As temperatures soar well above 30C across the whole country, it's important that you take the necessary precautions to keep your pets safe.
The Met Office issued an extremely rare red warning for heat over the next couple of days which means both humans and animals are at risk of experiencing severe health issues due to the warm weather.
Small animals like cats are especially vulnerable to experiencing health issues during a heatwave. While your feline friend is smart enough to seek shade and drink more without much help, there are a few extra ways you can keep them safe during extreme temperatures.
Read more: Best ways to stay cool in the heat - according to a Manc living in Spain
It is advised to try and keep your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its strongest. The RSPCA advises cat owners to make sure to check sheds, greenhouses, and summerhouses before locking them up as cats may sneak in looking for comfort but could get too hot or dehydrated and may become trapped.
Similarly, you should never leave a cat in a conservatory, outbuilding or caravan during the hot weather for even a little while as temperatures in these environments can quickly soar to 47C which can be fatal to small pets. To help keep these areas cool, keep windows open and door ajar to allow air to flow through the house
If you have an indoor cat, it may be a good idea to explore other options such as windows with locking mechanisms so your cat can get fresh air while in the house. Furthermore, if you're concerned about any exposed parts of your cat's skin, you can apply pet-safe sun cream to prevent them from getting burnt - if you're unsure what creams are best for your pet, consult a vet.
Cats Protection advises that you provide plenty of shade for your feline friend, both inside and outside - such as plant pots and cardbaord boxes. They add that if your cat has white fur, try keeping them inside between 10am and 3pm, when the sun is at its hottest.
The charity also advises people who have cats with white, thin or no hair to apply sun cream on their furry friend - although make sure it is a cream, especially for pets.
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