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An older man with a white mustache sips iced lemonade through a straw on a shady porch while a silver tabby cat looks up. 25 / 35

Grandpa Hank Poured a Tall Glass of Lemonade. Pewter Had Questions About It.

AI imagesilver tabbysummer heatporch

It is the kind of hot afternoon that calls for a tall glass and a shady seat. Grandpa Hank has settled into a weathered wooden chair on the porch in a gray tee and his olive fishing vest, sunglasses resting on his head. He sips iced lemonade through a straw, eyes lowered, a lemon slice floating among the ice cubes. Pewter is pressed against the arm of his chair, chin tipped up toward the glass, green eyes wide with interest, whiskers fanned forward. Behind them, red geraniums bloom in a clay pot, a blue watering can sits in the grass, and leafy ferns crowd the shade.

Summer heat affects cats too, even though they often seem to love sunny spots. Cats cool themselves mainly by grooming, resting in shade, and seeking out cool surfaces, since they sweat only a little through their paw pads. On hot days, make sure your cat has easy access to fresh, cool water and shady or air-conditioned places to rest. Some cats drink more when water is offered in a wide bowl or a gently running pet fountain. Watch for signs of overheating, such as panting, drooling, restlessness, or lethargy, and contact your vet promptly if you see them. As for the lemonade, it is best kept for humans. Citrus can upset a cat's stomach, and sugar is not something cats need. Most cats dislike the smell of citrus anyway.

Pewter will not be getting a sip, but he has found the coolest spot on the porch right next to his favorite person, and that is refreshment enough.

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