As the weather starts to warm up, many pet owners are anxious to take their furry friends out for a walk or playtime in the backyard. But it’s important to remember that cats can be just as susceptible to the dangers of summer as dogs are. Here are a few tips on how to help your cat stay safe and enjoy the season.
#1: Build your cat a catio
You’ve likely seen pictures of “catios,” which are a feline’s dream spot for safely hanging out in the fresh air. However, if you do not have the space or budget to build a fancy catio, you can still let your cat bask in cool breezes and warm sunlight by letting them venture onto a screened-in porch. If your cat is especially accommodating, you also can leash-train them to accept a harness and go for short walks in your yard.
#2: Place a birdbath or feeder in front of your cat’s favorite window
While looking out at passersby is all well and good, your cat will be much more interested in a view that features a birdbath and feeder. Although you may not be able to let them go outside, you can bring a bit of the outdoors to them with a well-positioned wildlife display of a bath, feeder, and house.
#3: Help your cat beat the heat with cool treats
If your home heats up during the summer, you can help your cat cool off with a frozen treat. Freeze chunks of tuna in water in an ice cube tray for a cold snack, or offer your cat frozen cubes of low-sodium chicken broth in their water dish to encourage them to drink more.
#4: Protect your light-colored cat from strong sunlight
Light-colored cats are much more susceptible to sunburn and to developing a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma when exposed to too much sun. So, keep your white cat out of direct sunlight by using curtains and blinds. Gentle morning and evening rays can be acceptable in small doses.
#5: Administer your cat’s parasite prevention on time
You and your cat aren’t the only ones enjoying the warm weather—so are mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Keep your feline friend safe from parasitic infections and diseases by administering their prevention treatment on time each month.
Stock up on your cat’s parasite prevention medication before the weather warms up. Talk to our team about the best option to keep your pet safe from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.