It’s that time of the year again. Not only do we celebrate Kizmet’s birthday, but we also celebrate the 4th of July. Kizmet is now 13, and the United States is 249 years old! Kizmet has aged well. He is one of the sweetest cats I’ve ever known and continues to fill our home and hearts with love and endless devotion. Happy Birthday, buddy! Wishes for many more!

Kizmet at 13. A handsome cat, to say the least!

Kizmet always has time for love and snuggles.

Kizmet in November 2012, a couple of weeks after we rescued him.

Enjoy the day, everyone, but please keep your safety as your top priority. Here are some tips to help your cat(s) survive the festivities and the remaining hot days of summer.

If your cats are indoor/outdoor cats, try to keep them indoors a few days before and after the 4th, as people tend to let off fireworks for days at a time to prolong the holiday. Fireworks can be dangerous to an unsuspecting cat, and there are even some ill-intentioned people who will purposely try to harm a cat with fireworks.

Keep doors tightly locked so sneaky or panicky cats can’t get outside.

Even if your cat is indoor-only, they could still accidentally get out. Guests showing up for a cookout or hearing unusual noises outside can cause even the boldest of kitties to bolt, looking for a safe spot to hide. Be cautious when you or your guests enter and exit – double-check that doors are securely latched and that window screens are intact with no tears. Ensure their identification is up to date and that you have a recent photograph of them. It’s easy for a kitty to slip out the door while in a panicky state and end up lost, injured, or worse.

Set up a sanctuary room for your cat that includes safe hiding places, food, litter, and other essentials before nightfall, so it’s ready for them. You could also try pheromone therapy to help de-stress your cat (such as a product like Feliway spray), and playing music or having the television on to help diffuse noises. If these suggestions don’t work and your cat is unable to remain calm, don’t leave them alone if you plan on watching fireworks. Hire a pet sitter if necessary, or ask a trusted neighbor to stay with your pets while you’re away.

Provide blankets and items that your cat can burrow into to feel safe from loud noises and commotion.

Be aware that picnic foods and alcohol are NOT appropriate for kitty and can cause problems ranging from mild stomach upset to extreme toxicity. Glowsticks that people use outdoors at night can cause irritation if chewed by a curious cat and unless your veterinarian has instructed you, do not give your cat any calming medication, as you don’t know what side effects may occur or how your cat may react to a particular medication the first time it’s administered.

Adjust your cat’s feeding schedule as needed. Some cats are given a small meal or snack before bedtime, and the loud noises from fireworks that intensify after dark can cause even the hungriest cat to run for cover. If your cat is spooked and hides, be patient and don’t force them out of hiding. Typically, they will come out on their own when they feel the coast is clear and safe, but not during the celebrations.

Rolz is our Houdini cat and can vanish for hours when he’s stressed. He’ll magically reappear when he feels it’s safe to come out.

KEEPING YOUR CAT COOL DURING SUMMER HEAT WAVES

Temperatures are hitting record highs across the country, and it’s only going to get hotter. To help keep your cat calm, cool, and comfortable, here are some basic tips for your feline to survive the summer heat:

Recognize the signs of heatstroke. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness are all possible symptoms of heatstroke from extreme temperatures. Older cats, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or those with heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible.

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), if your cat is suffering from heatstroke, immediately move them into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck, and chest, or run cool (not ice-cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes, and then take them directly to a veterinarian, as heatstroke is considered an emergency.

Limit playtime and exercise to morning or evening during the cooler hours of the day. This is especially important for young kittens and seniors, both of whom are vulnerable to heatstroke. If your cat has just eaten, ensure you give them time to digest their food before starting playtime.

Playtime is okay, but plan it for early morning or in the evening before it gets too hot.

Let your cat find cool spots in the house that have access to rooms with little to no sun or have tile floors, and brush your cat regularly. A well-groomed, tangle-free coat will help to keep your cat clean and cool.

Not only does grooming your cat help to keep them cool, but it also enhances the bond you share with them.

Keep mealtimes quick and fresh. Do not leave food out for too long, especially for outdoor or feral/community cats. According to Alley Cat Allies, after about 30 minutes, bugs will start to appear. Therefore, picking up uneaten food after roughly 45 minutes helps prevent this issue. They also recommend feeding cats dry food in the summer, as it tends to attract fewer insects. If giving wet food, add water for extra hydration and to keep it from drying out. They also suggest considering an ant-proof bowl or creating your own “ant barrier” by surrounding the bowl with baking soda or a line of food-grade diatomaceous earth without chemical additives.

Water and hydration are always crucial for cats, but extra water is essential in hot weather. Keep water dishes filled with fresh, cool water, adding ice cubes if the kitty prefers that, and place the water bowls in shaded areas, out of direct sunlight. To slow evaporation, use a narrow and deep bowl to reduce the surface area. For indoor cats, consider a water fountain, as it provides a constant stream of water, encouraging cats to drink more. Offer cool treats as an alternative, too, such as this recipe for catsicles from Petfinder.com.

When meals are done, the dishes are clean and empty, but the water dish remains full and frequently changed with cool water.

If you perform Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) during the summer, take the high temperatures into account and do not leave cats in traps. Once the cat is trapped, keep her in the shade with a trap cover or in an air-conditioned space to prevent overheating. And under no circumstances should you ever leave a trapped cat or your pet cat in a parked car. Not even with the car running and the air conditioner on.

According to the HSUS, “on a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with slightly open windows can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.” Furthermore, do not let your cat out onto surfaces that get extremely hot from the sun, such as asphalt, as the metal can absorb the heat and burn your cat’s paws, and don’t place TNR traps on hot surfaces either, as the trap can become an oven.

Lastly, be prepared. Before a summer storm takes out the power in your home (or rescue facility), create a disaster plan to keep your precious feline safe from heatstroke or other temperature-related or summer-related disaster issues. The HSUS has a thorough guide you can access here for details.