Should I Take My Cat Out In This Heat? | HuffPost Life

As heat waves and record-setting temperatures make headlines around the world, people are doing what they can to stay cool. The situation is even more challenging for those with pets.

Although we often associate dogs with outdoor play, many cats also enjoy spending time outside, and some even go for regular walks with their humans. But is it safe to take your feline friends out of the house in these conditions? And how can you ensure they remain healthy and happy when you do?

Below, pet experts break down what you need to know about letting your cats out in the heat.

Pay attention to rising temperatures

On hot days, heat stroke is a very serious concern in cats, not just dogs, said cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider , owner of the Cat Behavior Clinic .

Once temperatures move into the 80s, it can be a problem for cats. Heat in the 90s and above poses even more serious risk. Not only should they not go outside in high heat, but inside the home, the air conditioner should be used. Many owners leave for work and leave their cats in sweltering conditions, which can be dangerous, Nagelschneider said.

To determine if its too hot for your cat to go outside, take note of heat advisories and severe weather forecasts. Dont just look at the temperature but the heat index, or real feel, as well.

From a welfare perspective, studies indicate that cats thermoneutral zone the temperatures at which cats can regulate their body temperature with the least effort is 86 to 97 degrees, said Annie Valuska, a senior pet behavior scientist at Purina. Even if the temperature outside is lower than 97, owners should also keep in mind that other factors, such as the intensity of the sun and the humidity level, can contribute to it feeling warmer outside than the actual temperature.

Ensure they have water and shade

If your cat does go outside on a very hot day, make sure there is adequate water (ideally cold) available for them to drink and that a shady cool area is accessible for them to sit in, said Dr. Michelle Meyer, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners . Keeping out of the sun and in the cooler shade can allow them to cool off. Cats can tolerate the heat a bit better than dogs they love to sit in the sunny spots while indoors but its important to note that they can suffer from overheating as well.

Try to let them out during cooler times of day, like early in the morning and in the evening. Give them plenty of fresh, clean water and use a bowl that isnt metal, as that can get overheated in the scorching temperatures.

Do not allow pets to drink from standing water outside (in bird baths, puddles, creeks, old tires, etc.) as they can be exposed to life-threatening bacteria and parasites, said Dr. LaCheryl Ball, a veterinarian with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals community medicine team.

Youll also want to make sure your cat is able to get back inside easily in the event that they get too hot. Consider investing in a cooling mat where they can seek relief as well.

Outdoor cats may seek shelter in unlikely places in an attempt to stay cool, so carefully check for cats under cars before driving and in open sheds and garages before locking them up, Valuska advised.