For exceedingly furry beasts, living in a sub-tropical climate such as Buenos Aires is no mean feat, especially in the summer months.

With the thermometer currently edging its way up the 30s, the cats are obviously finding it increasingly difficult to keep cool.

Isis (the more intelligent one) has discovered a phenomenon called “the shade” and usually retreats to the house’s cooler nooks and crannies for a snooze at around midday. Edward, however, (not so bright) has taken to lying flat on the ground and spreading out his limbs as much as is felinely possible so as to absorb any available breeze that may or may not be blowing about. This occasionally gives him the appearance of having died a very dramatic death (as a completely paranoid mother, I often nudge him awake from his slumber just to check). It also leaves me wondering how on earth he survived for so long in the wild with a “drop and spread out” technique that must’ve left him completely vulnerable to predators.

Both of the cats have also taken to shedding their body weight on an almost daily basis. I am sure that I can collect up enough hair for a wig (or at least a couple of merkins) in just one mornings sweep. The vet reassured me that shedding during the summer months is a sign of a very healthy and well-fed cat. This did leave me pondering whether or not to take them off premium kibble for a while and reduce the quality of their coats on cheap-o “gati-miau” but I’ve decided just to get on and vacuum the stuff up! She did suggest shearing them but I don’t want them looking like they live in a concentration camp…or have lice! What would people think!