The heat here is really making me sick!! Not kidding!

[MajesticCollies]

Kirsten,
My Mother recently recieved a letter from my cousins in Germany. They too are complaining of the heat. They live in OLmstat? Does that sound right. My other Cousin lives in Phmgstat? It be much easier if they made the spelling easier. lol
Anyhow, I sympathize with you. I am a production Supervisor in the Nations largest Independant Bakery and we have 14 ovens that are 300 feet long, so I know what your dealing with for my Deptment has no AC.

[catland]

Is it getting better yet?

I don't really have any suggestions that haven't been mentioned yet - I knew of the cold water or ice on the wrists.

Also, I know general rules are to try to avoid caffeine or alcholol. Also, do you like spicy foods at all? Hot, spicy foods that cause you to sweat more actually help to cool you down.

[GreyhoundGirl]

You could move to canada. Just Joking. ( If you do, stop by my place )

You could... Um.... shower in really cold water and wash your face a lot. And... put a wet towel over yourself. Um.... Or.... Go to a public pool often...

What do the other people in your town do ?

[RedHedd]

Is it getting better yet?

It is here - Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! I LOVE San Francisco's natural air conditioning - our wonderful fog. It feels absolutely delicious now

[Catty1]

Okay - short of blinds and wooden shutters (just spelled that with an "i"! )

Aluminum foil! COVER your windows with it, shiny side out.

I bet that'll help by a few degrees!

hugs!

[Catty1]

Putting the foil up shiny side out reflects the sun AWAY from the place. I am thinking, with more sun deflected...the temp inside has to ease off a bit.

Doesn't cost much to try it.

and a thought....for a few hours in the evening....when it MIGHT be a TAD cooler...is there a place you can put your fan (preferably higher up) so it is blowing the hotter inside air OUTDOORS?

That's why warehouses have those exhaust fans WAAAY up in the ceiling, in the peak of the wall where the wall meets the ceiling. The hotter air is at the top, and the fan removes it outdoors.

If you have a fan that will fit in part of a window, that would be good...and keep some air moving as well...

I'd say keep the foil on the windows for two days(including two nights) then you will know if there is a difference.

I am just trying to think of things here - the heat there is horrible. If you have sunlight coming into your place, it can't hurt to try blocking it.

[caseysmom]

It is here - Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! I LOVE San Francisco's natural air conditioning - our wonderful fog. It feels absolutely delicious now

Yes the San Francisco is wonderful, just north of san francisco in bodega bay is my favorite place in the whole world...the weather the ocean...too bad I could only afford a shack there.

[Russian Blue]

I can relate Kirsten since the heat and humidity is killing me! I never really noticed the humidity before but these last two summers have been bad. Plus the humidity is bringing some scary weather. Within the last month, there were two mini-tornadoes that touched down just 20 minutes north of me and a funnel cloud was spotted 20 minutes east of my location. This is not normal for the Toronto area.We're renovating a century old house and do not have air conditioning so we really feel it. We've closed off the second floor of the house since it's too hot.

I've been offline since I've had constant migrains recently. This week they are forcasting more humidity which will make the temperature feel like 40°C. I'm ready for fall/winter.

[RedHedd]

Yes the San Francisco is wonderful, just north of san francisco in bodega bay is my favorite place in the whole world...the weather the ocean...too bad I could only afford a shack there.

{{{{ waves }}}} Hi neighbor! Yes, paradise is expensive and we're so lucky to live here.

[RedHedd]

Put Farrusko in the bathtub with the water running at his favorite rate of trickle and put a few ice cubes in there to melt and cool him down. Watch him carefully for signs of dehydration. I used Kirsten's tip of rubbing Mitzi down with a cool, dampened washcloth during our heat wave. She LOVED it and then aired herself out in front of the fan for more cooling. Both of my cats were eating less during the heat and were more lethargic, but I don't think they stopped altogether.

[RedHedd]

what are the signs of dehydration on a Cat?

I'm not really sure. I know when we were going through our heat wave, Mishi was actually sweating at one point (I didn't know cats could sweat!), he felt extremely warm and his nose was warm and very dry. I put him in the tub and he seemed to perk up after cooling down a bit.

I know others on this board or a vet probably could answer that question better than I can.

[RedHedd]

what are the signs of dehydration on a Cat?

I've been thinking of you all weekend. Googled dehydration in cats and came up with this:

Cats can become dehydrated for many reasons including illness, fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, diabetes, and kidney problems. You can tell if your cat is dehydrated by doing the 'pinch' test. Take a bit of skin on the cats back and pinch it, let go and see how long it takes for the skin to retract back to its normal spot. The skin should be extremely elastic and immediately bounce back, if it takes more than a second or two your cat is probably dehydrated.

Symptoms to look for:
- Dry nose
- Dry mouth or eyes
- 'Pinch' test
- Severe thirst
- Lethargy

Treatment:
If your cat is dehydrated take him/her to the vet to determine the cause of the dehydration. If the dehydration is not serious it may be able to be treated by simply giving the cat more water. If the dehydration is caused by a pre-existing condition or illness your vet can determine that and direct you as to how to take care of the condition. Always make sure your cat drinks plenty of fluids and always have a full bowl of clean, fresh water available to your cat.

In more serious situations your cat may need to be given fluids subcutaneously or intravenously.

Precautionary measures:
Make sure your cat drinks plenty of water. Cats, as we all know, can be quite finicky so keep his/her water bowl clean and full. Many cats dislike the taste of plastic so try to keep their food and water in porcelain or glass bowls. Keep your home at a 'normal' temperature and make sure your cat is in good general health.

Medical and care advice on this article is for your knowledge and information only. It is not a substitute for a veterinary appointment or an actual diagnosis for your pet. If you feel your pet has a health or behavior problem please consult your veterinarian immediately for specific advice tailored to your individual pet.

However I see that Farrusko is training you properly to offer him water via your hands. Mishi has me well trained too