7 Summer Cat Care Tips

Now that it’s summer, it’s important for pet parents to understand how the warmer weather can affect their pets. Cats love the summer, and it’s obvious why — cats enjoy basking in the sun just like many of their pet parents! They are also spectators and enjoy all the increased activity around them – birds chirping and critters outside scurrying about.

Here are seven tips from our friends at Nutram Pet Products to help you make the most out of summer with your feline friends, while keeping them safe.

1.  Get your cat micro-chipped – Many cats experience Feline Spring Fever, where they wake up earlier, and have the desire to go outside more and release some of their boundless energy. As a safety precaution, get your cat micro-chipped and/or outfit them with an ID tagged-collar in case they slip outside and potentially get lost.

2. Find your cat a nice indoor, sunbathing spot – Not only does your cat love the sun, he/she will also become a more avid birdwatcher during the summer months. If you’re planning on keeping your cat indoors at all times, then it’s a good idea to give them a window perch to settle down on.

cat care in summer

3. Purchase a secure cat harness (if you’ll be letting your cat outdoors) – There is nothing wrong with letting your feline friend enjoy the direct sunlight in your garden, but ensure your cat wears a properly fitted cat harness so he/she doesn’t get loose. Make sure you provide enough slack in line so your cat can enjoy the outdoors, but not too much leeway, to avoid going too far from home, or getting tangled on other objects. You should always supervise your cat when he/she is outdoors.

4.  Make your garden pet-friendly – Besides having a cat harness and long line ready, it’s important to make sure the products you are using in your garden (including pesticides) are pet-friendly. Always check the labels before purchasing. Make sure your plants aren’t harmful for your cat in the event that they take a nibble. When in doubt, ask the professionals at your garden center.

5.  Adjust your cat’s diet – If your cat is not brushed on a regular basis, they may form hairballs, which could result in a more urgent trip to the vet if not recognized early. Specialty diets can help you manage the hairball issue, a quick trip to the local specialty pet retailer can help you out. Look for ingredients in the food such as pumpkin, which helps with gut motility and facilitates hairball elimination.

6.  Plan a precautionary visit to the vet – This is especially important if you also have a dog in the house, as dogs spend more time outdoors and are exposed to the risk of heartworm infections, fleas, and ticks, which can also affect your cat.

7.  Be prepared – Have a pet first-aid kit ready no matter where you are with your pet (cottage, trailer, or home), and know where your local vet is in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to invest into pet insurance to make sure you’re fully covered.

Keeping these things in mind, you can have a safe and fun summer with your pet!  See our other post for information on summer grooming tips for your cat.

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2 Comments

  1. Tobias Armstrong July 20, 2016
  2. M. A. Hastings November 17, 2019

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