Much like us humans, cats need special care when it comes to hot, sunny weather. Sunburn, heat exhaustion and dehydration can affect indoor as well as outdoor cats, so make sure you and your cat are fully prepared for the summer heat.

Cats love the warmth but the hotter it gets, the more likely they are to suffer from heat-related illnesses. There are lots of preventative measures you can take though to help keep your cat safe and healthy during the summer months.

Avoiding Sunburn

White cats or cats with white ears and faces are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Apply high factor sun cream liberally to their ears and faces, as you can't trust them to stay in the shade! When the sun is at its strongest and you're able to, it's also advisable to keep your cat indoors to protect against serious sun damage.

Avoiding Heatstroke

When it's extremely hot, you can help your cat avoid sunstroke by keeping her indoors in a cool room. Rubbing her down with a damp towel will also help, as will immersing her feet in a tub of cool water and wrapping a cold compress under your cat's neck. Try wrapping a plastic bag of frozen peas in a towel and placing it in her bed for a cool spot to lie in. The peas will naturally rearrange themselves to fit her contours, providing a 'custom spa' for cooling off.

If you do suspect your cat has heatstroke, look out for these early symptoms:

• Panting
• Anxiety, possibly demonstrated by pacing
• Increased heartbeat
• Respiratory distress or hyperventilation (breeds with flat noses may exhibit this earlier because of compromised airways)
• Dark red gums
• Lethargy
• Increased internal body temperature (your cat's internal temperature should be between 100.5 and 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. A body temperature in excess of 104 degrees is a definite warning sign

If your cat shows any of the signs above, cool her down as quickly as possible by immersing her in cool water and then wrapping her in wet towels. Then take her immediately to the vet as, in its extreme cases, heatstroke can be fatal.