What to do when the cats get too hot and pant? PLEASE HELP!

[malla]

It's extremely hot here right now and the AC has quit. I'm getting another tomorrow but one of the cats was panting. I rubbed her down with a really wet wash cloth and then poured water down her shoulders. She let me, no problem. She seems fine now. 

My question is was that OK? I read online no to wet them but others said it was OK. If not, how else to keep her cool if she pants again?

 

[katkuddler]

I'm not a vet, so I can only give my opinion. I doubt that wetting her would hurt, unless the panting was due to some other cause. Pets, like dogs and cats have their own way of "cooling off". I would keep her in a well ventilated area.

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• katkuddler
• Jul 23, 2012

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• katkuddler
• Jul 23, 2012

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• katkuddler
• Jul 23, 2012

 

[aeevr]

I too am not a vet, but I can't see a problem with getting your cat wet - I give my cats baths on occasion and they are no worse for the wear. Of course, show cats get baths all the time w/o issue.

If your cat is panting and you notice her gums/nose become very pale or purple - then there is a problem and the cat should be taken to the vet asap. Otherwise, your cat is just hot.

I have taken those ice packs that you put in a cooler and wrapped them in towels for the cats to sit on/near.

I throw ice cubes in their water dish every so often.

Cats like to sit on cool tile floors when it's hot so make the bathroom/kitchen available.