Summer dangers for cats

1. Snake bites

The summer heat encourages snakes to bask in the sun, and although snake bites are uncommon, they can be dangerous to cats. The European adder (Vipera berus) is the UK's only venomous snake. Anecdotally, cats may cope with snake bites better than dogs. However, we would not recommend testing this theory. In all cases, a snake bite can lead to serious consequences, so it is important that you know how to seek help if you suspect or see that your cat has been bitten by a snake. Read more in our article about snake bites in pets.

2. Ticks

With the increasingly warm weather all year round, especially in the summer months, ticks are becoming a regular concern for pet owners. Tick bites can cause localised irritation or infection and can also transmit diseases. Although tick-borne diseases in cats are not as common as in dogs, it is important to remember that cats can bring ticks into contact with humans and dogs. Therefore, it is a good idea to protect your cat against ticks, to protect all of our family members. Read more about ticks and ticks prevention in our article.

3. Insect stings and insect bites

Bites or stings from insects, such as mosquitoes, wasps, bees and ants, rarely make a cat seriously ill, but they can cause irritation and itching. Bites or stings around the head and neck may result in swelling that can cause breathing difficulties. If your cat becomes dull or lethargic after being stung or bitten, has difficulty breathing, develops facial swelling, or you notice any other concerning signs, seek prompt veterinary advice.

4. Wounds

Sharp objects, such as broken glass and disposable barbecue grills, can be hidden in the grass. Sometimes our cats have an accident and you may find that they have a wound. Small wounds and abrasions can often be cared for at home, whilst large or deep wounds usually need to be treated by a vet. If your cat has difficulty standing or walking, is bleeding heavily, appears to be in significant pain, or is in shock, seek veterinary attention immediately. If the bleeding is severe (pulsating blood may indicate an arterial bleed), apply firm pressure using a clean dressing or cloth to help control the bleeding and protect the wound. Carry your cat and keep them as quiet as possible on the way to the vet.

If the bleeding has stopped, or is only mild and the cat appears to be bright and alert, start by cleaning the wound. If necessary, trim long hair around the wound, being careful not to allow fur to contaminate the wound. Gently flush the whole area with saline (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 pint/500ml cooled boiled water), or lukewarm clean tap water twice daily. It is important to avoid using chemicals, such as alcohol or iodine in an open wound, as they can damage delicate healing tissue and delay wound healing. Apply a sterile, unmedicated wound hydrogel to the wound, if appropriate. Do not apply ointments or oil-based products. If there is debris in the wound that you are unable to flush out, contact your vet. Inspect the wound carefully. If the wound is more than 1 cm long, is deep, or is over a joint, it should be assessed by a vet. Other wounds, such as a split paw pad, may be more difficult to assess, so we recommend seeking veterinary advice.

It is important to prevent your cat from licking or biting a wound. The bacteria in their mouth can contaminate the wound and delay healing. We recommend using an Elizabethan collar (Buster collar), inflatable collar or medical bodysuit, if necessary, to prevent access to the wound. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge, pain, a bad smell, or the wound stops healing, seek veterinary advice. Read more in our article about how to provide first aid for your pet.

5. Sunburn

Like humans, cats can also suffer from sunburn. Cats with thin coats, little fur or pink or pale skin are most at risk. Pink skin contains less of the protective pigment melanin, and is therefore more sensitive to the sun’s radiation. Cats, like humans, may be at increased risk of skin cancer if they have frequent exposure to the sun.

Sunburn appears in much the same way as it does in humans, sore and reddened skin. The areas most prone to burning are the ear tips, around the eyes and nose, and also on the abdomen. If your cat does get sunburnt, try to relieve the symptoms by bathing the area with cool water, or holding a cool wet cloth against the affected areas. It is important that the cat does not itch or lick the burnt area, as this can cause further inflammation and secondary skin infections. If the cat appears to be very sore, the skin is blistered or broken or the cat becomes distressed, or lethargic, we recommend contacting your vet promptly.

To help prevent sunburn, use a pet-safe, fragrance-free sunscreen on exposed areas. White cats are particularly at risk of developing skin cancer on the ear tips. In advanced cases, surgery to remove part or all of the affected ear may be necessary, so protecting vulnerable areas from the sun is very important. However, whenever possible, ensure that your cat has access to shade, cool places to rest, and plenty of fresh water to avoid prolonged periods in direct sunlight.

6. Toads

Toads have glands that can secrete toxins when they feel threatened. If a cat licks or bites a toad, they can experience signs of poisoning. You may notice excessive salivation, and your cat may also become lethargic or nauseous. This condition is usually harmless and typically self-resolves within a few hours. If your cat is not severely affected, keep them under close observation until they have returned to normal. As soon as you notice signs of toxicity, rinse their mouth thoroughly with plenty of clean, running water, taking care to prevent them from swallowing the water. Check the mouth for any signs of injury or material lodged between the teeth. It is important to note that the signs of poisoning are often non-specific, so if possible, try to identify what your cat has been exposed to and how much. This information, along with your cat's weight, will help your vet provide the most appropriate advice and treatment. If your cat is showing severe signs, or if you have any concerns, seek veterinary advice promptly.

7. Fly strike

Fly strike is relatively common during the warm summer months. Fly larvae (maggots) can sometimes be mistaken for intestinal parasites, which may look similar (white and 5–10 mm long). It is important to distinguish between them, as fly larvae hatch from eggs laid by flies. Flies are attracted to wounds and warm, moist fur contaminated with faeces or urine. The eggs can hatch within 24 hours and develop into larvae that feed on damaged or unhealthy tissue. Fly strike is extremely painful and, if left untreated, can cause serious damage. If you discover fly larvae, seek veterinary attention promptly, even if you only see one or two. The affected area often appears smaller than it is because the larvae burrow into the tissue. At the vet, cats are usually given sedation and pain relief. The fur around the affected area is clipped and all visible larvae are removed. Antiparasitic treatment is often given. Antibiotics and intravenous fluids may be necessary if the infestation is severe.

To help prevent fly strike, check your cat's skin daily for wounds, skin irritation or contamination with faeces or urine. If your cat has had diarrhoea or urinary incontinence, bathe the area and dry it thoroughly. Long or dense fur may need to be clipped during the summer to help keep it clean and dry.

8. Fleas

Fleas are rarely dangerous, but can be troublesome for cats, especially cat fleas. Adult female fleas feed on blood while on the host before laying eggs, which fall into the environment. The eggs then hatch into larvae that hide in the indoor environment. Finally, the larvae develop into pupae that can be hatched into new fleas. Fleas can cause severe itching and skin problems, such as hair loss, dandruff and rashes. These are usually found on the lower back, flanks and base of the tail. Some cats also develop an allergy to flea saliva, known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). These cats are often much more severely affected than cats without FAD.

If you suspect that the cat has fleas, you can use a comb to try to find fleas or flea dirt. Flea faeces are small black granules, and will turn brownish red if you place them on a piece of moistened tissue paper. The eggs and larvae of the fleas live in the environment, under carpets, in floorboards and soft furnishings. In severe cases, it may take 3 months of intensive cleaning to get on top of an infestation. If you protect your cat from ticks, the chances are that you will also protect them from fleas. Check the medicine package leaflet, to see what parasites it should be used for. Read more in our article on managing fleas in cats.

9. Travelling abroad with cats

People in the UK are increasingly taking their pets with them on holiday. It is important to know that travelling abroad with your cat requires some planning. Your cat will need to meet the current pet travel requirements, which may include a pet passport, vaccinations and parasite treatments. These requirements take time to arrange, so plan well in advance of your trip, at least 3 months .Travelling abroad can also pose some risks to your pet. There are many parasites and infectious diseases that are more common in other countries. In many cases, it may be more appropriate to arrange a cat-sitter, or use a boarding cattery instead. Firstly, this will avoid exposing your cat unnecessarily to infections, and secondly, cats often dislike both transportation, disruption to their routine, and new places. Read more in our article about what to consider when travelling abroad with your pet.

10. Other summer hazards

Grass seeds

Seeds from grasses and other cereals can be very troublesome if they become lodged in the eyes, ears or nose. Grass seeds can also penetrate the skin, causing localised inflammation or infection. If your cat seems to have irritation in the eyes, ears or nose, check carefully for any grass seeds. If you suspect that your cat may have a grass seed in its eye, ear or nose, we recommend consulting a vet.

Blades of grass

It is not uncommon for a piece of grass to get stuck in a cat's nose or nasopharynx. When they eat grass, a blade can get lodged behind the soft palate at the back of the throat. The cat often shows signs of throat irritation, a mild nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, gagging, or rubbing a paw against their nose. They may also become inappetent. Grasses that are stuck will often need to be removed by your vet. Your cat will usually require sedation or a general anaesthetic. Once the piece of grass has been removed, the cat will normally show no further clinical signs, and make an immediate recovery. Note that similar signs may be seen with other nasal problems, such as polyps. We would recommend seeking veterinary advice if you notice any of the signs above.

Fish hooks

Cats are naturally curious and are happy to investigate almost anything they find. Although uncommon, a fish hook can become lodged in the mouth, paw or elsewhere in the skin. If the hook has a barb, do not try to pull it back out the way it went in, as this can cause further tissue damage. Instead, keep your cat as calm as possible and seek veterinary attention promptly. In most cases, fish hooks need to be removed by a vet under sedation or a general anaesthetic.

Still worried?

Book a video appointment to have a chat with one of our vets.