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

Just when you thought the season for sunbathing had arrived, the humid, sticky rainy season is upon us before we know it. The gloomy rainy season is beginning.

Cats dislike the rainy season just as much as we do.

Many cats end up feeling stressed, becoming ill, or losing their spark. To protect your cat’s health, we will explain how to help them spend the rainy season comfortably.

Why Cats Get Sick During the Rainy Season

The ancestor of the cat is the Near Eastern wildcat, which lived in the deserts of the Middle East. Because they lived in a dry environment, they do not do well in humid, muggy conditions.

The humidity level that cats find comfortable is around 40–60%. However, humidity during the rainy season can reach 70–80%. We believe that "high humidity" is the primary cause of cats falling ill during the rainy season.

Lack of Energy, Sleeping All the Time

Cat fur easily absorbs moisture, and high humidity makes them feel uncomfortable. If your cat seems lethargic or loses their appetite, it may be a sign that they are feeling stressed.

Similarly, their "whiskers," which act like sensors, do not seem to function well during the humid rainy season. It is thought that because they cannot move as they usually do, they end up sleeping all the time.

Inability to Regulate Body Temperature

Since cats do not sweat, they regulate their body temperature using "evaporative cooling." They lick themselves to spread saliva, which then evaporates to lower their body temperature.

When humidity exceeds 60%, it becomes difficult for saliva to evaporate, preventing them from effectively lowering their body temperature. There is a risk of heatstroke even during the rainy season.

Increased Skin Problems

When humidity rises, mold and bacteria can grow on a cat’s skin. This makes them more prone to skin issues such as itching, dandruff, and hair loss. Additionally, mold can act as an allergen, leading to atopic dermatitis.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Wet food and water spoil easily during the rainy season. Leaving them out for long periods carries the risk of food poisoning. Dry food can also become 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 are prone to feeling unwell. "Humidity control" is essential for a comfortable life for your cat.

Improve Ventilation in the Room

After taking proper precautions to prevent escape, open windows to improve airflow in the room. You can also use an electric fan (with a safety cover).

If opening windows doesn't help, use the air conditioner. If it has a dehumidifying function, setting it to maintain a humidity level of 40–60% will keep your cat comfortable. It is also helpful to keep a thermo-hygrometer in the room where your cat spends their time.

However, some cats dislike the breeze from an air conditioner. Adjust the airflow so that it does not blow directly on your cat. Also, make sure to keep doors slightly open so your cat can move freely between rooms.

Switch to Summer Bedding

Replace the bed your cat usually uses with one made for summer. Beds made with breathable mesh or linen materials prevent moisture buildup, keeping your cat comfortable.

Placing a small wooden duckboard (sunoko) under the bed is also effective. Cat beds with built-in duckboards are quite popular.

Maintain Extra Cleanliness

The humid rainy season is a time when not only mold and bacteria but also fleas and mites thrive. Frequent vacuuming can help prevent skin problems.

Also, food bowls can easily become unsanitary. Since this can cause vomiting and diarrhea, make sure to wash them thoroughly after each use. We recommend ceramic bowls, which are easy to clean.

Cat litter can also be harder to clump during high humidity, so it's a good idea to change the litter more frequently.

Watch Out for Lack of Exercise

During the rainy season, cats often lose their energy and switch into "energy-saving mode." Since this can lead to decreased water intake and fewer trips to the litter box, there is an increased risk of urinary stones and kidney disease.

To prevent a lack of exercise, try getting new toys to entice your cat to play. Adding a new scratching post is also effective for stress relief.

Take Care of Cat Accessories Frequently

The rainy season is a time when mold and bacteria easily grow. Because this can cause allergies and dermatitis in cats, items like beds, towels, and toys need frequent cleaning.

You should be especially careful with their "cat collar."

In the hot and humid rainy season, collars can develop unpleasant odors or cause "collar baldness," so you should change them out 1–2 times a week.

How to Clean Cat Collars

Gently wipe away dirt from the collar and use a steam iron to sterilize it. Sanitizing sprays can also be used, but for the sake of your cat, please ensure you choose an "unscented" one.

It is best to rotate collars and replace them with new ones every six months for peace of mind.

Linen Cat Collars are Recommended

"Linen," a natural fiber, has excellent breathability and feels dry even in the muggy rainy season. Because it resists moisture buildup, it can always be worn comfortably and cleanly.

Summary

Cats are prone to health issues during the seasonal transition from spring to summer. The hot and humid rainy season is tough for cats that descend from desert ancestors.

High humidity prevents effective body temperature regulation, leading to the risk of heatstroke. It is also an environment where bacteria and mold grow, increasing the risk of skin problems and food poisoning.

To ensure your cat stays comfortable, it is important to improve room ventilation and clean frequently. Make good use of your air conditioner as well.

In particular, it is important to take care of the "cat collar" that they wear at all times. Change them 1–2 times a week, and be sure to maintain them using steam from an iron or an unscented sanitizing spray.

While the rainy season can be gloomy, swapping out different collars can be fun. Enjoy accessorizing with collars while staying on top of your cat's health to get through the rainy season together!

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