50 Pics Of Cats Just Minding Their Own Business, Doing Chucklesome Things

Those pesky scientists keep lecturing us about climate change, but this year, almost all of America and Europe felt the scorching heat. In the early summer, 726 counties in the U.S. experienced record heat. And in Europe, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, parts of the U.K., and Germany saw their hottest June since 1979.

Humans can install ACs in their homes and stock up on ice cubes in the freezer. But our dear feline friends who aren't fortunate enough to have opposable thumbs can hardly do those things. That's why it's up to us, the owners, to take care of our fluff balls in the summer months when the heat hits. And Bored Panda is here for you with some helpful tips on how to do just that!

If you're a dog owner, you probably know that puppers don't handle heat very well. Cats tolerate hot temperatures a little bit better, but they still need additional support from us. UK Blue Cross emphasizes hydration as one of the most important things. Cat owners may know that cats don't really like to drink water that's near their food or litter box, so it can sometimes be challenging to make your kitty stay hydrated.

Luckily, the folks at Blue Cross have some tips about making your cat enjoy drinking water more:

1. Collect rain water. Some kitties don't like the taste of tap water, so offer them something more natural.
2. Leave the drip on occasionally. Other cats, on the contrary, might enjoy getting their tongues under the faucet. For a cheaper (and more planet-friendly) alternative, consider a mini water fountain. Cat behaviorists theorize that cats like moving sources of water because of evolutionary reasons. Wild cats would only drink from rivers and streams to avoid getting poisoned by bacteria. That's why some cats enjoy dripping water from the tap or dipping their paws into the water.

1. Try out different kinds of bowls. If you're a cat owner, you know: cats can be picky, even with their bowls. If your feline doesn't like to drink from a metal bowl, offer them a ceramic or a plastic one, also try out different sizes and depths.
2. Fill the bowl to the rim. Interestingly, cats often prefer their water bowls filled to the very rim. It might have to do with whisker sensitivity, as they might not want to dip their whiskers deep into the water. Even if your cat nips at the water just a little, make sure the bowl is always full.

1. Make treats into ice lollies. When you're freezing those ice cubes for your matcha next time, throw in a couple of tuna, spring water, or chicken stock into the ice lolly molds. They're a triple threat: keeps your cat hydrated, satisfies their treat cravings, and keeps them entertained.

Aside from hydration, it's very important to keep your kitty's paws cool. Their sweat glands are located in their paws, so giving them ice cubes or other cool toys to play with can be really helpful.

That's especially true on very hot days when it's best to keep your cat inside. Even if your feline likes going outside for adventures regularly, consider keeping them inside during heat waves. That way, you won't have to worry about heatstroke or dehydration by keeping an eye on them at all times.

Grooming is another essential part of keeping your cat cool in the summer. Even if they're not shedding, try brushing their coat every day so that it's tangle-free. For particularly long-haired breeds, it might be best to have their coat clipped by a professional. If you're unsure, always consult with your vet.