How to Care for Outdoor Cats in Summer

Summertime is a great time to be an outdoor cat! There are plenty of new things to explore and lots of sunshine to soak up. However, taking some precautions is vital to ensure your kitty stays safe and healthy during the hot summer months. In this article, we will discuss how to care for outdoor cats in summer, including tips on keeping them cool and safe from predators.

How to Care for Outdoor Cats During The Summer Months

1. Provide easy access to shaded places

If your cat spends time outdoors, provide them with plenty of access to shaded areas. Trees and bushes are great places for kitties to take a break from the heat, so consider planting some in your yard if you don't already have them. You can also set up a shady spot for your cat by putting up a canopy or umbrella. If you live in an apartment or other type of dwelling without a yard, take your cat for walks in shady parks or other terrific areas. In hot weather, it's best to avoid concrete and asphalt surfaces, which can get very hot and cause burns on your cat's paws.

2. Add a few ice cubes into the water bowl

In addition to ensuring your cat always has access to fresh water, you can also help them stay cool by adding a few ice cubes to their water bowl. As the ice melts, it will lower the temperature of the water and give your cat a refreshing drink. You can also fill a spray bottle with cool water and mist your cat on hot days.

3. Give Your Pet Frozen Treat

Another way to keep your cat cool is to give them a frozen treat! You can make your own cat-safe popsicles by freezing water or broth in an ice cube tray, or you can purchase specially made cat treats that are designed to be frozen. Either way, your kitty will love having a refreshing snack on a hot day. 

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4. Feed your cat dry food in the summer

While you might be tempted to feed your cat wet food more often in the summer to help them stay hydrated, it's actually best to stick with dry food. This is because wet food can spoil more quickly in warm weather and attract flies and other insects. If you feed your cat wet food, be sure to do so in a clean, covered area.

5. Offer plenty of water outdoors

When your cat plays outdoors, offer them plenty of water in addition to the water bowl you have inside. Cats can get dehydrated quickly in warm weather, so it's important to make sure they always have access to fresh, cool water. You can set up a second water bowl outside or fill a spray bottle with water and mist your cat on hot days. If your cat doesn't seem to be drinking enough water, you can try adding a little bit of flavor to it. A few drops of tuna juice or chicken broth will usually do the trick! You can also purchase special cat water fountains that add oxygen to the water and encourage your kitty to drink more. 

6. Watch for heat stroke

During heat stroke days, you must know how to take care of cats in summer scorching heat! Cats can suffer from heat stroke just like humans, so it's essential to be aware of the signs. Symptoms of heat stroke in cats include panting, drooling, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and weakness. If your cat shows any of these signs, immediately move them to a cool area and contact your veterinarian.

7. Invest in a water fountain

Investing in a water fountain is an excellent idea if you're looking for a way to encourage your cat to drink more water. Water fountains are designed to add oxygen to the water and make it more appealing for cats to drink. They also help keep the water cooler and fresher, especially in warm weather. There are many different types of water fountains on the market, but we personally like the WOpet cat & dog water fountain. 

WOpet water fountain features a double filtration system to remove impurities and a built-in circulation system that keeps the water fresh. It's also made with BPA-free materials, so you can rest assured that it's safe for your cat to use. Plus, it has an intelligent water pump, so you can always be sure that your cat has access to clean, fresh water.

8. Cool your cat down with a wet cloth

If your cat is starting to overheat, you can help cool them down with a wet cloth. Simply soak a towel or handkerchief in cool water and drape it over your cat's back.

9. Keep regular grooming

Regular grooming is essential for all cats, especially when it's summer. Brushing your cat regularly will help remove any excess fur, which can help them stay cooler in warm weather. Trimming their nails so they can't overheat by accident is also a good idea. 

10. Add water to canned food

If your cat eats canned food, you can add a little bit of water to it to help them stay hydrated. Just be sure to use clean, filtered water, and avoid adding too much, or the food will become soupy.

11. Never leave your cat in direct sunlight

If you use a live trap to catch feral cats, never leave them in the trap in direct sunlight. The heat can be unbearable for them, leading to health problems or even death. Instead, always place the trap in a shady spot, and if possible, cover it with a light-colored cloth to help keep it cool.