.
Here are some other articles you may find of interest:
Creating the ultimate cat friendly garden – 10 top tips
My cat is chasing bees. Should I be worried?
How much water does a cat need?
