-- Hot Weather- Cool Cats--
- by Linda Roller, Bookseller, Writer, & Owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis, PA.
-- Hot Weather- Cool Cats--
It’ s summer, summer, summertime!
And lately, it’ s really felt like it- those hot, sticky, humid days arrived with a vengeance. Even Hector and Jasper, the Liberty Book Shop cats, have noticed the change. I’ ll come around a corner and there’ s one of them, stretched out like a furry, nine-foot-long rug, paws flopped out in the direct path of the breeze flowing from the shop into the house.
Cats are masters of comfort( and of getting in your way, whether it’ s an aisle or your hallway)! But in the heat, that talent for finding the coolest spot is a real superpower. And with a few simple tips, we can help our feline friends keep their cool.
My two are indoor / outdoor cats, and once it gets over 90 degrees, they’ re usually smart enough to head inside. It’ s cooler for all of us! I always keep the basement door open so they have access to the coolest room in the house. And on the hottest days, forget finding them in the shop- they’ re sprawled on the cool concrete basement floor.
If your cats spend time outside, make sure they have a shady spot to relax. Under a porch or tree works great, with bonus points if there’ s a bit of a breeze.
Water is key. Cats do drink water( despite their reputation), but they like it away from their food. Mine have at least two bowls out all year, and when it’ s sweltering, I add a third down in the basement. Staying hydrated helps prevent heat stroke- which can be deadly.
Speaking of food: be cautious with wet food in the summer. It can spoil quickly in the heat, especially if it’ s out in the sun. Smaller portions and more frequent feedings are a better bet. Just like we humans tend to eat lighter in hot weather, our cats appreciate that too.
If you have a senior cat, give them a little extra TLC during a heat wave. Older cats, like older people, can struggle more in the heat and might need help finding the coolest, comfiest place.
Around here, fans are a big hit. Jasper enjoys a nice breeze but doesn’ t want the fan blowing right on him- he prefers the backdraft. Hector, on the other hand, loves the full fan treatment. He’ ll beat me to the best spot, stretch out on his back, and let the breeze ripple through his fur like he’ s at a kitty spa. Honestly, he’ s such a goofy, fluffy guy- and I adore him for it.
And of course, a quick reminder about cars: never leave a pet in a parked car, especially in summer. The heat builds up fast- even with windows cracked- and it can be deadly in just minutes. If you can’ t bring your furry friend with you wherever you ' re going, it’ s best to leave them safely at home.
Enjoy your summer, keep cool, and don’ t forget to check on your
four-legged friends. They know how to handle the heat- with a little help from us.
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
Hours: Thursday & Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-3, or by appt.
“ Where yesterday’ s books are today’ s treasures.”
LibertyBookShop @ comcast. net www. thelibertybookshop. com
570-753-5201
Pawsitively Pets-- July 5