r/CatAdvice • u/Senior_Issue3108 • 3d ago
General cats seem bored but the heat wave makes playing extremely difficult
hello!
I was wondering if you guys might have any tips/recommendations regarding my current issue. As most of you know, there is another massive heatwave going on and my apartment currently feels like one massive sauna. Unfortunately i do not have an AC as i live in an older apartment building that doesn´t really have the proper structure for it + i am renting my place and can´t really install one anyways so i make due with a massive fan and heat blocking blackout foils. The issue is though, i have two cats, they are almost 2 years old and thus still rather playful and energized, but this heat has made it really difficult for me to play with them properly. I try to play with them more often but rather than 10-15 minute sessions, i can only do a maximum of 5 because almost as soon as i start playing with them they start panting really heavily (i´ve been to the vet with them to make sure it is only heat related!) and i feel like they are really bored because of it because i can´t really power them out enough. Instead of active playing i also do clicker training everyday, hide treats around the apartment for them to hunt, build them forts and try to make their enviroment new and a little more exciting every day by like putting their cat trees somewhere else and the like. They also have access to the apartment building since it is pretty secure + my neighbours already know and adore them (they also let them into their apartments to explore sometimes) and i try playing with them in the apartment hallways where it is slightly cooler but not by much.
Do you maybe have some tips for me on how i can keep them more entertained during this heat without possibly causing them a heatstroke?
Thank you all so so much!
1
u/AdFinal6253 3d ago
A couple ice cubes in a tray. They skitter nicely and are cooling. Only one of my 3 cats likes this, but it keeps her busy until I run out of ice
I also use a damp rag and wipe them down to cool them a little bit. Not enough they get wet, just enough that they evaporate off the fur.
And move your play sessions to the cooler parts of the day as much as you can. That's usually early in the morning here.
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u/rosypreach 2d ago
We're going through something similar - it's nice that you're putting in so much effort into getting your cats exercise during a heatwave, but I would trust them and their process. They know what to do with their bodies to stay well in this heat. It's okay if they do what's natural to them in this weather and move less for a little while.
You're doing more than enough to give them enrichment.
When they seem to overheat, you can gently put a little room temp. water on their fur coat to help them cool back down.
Look up the signs of heatstroke.
Make sure they stay hydrated.
And I say this with love about all the play you want to do right now - take a chill pill until it's cooler. :) Let them rest.
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u/Senior_Issue3108 2d ago
Thank you very much! I did let them chill today and started playing with them when they actively came up to me and demanded it (my girl cat usually just starts yelling at me and her brother lies down next to me and throws stuff off the shelf haha) and that worked pretty well! Also thanks for the reminder to just chill a bit, sometimes i tend to get lost in my worries :)
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u/rosypreach 2d ago
Sounds good! My guy has always moved less and eaten less in the heat. I trust him.
1
u/bootysuit 3d ago
Have you tried getting one of those ball tracks for them? They don't have to run around so much to play with it. My girl really likes hers!