Welcome to
Top Tips For Cat Pawrents
A Brand New Series at BBHQ
Today we're sharing Part IV of our new series.
If mew're new to being cat staff, then maybe there are a few things mew haven't thought about, and we're here to point mew in the right direction, so mew get the lowdown on top tips which we've gathered from over 25 years experience. And whether mew're a single cat pawrent or multi-cat pawrent, there could be something here for mew.
At BBHQ, there have always been 6 cats living here, so we're quite the experts on living in a multi-cat household, and before that when the P.A. lived in the city, she only had one kitty, so we have insight on that too.
And for those seasoned and veteran cat staff and our friends and regular readers, do feel free to add more tips and suggestions on today's subject in the comments as...
We're cats helping cats!
This week's
is all about
Ideas to Keep Your Cat Hydrated and Cool ~ Especially In Hot Weather
As the U.K. is headed into a two-week heatwave starting today, although in good ol' Blighty seeing is believing but we can say this; Caturday and Sunday we're scorchio, and some of our American furiends have been experiencing unprecedented heat over the last few weeks. So today, we thought we'd share a couple of tips we use at BBHQ to keep as cool as pawsible as most homes in the U.K. don't have air conditioning. Plus we're sharing ideas to help your kitty stay hydrated and how to encourage water consumption.
From our experience, it's always a good idea to have multiple bowls available in different locations around the home. Though obviously not where they would pose a trip hazard. And the amount of bowls available is really dependant on how many kitties mew have.
Keeping the water fresh is also a good practice to get into. A daily bowl and water change is ideal, as who wants to drink yesterdays water in a dirty bowl or dish? Not us.
And mew may have to try the bowl/s in different places, though ideally not placed in high traffic areas of your home. The quieter, the better is what we've found at BBHQ, and while we do have a couple of water fountains running, there are also two bowls available, which increases to three when it gets hotter.
We've found at BBHQ, we cats like different options. We like to make our own choices and to explore all the alternatives. For instance, Smooch loves the ceramic water fountain, while Parsley likes the ceramic bowl in the laundry, Pandora likes the same as Parsley, Melvyn likes the fountain in the catservatory and Amber drinks from all of the aforementioned. Fudge loves the kitchen tap - see below - although he's straight to a clean bowl that's just been filled.
Water Fountains
Does your kitty love to drink from the tap/faucet? As we just said, Fudge loves to drink from the tap; check him out on Instagram.
And given Fudge's love of standing next to the kitchen sink waiting eagerly for the water to flow, we've been lucky to review several water fountains over the years to see if he prefers those to the tap, and mew can check them out here:
Water fountains are an excellent way to boost your kitty's H2O levels, and given the amount available on the market today, mew're literally spoilt for choice. If your kitty does suffer from chin acne, this can be caused by plastic bowls; therefore, mew'd need something that was either stainless steel or ceramic. Plus, mew can get ones with filters and ones without, the choice is entirely up to mew.
Obviously, the water fountains without filters are probably a more convenient option for some, and there are no ongoing purchases after buying the fountain. We've found from purrsonal experience that some with filters can become expensive.
They do need regular cleaning as with all water fountains, including the pump and filter changes if necessary, plus regular top-ups. Most are dishwasher safe, although we wash ours in the sink in hot, soapy water.
If mew don't have a lot of time or hate to faff about with things, we would suggest sticking with a clean bowl daily. Keep it simple.
Another thing to try if mew think kitty isn't drinking enough.
Do mew live in a hard water area? Do mew like the taste of your tap water?
Because if not, then maybe your cat doesn't really like it either.
We use Brita filter jugs at BBHQ to filter ours, as it has a really metallic, coppery taste; old house, old pipes.
It may be worth a try to use filtered or even bottled water to encourage more fluid intake.
An article we read ages ago somewhere suggested that mew could even add ice cubes to the water when it's really hot to promote drinking, although do make sure your kitty doesn't try to eat them. Mew could also just put the empty dish or bowl in the freezer for a few minutes to cool it down before filling, and this would gently chill the water.
If it's scorching outside, it might be an idea to keep your kitty indoors until it's cooler later in the day/evening.
When it gets supurr scorchio at BBHQ, we keep all the blinds closed throughout the day, and the windows on the cooler side of the house in the shade remain open a touch to let the air circulate. We have fans running everywhere, and the catservatory is off-limits, as that gets far too hot.
If your kitty doesn't seem well in the heat, or mew're worried, call your vet, don't wait. It's better to make the call and talk to a qualified professional as dehydration and heatstroke can affect cats too, as well as our K9 furiends.
Fudge Makes Frozen Tuna Treats
Fudge decided that he'd like to try the frozen tuna treats that we've seen online; these are supposed to be a good way to keep cool in the heat.
So he got in the kitchen and rustled up a batch.
What we used:
One fish-shaped ice cube tray
One small tin of tuna flakes in spring water - do make sure it's really low sodium/salt
1/2 cup of water - ours is filtered
Small bowl + fork + teaspoon
Our tuna was a no-drain variety, so we emptied it straight into the bowl. Fudge had to sample some tuna at this point just to check it was yummy enough.
We added 1/2 cup of filtered water and then blended to break up the larger chunks.
Using a teaspoon, we began to fill the fish shapes. Fudge had to sample the consistency at this point.
Once the tray was filled, and a sprig of catnip was applied for garnish. Fudge signed it off, and it was placed in the freezer for a couple of hours.
Our Verdict:
Melvyn really enjoyed them, though Fudge wasn't too sure after all that effort; we think it was a bit cold for him. And while Melvyn was lapping it up, we wouldn't advise leaving your kitty alone with one, as it could be a choking hazard.
It's ok while they're just licking the treat, but then Melvyn wanted to eat it as it began to melt. So the P.A. broke it up into smaller pieces, (yes Helicopter Mum! LOL). Check out the video on YouTube, or watch below and let us know what your thoughts are?
Or have mew made these before? If so what was your experience?
Another thing we do at BBHQ to keep cool in the heat
Also, another nifty idea for keeping cats cool in the hot weather is using pet cooling gel mats.
We've had several cooling mats from various sellers on amazon over the years, and they are good. Although do be aware that they warm up and retain the heat after a while, so it's always a good idea to check them often when your kitty or K9 is sitting or reclining on one. That's why we have multiple gel mats, so they can be easily swapped out for a nice, fresh cool one.
BONUS TIP For Our Visiting Furiends In Hot Weather
If pawsible, try to leave a bowl of fresh water outside for visiting cats, strays, ferals, and even your garden wildlife, especially hedgehogs.
We also have little water dishes for the insects. Check out our post here to see how easy we make it for them to hydrate.
And for the birds which may come to your garden or patio/terrace/balcony if mew have one, don't think mew need a fancy birdbath; we have found over the years that they prefer a large plant dish to have a splash about in. We have 2 dishes; one is approx 20" in diameter, and the other is about 16" or 50cm & 40cm. They're about 2" - 3" deep or 6 - 7.5cm. Also, a great idea is to place a couple of small rocks or stones in the dish so that smaller birds can access the water safely.
Don't furget to clean out and often refill, as the water can go green really quickly.
The larger birds at BBHQ do like to use the pond, and the P.A. made sure that one corner was shallow enough for the birds to drink and bathe. Plus if any hedgehogs accidentally fell in, they'd be able to climb out.
Also, try to be mindful if mew have a pond, water feature or outdoor fountain etc... of what chemicals/water treatments mew use in it, as some things are not pet, bird or wildlife friendly.
We use a really good one here. If mew want to know more, let us know in the comments.
To catch up on previous posts in this series, visit our dedicated Top Tips page
To catch up on previous posts in this series, visit our dedicated Top Tips page
Well, that's us done for Monday. We do hope mew enjoyed today's post, we'll be back on Wednesday with our Crafting for your Shelters post, and this year we decided to do something completely different, so do join us if mew get chance.
We'll be back on Wednesday with
Until next time...
We'll be back on Wednesday with
Until next time...
Wing Commander Basil and The B Team
Disclaimer: We are not vets, animal medical professionals, animal doctors or have any formal qualifications in animal health. If mew are worried or concerned about anything at all, purrlease take your feline furiend to your purrsonal veterinarian or other health care provider and seek expert advice and assistance immediately.
Graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com
Paid Music license for video: Sounstripe Track: Yacht Party Artist: PALA
