Catster quiz: is your cat a hot mess?

Editor’s note:

1. Your weather app indicates it’s going to be a scorcher of a day! Your home isn’t air conditioned, so how do you keep your cat comfortable?

a. Place fans near his favorite resting spots as well as food and water dishes.

b. Place one fan by his food and water dishes so he can feel cool while he drinks and dines.

c. Take deep breaths and blow cool air on him throughout the day.

d. Nothing special — cats are adaptable.

2. You have to leave for several hours, and the temps are escalating. what kind of cool treat should you leave for your kitty?

a. Catsicles (wet food that’s been frozen in plastic cups and then put into your cat’s dish)

b. Refrigerated wet cat food

c. Plain water is fine for a cooldown

d. A banana milkshake, obviously

3. The heat is boiling, and even indoor cats have an increased need for fresh water during the summer months. how do you keep your cat’s water dish cool and refreshing while you’re away from home?

a. Place ice cubes in a cat fountain, which provides a constant flow of oxygenated water.

b. Place ice cubes in your cat’s water bowl.Give your cat fresh, cool water right away in the morning, when you get home, and before you go to bed.

c. Give your cat fresh, cool water right away in the morning, when you get home, and before you go to bed.

d. Give your cat fresh, cool water right away in the morning. Good enough!

4. Signs of heatstroke include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting, and collapsing. how do you protect your cat’s rising body temp from the dog days of summer?

a. Place frozen water bottles in your cat’s bed and other regular resting places.

b. Regularly rub your kitty down with a cool washcloth.

c. Fill up a baby pool, and let him take a dip.

d. Grab electric clippers, and start shavin’ the kitty coat!

5. Your cat needs comfortable places to sleep during a heat wave. how do you help that hot cat find his cool while you’re gone for the day?

a. Make sure rooms with cool floors — like basements — are easily accessible.

b. Move kitty’s food and litter box to the bathroom, creating a cozy one-room sanctuary with cool sinks and tubs for napping.

c. Move your cat’s beds away from areas that heat up quickly.

d. Close the windows so warm air stays outside.

6. Families can become busy during the summer, but cats still need play and interaction. What’s the best way to keep your cat active during hot weather?

a. Encourage play during the cooler hours of the morning and evening.

b. Place his favorite interactive toys in the coolest parts of your home.

c. Dance with him in front of an open freezer.

d. Who wants to be active when it’s hot?

Tabby at window by Shutterstock

7. It’s unavoidable: You have to take your cat on a long car ride, and the heat is miserable. What’s your plan?

a. Keep the air conditioning blasting so you and kitty don’t melt.

b. If there’s no AC, attach a portable fan to the carrier.

c. Make sure he drinks plenty of water before the ride.

d. Drive really fast so the trip is as short as possible.

Mostly A’s: Totally chill

You’re on top of what it takes to keep your kitty comfortable, even during the steamiest temperatures. Keep those fans blowing and cool water flowing — your cat’s one of the chillest cats in town.

Mostly B’s: Cooler than most

Your cat stays pretty comfortable during the summer sizzle, but you could kick it up a notch. Look around your home, and see where you can further improve your cat’s environment. Look into purchasing a fountain. You’re on the right track!

Mostly C’s: Getting steamy

There’s definitely room for improvement. Senior cats, young kittens, and cats who live with illness are more susceptible to heatstroke, so watch them closely. Review the “A” quiz answers for suggestions on how to enhance your cat’s cool factor.

Mostly D’s: Hot mess

Things have gotten pretty sticky, and you need to make some significant changes to maintain your cat’s health and well-being during a heat wave. Monitor the indoor temperature, provide fans if air conditioning isn’t available, and offer fresh, cool water regularly. Consult your vet and create an action plan for keeping kitty cool and healthy. You can do it! And, please don’t shave your cat’s coat yourself!

About the Author: Angie Bailey is an eternal optimist with an adoration of all things silly. Loves pre-adolescent boy humor, puns, making up parody songs, thinking about cats doing people things and The Smiths. Writes Catladyland, a cat humor blog, Texts from Mittens (originated right here on Catster) and authored whiskerslist: the kitty classifieds, a silly book about cats wheeling and dealing online. Partner in a production company and writes and acts in comedy web series that features sketches and mockumentaries. Mother to two humans and three cats, all of which want her to make them food.