A huge shout out to all those spectators and participants who came out for the pet show during the Maine Potato Blossom Festival this past week. It was a beautiful evening and everyone enjoyed the wide array of entertaining pets that strutted their stuff.
Many Blue Ribbons were awarded, along with a variety of door prizes. We can’t thank you enough for always supporting the Central Aroostook Humane Society!
(Courtesy of Gloria Towle)
The summer heat has finally arrived in Aroostook County. Most of us love it, some of you, not so much. When the temps and humidity start rising, it can be a concern, not only for people but for our pets as well. A few articles back we spoke of how to protect your dog when the temperatures soar, but what about your felines?
Our previous kitties, Willie and Annie, were indoor cats for 18 years. Willie on occasion would go out with us if we were sitting in the yard, but he never ventured far. Mostly they were content to sit on the window bench watching the birds and chipmunks, and were more than a little spoiled.
Your cat’s normal body temperature will typically be between 100.5 to 102.5 F. So this means your cat can tolerate hotter temperatures than you or I can, since our average body temperature is about 98.6 F. But cats’ tolerance can vary widely depending on humidity, their health, age and even type of fur. It’s best to be cautious and avoid the hottest parts of the day altogether.
Please use common sense when it comes to your pets and excessive heat. If you start to notice your cat panting, be concerned.. Cats don’t typically breathe with an open mouth like dogs do. You can cool down your cat by wetting their abdomen, ears and paws with warm water and turning a fan on.
Many Aroostook County barns will have feral cats. It’s important to provide shady spaces and keep fresh water available if possible.
Knowing the signs of heatstroke could certainly save your pet’s life. According to www.bestfriendsvets.co.uk, please be aware of heat exhaustion signs: Breathing or panting rapidly, racing pulse, red tongue and mouth, vomiting, lethargy, stumbling or staggering and a rectal temperature over 40.5 C or 105 F.
With heat exhaustion, eventually, the cat’s body temperature will increase to the extent that the cat will collapse, have seizures or slip into a coma. See a vet as soon as possible if your cat is showing any of these signs.
May you and your pets enjoy this beautiful summer. If you are interested in adopting, stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle or check out our Facebook page.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is on the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
