PET OWNERS are being advised on how to best keep their furry friends cool as the temperatures soar.

Whilst most seem to be enjoying the hot weather, Blue Cross Veterinarian Service is asking residents to be wary of how their pets are coping with the heat.

The charity has advised that as the weather gets nicer, cats in particular have a hard time coping, and will sometimes search for open windows to try and get some breeze.

Currently, the veterinarian hospital is treating a four-month old kitten, Zara, who fell out of a window as she tried to get some cooler air on her fur, breaking her leg and requiring surgery.

Her owners were sadly unable to pay for the extensive treatment, so they decided it was best for the kitten to go to a new home where her needs can be met.

Alison Thomas, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Victoria animal hospital said: “Every year we remind owners about the dangers of cats falling from windows and balconies. Like Zana, fall victims are often very young, experiencing their first summer and are curious to see a window or door open for the first time.

“Young cats often lose their footing and fall which can lead to devastating injuries, and older cats often fall when sleeping on a window ledge or balcony. Tiny Zana faces weeks of cage rest during such important and playful time of her life, it’s very sad to see. We really hope more owners will take heed and make their windows safe for their pets.”

To keep your cats safe and still enjoy a cooling breeze during the summer months, Blue Cross advises either installing tip and tilt windows which allow air into the room without offering access outside to curious cats or using netting or a screen across windows or balconies when they are open to prevent the cats getting out.