Summer can be a challenging time for outdoor cats. As temperatures climb, it’s important for cat owners to take steps to ensure their feline friends stay cool and comfortable when spending time outside. With some planning and preparation, you can help prevent overheating and heat stress in outdoor cats during the hot summer months.
Provide Plenty of Shade
One of the best things you can do is give your outdoor cat access to shady spots around your yard. Trees, tall plants, and outdoor structures like porches can all create shade and relief from the hot sun.
- Plant shrubs, bushes, and tall grasses around your yard to give your cat shaded places to lounge. Catnip, mint, and oat grasses make good additions.
- Set up a cat shelter or ‘catio’ in a shaded area of the yard. Even a cardboard box on its side with a blanket inside can work.
- Let your cat hang out on the porch or deck, which likely stays cooler than the sun-baked yard.
- Add a cat window perch so your kitty can watch the world from the cooled indoors.
Providing shade gives your outdoor cat respite from the blazing sun and cooler spots to rest and play.
Ensure Plenty of Cold, Fresh Water
Dehydration is a real risk for cats in summer heat. Make sure your outdoor kitty always has access to fresh, cold water.
- Place multiple water bowls around your yard in shaded areas.
- Opt for a cat water fountain or bubbler, which keeps water cool and encourages drinking.
- Change the water 2-3 times per day during hot weather.
- Try freezing water in ice cube trays and floating the cubes in your cat’s water bowl to keep it chilled.
- Avoid metal bowls, which can get hot in the sun. Choose ceramic or plastic instead.
Keeping your cat hydrated with cool, clean water is key to avoiding overheating. Monitor their water intake on hot days.
Create Cool Resting Places
Give your outdoor cat access to chilled shelter where they can beat the heat.
- Place ice packs or frozen water bottles wrapped in towels in their cat bed. Exchange for frozen ones when needed.
- Run box fans, cooling pads, or small AC units designated just for kitty’s hang-outs.
- Set up sheltered, shaded boxes, tunnels, or tents and put a ceramic floor tile inside to absorb and radiate coolness.
- Use gels or mats designed to stay cool when cats lay on them.
Having spots to rest and chill out lets your cat take breaks from the heat as needed throughout the day.
Avoid Hot Surfaces
Watch out for hot outdoor surfaces that could burn paws and cause discomfort.
- Check pavement, artificial turf, or sandy areas with your hand – if it feels hot to you, it’s too hot for kitty paws!
- Hose down or throw water on hot walkways, patios, and decks to cool them.
- Make sure your cat has access to shady grass or dirt areas for walking and lying down.
- Put down cool mats, towels, or cardboard for your cat to step on instead of scorching surfaces.
Monitoring ground temperatures helps prevent injuries and reduces heat exposure from below.
Brush Out Winter Coats
If your cat spent the winter months mostly indoors, they likely have a thick coat perfect for staying warm. But that same heavy fur can overheat them in summer weather.
- Use a slicker brush and undercoat rake to remove loose winter fur.
- Start brushing in early spring when your cat begins shedding so their coat lightens up in time for the warm months.
- Check for mats close to the skin which can prevent heat from escaping.
Regularly grooming out dead winter fur helps your cat cope with rising temperatures and feel more comfortable.
Limit Intense Activity
Your active outdoor cat may want to play just as hard in summer as they do the rest of the year. But strenuous play in heat can lead to distress.
- Encourage shorter, gentler play sessions on extremely hot days. Toss toys short distances rather than far.
- Provide puzzle feeders and treat balls for mental stimulation and indoor play instead of hardcore physical exertion.
- Make sure your cat has ample time for naps and relaxation out of the sun.
Scaling back high-energy physical activities when it’s extremely hot helps prevent overexertion and the added body heat it causes.
Watch for Signs of Overheating
Monitor your cat closely on hot summer days for signs of heat exhaustion or distress.
- Rapid, open-mouth breathing
- Bright red gums
- Thick, ropey saliva
- Weakness, stumbling, or collapse
- Dark red ears or paw pads
If you observe any symptoms of overheating, bring your cat indoors immediately and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen. Taking action quickly could save your cat’s life.
Consult Your Vet
Some medical conditions can make cats more susceptible to heat, like heart disease, obesity, or hyperthyroidism. Very young and very old cats may also be at increased risk.
- Talk to your vet about any concerns related to your individual cat’s health and heat tolerance.
- Ask if any precautions, lifestyle changes, or medications may help your cat stay safer in summer heat.
Having an open dialogue with your veterinarian ensures you can take any necessary extra measures to protect kitty’s wellbeing.
With some preparation and planning, you can help minimize heat-related risks and keep your outdoor cat cool and content even during hot summer weather. Be sure to provide ample shade, water, and cooled shelter. And as always, keep a close eye on your cat and contact your vet promptly about any overheating concerns. Taking the right steps helps ensure your kitty stays healthy and happy all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Cats Cool in Summer
How can I keep my outdoor cat from overheating?
- Provide shade and chilled shelter options.
- Ensure access to plenty of fresh, cold water.
- Brush out heavy winter coats.
- Limit intense play/activity.
- Avoid hot pavement or sandy surfaces.
- Watch closely for signs of heat distress.
What temperature is too hot for cats?
Anything over 85°F can cause heat-related stress, especially with high humidity. Indoor cats and kittens, elderly cats, and those with health issues may have lower heat tolerance. Panting, drooling, or weakness can signal overheating at lower temperatures as well.
Should I let my cat on the porch in summer?
Screened-in porches are a great option to let cats get fresh air while staying in the shade. Open porches can work too with cat-safe screens installed and plenty of cool, shaded areas for resting. Avoid full sun exposure though.
Can cats get sunburned?
Yes! Light-colored and thin-coated cats are especially vulnerable. Limit sun exposure, provide shade, and apply pet-safe sunscreen on ears and noses 30 minutes before going outside.
How do I get my cat to drink more water in summer?
Try ice cubes, chilled fountains and bubblers, placing water in multiple shaded areas, or adding a bit of tuna juice or low-sodium broth to the water for added temptation. Cats tend to drink more when water tastes fresh.
What plants provide good shade for cats?
Tall grasses, catnip, ferns, bushes, small trees like Japanese maple, and vegetable plants like peas or beans give excellent shady cover for cats to lounge under when planted properly in cat-safe areas of the yard.
Conclusion
The summer sun can quickly put outdoor cats at risk for overheating, dehydration, and heat stroke. Be prepared to help your cat stay cool by providing shade and cooled shelter, plenty of fresh water, and limiting strenuous activity levels on extremely hot days. With some preparation and diligent monitoring of your cat, you can help prevent summer health dangers and keep your kitty comfortable all season long!