Thursday, August 18, 2016

#Felines Beat The Heat--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith




Usually our feline friends search out a sunny spot to take their morning...or afternoon...or evening nap. They enjoy the warm sunlight on their condo shelves or on the floor shining through the door. But during the recent hot spell, they sought out cool spots, both inside and out. Extremely hot temperatures can be as dangerous to our pets as extreme cold.

While Bonnie and Clyde, our outside visitors, can usually be seen napping on the patio, in a comfortable spot on the lawn or in the garden, the afternoon heat and oppressive humidity this week had them looking for shadier cool spots. While we provide them shelters in shaded areas, they seem to find their own preferred havens to stay cool. One afternoon I found both Bonnie and Clyde behind pots under my herb bin napping against the cool cement wall of our sunroom. Even when called, Clyde hesitated to relinquish his cool spot to join Bonnie for their evening meal. Although we leave our basement door ajar during the hot afternoons, Bonnie and Clyde still prefer spots of their choosing outside.     


After eating, especially in the evening, they often find a shady spot under the nearby silver maple or on the lawn surrounding it. Bonnie will stay near the protection of the tree trunk, but Clyde does not hesitate to settle on the lawn and do a full body stretch on his back to cool his tummy.


The pair also follow the shade provided by the house against the late afternoon sun--Clyde on a hay bale in front of the cat shelter and Bonnie under a large planter near the back door.

In the 90 degree temperatures we've been having, I change the water in the outside water bowls two or three times a day.  Another option is to take a small water bottle (I buy minis to carry in my purse) take a bit of water out and then freeze it.  You can set the frozen water bottle in the water bowl to keep it cooler. I've been told ice can be harmful to cats and dogs, so this could be a better way to go. 

Even the inside cats seem to mind the heat, even though they have the comforts of an air-conditioned home. During the hot summer months, it is not unusual to see Zoie, Paddy or Halo resting on their backs to cool their tummies.

 

Fur baby care takes round the year vigilance.  Hoping you and your pets can stay cool!


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A cornea transplant and memories from her donor haunt Melanie Carlotti.  A search for answers could bring her true love and a family...or heartache.  


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Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!





USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 95th novel will be released in 2016.
Karen and Paddy

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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