Humid and sweltering! Tips for your cat to comfortably get through the rainy season

Just when I thought it was getting to be the perfect season for sunbathing, it suddenly became muggy and humid. The dreary rainy season is about to begin.

Cats also dislike the rainy season.

Many cats get stressed, fall ill, or lose their energy. To protect your cat's health, we will explain how to comfortably get through the rainy season.

Reasons Cats Get Sick During the Rainy Season

 The ancestors of cats are the African wildcats, which lived in the deserts of the Middle East. Since they lived in a dry environment, they dislike muggy and humid conditions.

Cats feel comfortable at a humidity of about 40-60%. However, during the rainy season, humidity can reach 70-80%. It is thought that the reason cats get sick during the rainy season is the "high humidity."

Lethargy and excessive sleeping

Cat fur tends to absorb moisture, making them uncomfortable in high humidity. If your cat seems lethargic or has a poor appetite, it may be a sign that they are experiencing stress.

Similarly, their "whiskers," which act like sensors, also don't seem to function well during the humid rainy season. It is thought that they sleep a lot because they cannot move around as usual.

Difficulty regulating body temperature

Since cats don't sweat, they regulate their body temperature using "evaporative cooling." They lick their bodies to spread saliva, and by evaporating the saliva, they lower their body temperature.

When humidity exceeds 60%, saliva evaporates less easily, making it difficult for cats to lower their body temperature effectively. There is a risk of heatstroke even during the rainy season.

Increased skin problems

When humidity increases, fungi and bacteria can proliferate on a cat's skin. This can lead to skin problems such as itching, dandruff, and hair loss. Additionally, fungi can act as allergens, causing atopic dermatitis.

Vomiting and diarrhea

During the rainy season, wet food and water can spoil easily. Leaving them out for extended periods carries the risk of food poisoning. Dry food can also get damp, so be sure to store it in an airtight container.

How to spend the rainy season comfortably

The rainy season is a time when cats tend to get sick. To ensure your cat lives comfortably, "humidity control" is essential.

Improve room ventilation

After ensuring escape prevention measures are in place, open windows to improve room ventilation. Also use a covered fan in conjunction.

If opening the windows doesn't make it feel fresh, use the air conditioner. If it has a dehumidifying function, setting it to achieve a humidity of 40-60% will make it comfortable. A thermometer-hygrometer in the room where your cat spends time can be very useful.

However, some cats dislike air conditioner drafts. Adjust the airflow so that it doesn't directly hit your cat. Also, keep the door slightly ajar so your cat can move freely.

Change cat bed to summer material

Replace the cat bed your cat usually uses with one for summer. Mesh material or linen material, which are breathable, prevent moisture buildup and allow for comfortable rest.

Placing a small slatted mat under the cat bed is also effective. Slatted beds for cats seem to be popular as well.

Maintain cleanliness even more diligently

The high humidity of the rainy season creates an environment where not only mold and bacteria, but also fleas and ticks, can easily multiply.Regular vacuuming can help prevent skin problems.

Additionally, your cat's food bowl can easily become unsanitary. To prevent vomiting and diarrhea, wash it thoroughly each time. A ceramic food bowl, which is easy to clean, is recommended.

High humidity can also make cat litter less clumpable, so it's a good idea to change the litter frequently.

Beware of lack of exercise

During the rainy season, cats tend to be lethargic and spend their time in energy-saving mode. Their water intake and frequency of urination also decrease, which can increase the risk of urinary stones and kidney disease.

To prevent lack of exercise, try to entice them to play with new toys. Adding new scratching posts can also be effective for stress relief.

Regular maintenance for cat products

The rainy season is a time when mold and bacteria tend to proliferate.Cats' allergic reactions and dermatitis can be caused by this, so cat goods such as beds, towels, and toys need frequent cleaning.

Particular attention should be paid to "cat collars."

Due to the high temperature and humidity of the rainy season, collars can develop a unpleasant odor or cause hair loss around the neck, so it's best to change them out once or twice a week.

How to clean cat collars

Gently wipe away dirt from the cat collar and sterilize the entire surface with steam from an iron. Disinfectant sprays can also be used, but for your cat's sake, always choose an "unscented" one.

It is safest to rotate cat collars and replace them with new ones every six months.

Linen cat collars are recommended.

"Linen," a natural fiber, is highly breathable and feels cool and dry even during the humid rainy season. Because it doesn't trap moisture, it can always be used cleanly.

Summary

The transition from spring to summer is a time when cats are prone to feeling unwell. The hot and humid rainy season can be tough for cats, who originated from dry deserts.

High humidity can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature, posing a risk of heatstroke. Additionally, it's an environment where bacteria and mold can easily proliferate, leading to skin problems and food poisoning.

To ensure your cat stays comfortable, it's essential to ventilate the room well and clean regularly. Make good use of air conditioning as well.

In particular, caring for the "cat collar", which is constantly worn, is crucial.Change it 1-2 times a week and clean it with iron steam or disinfectant spray.

While the rainy season can be a bit gloomy, changing up your cat's collars can be a fun way to brighten things up. Enjoy styling your cat with various collars while also taking care of their health to get through the rainy season!

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