this post was submitted on 17 Apr 2025
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How can I help my fluffy kitty be more comfy (programming.dev)
submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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My Siberian cat gets hot. I mean like noticeably hot.

Like a couple minutes after I took this picture he flipped himself over and I went to pet him and I could feel just how hot his fur is.

I now understand why he's always agitated, prefers sleeping on hardwood floors and stone and leather, and doesn't like to cuddle with me or sit on my lap!

Is there something I could realistically do to help him? Especially because I'm in New Jersey and it's about to turn summer.

I'm even fine with trimming his long luxurious fur, for him

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago

For our pet rabbit I bought a clay plant saucer (the part you would put under the pot to catch extra water). I flip it upside down and put an ice pack under it. Then a towel between the ice pack and floor to soak up condensation. The ice cools the clay without her being in direct contact with the ice.

Also frozen water bottle in a sock she can lay next to on the extra hot days.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

Shaving longhair cats at the beginning of summer is pretty common

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 month ago

Sorry, I don't really have any advice, my last cat loved to be warm, and would purr her stupid face off laying on me while I was literally sweating! But since your cat can't vocalize it, I just wanted to say thank you for looking into this, and helping that dude be more comfortable... Good human.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

do you have an air conditioner to help reduce the effect of seasons?

[–] [email protected] 44 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Long hair cats need their hair brushed. Doubley so when the seasons change and they are shedding.

Get a wire cat brush and be amazed at how much comes out. (Plus the little guy will love it) That should be a good starting spot

If they're still too hot then a trim isn't a bad idea

[–] [email protected] 14 points 1 month ago (1 children)

There are also deshedder brushes/combs that will help - the idea is that it removes all the loose fur, particularly from the undercoat. Depending on the time of year this can get rid of a lot of volume.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 month ago

Be sure to get one for long hair cats if necessary! I didn't realize this was a thing until I tried using our short hair deshedder on our long hair and she promptly got very pissed off. She's still not a super fan of the long hair version, but she will tolerate it.

And you're right - tons and tons of fur comes off when I groom our kitties every few weeks in spring.

[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 month ago (3 children)

Get his belly shaved.

Seriously. It's a thing people do for long-haired cats to help them cool off in the summer.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

Seconded.

To clarify, bring your cat to the groomers for this. I'm not sure DIY with barber shears is the best approach.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 month ago

And the butt. Not all cats are particularly good at cleaning, and longer hair back there collects things.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

🤔 that's not a bad idea

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

I have a cat just like yours with the same problem and can attest that it really does help. My fluffy guy really was no fan of the process, but he enjoyed summer much more afterwards. There really was an immediate change in his attitude, less apathic, more playful, cuddlier, and just happier overall. Will certainly do it again this year.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 month ago

How hot is your home?

[–] [email protected] 30 points 1 month ago (1 children)

You can get a cooling mat, similar principle as stone etc, but weird softer pillow-y. Couple of our cats love it in summer, and you can simply flip them if they turn warm.

Maybe some cold water, or even water with some ice?

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 month ago

Plus cooling pillows, they really work. Nice for the summertime:)