When the sunshine hits, our feline friends seem to be in their element. But whilst cats may seem self-sufficient, the summer months can bring a new set of risks to be aware of. Thankfully there are simple steps you can take to avoid these risks and make sure your cat has a happy, healthy summer.
We sat down with Policy Expert’s resident vet nurse, Faye, to ask about the things she’s seen cats get into trouble with during summer, and how she’d recommend avoiding them.
Heatstroke
Cats cool down by panting and grooming. But when temperatures rise, these natural ways of cooling always work and can make heatstroke more likely.
Top tips
- Make sure they always have clean water in many places.
- Provide cool, shady places for them to go, both inside and out.
- Limit the amount of time they can spend outdoors when it’s very hot (usually from 10am – 4pm).
- Brushing their fur often helps remove extra fur and keeps them cooler.
Sunburn
Just like us, cats can get sunburnt, and those with pale fur or thin hair can get burned more easily. Places like their ears and nose are also much more likely to burn because their skin is not protected by fur.
Top tips
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to any skin that is showing.
- Keep them out of the sun during the hottest hours.
- Make sure they have shade and can go to cooler areas easily.
Dehydration
Making sure your cat drinks enough water in the heat can be tricky. This is because cats have their own ways of drinking. like small and drinks and often, whilst others like water from unusual places like a dripping tap. This pickiness can be a problem in the summer when they need more water.
Top tips
- Put out many water bows in different places.
- Pay attention to how they like to drink.
- If a dripping tap helps them drink, let them do it while you watch.
- Add wet food to their diet to give them more water.
- Consider buying a pet water fountain as moving water can make them drink more.
Open windows
While open windows offer a welcome breeze in hot weather, they can be very dangerous for cats. Cats like to explore and might try to go through the open window, but they can get hurt if they fall from high up.
Top tips
- Install strong screens on all open windows and make sure they are fixed well.
- If screens aren’t an option, open windows fully when you can watch your cat.
- You can also use window stoppers or safety clips to let in fresh air and keep your cat safe.
Trapped in small spaces
Cats are known for seeking out small, closed spaces for napping or hiding. In the summer, this can be dangerous if they get stuck in hot places like sheds, garages, greenhouses, or even cars.
Top tips
- Always check sheds, garages, and cars before closing them.
- Keep sheds, garages, and greenhouses safely closed when not in use.
- Know your cat’s favourite hiding spots and check them regularly, especially in summer.
Curiosity and harmful toxins
Summer is peak gardening season, which means more pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers and slug/snail bait – all of which can be deadly for your cat.
Top tips
- Store all gardening products (pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, slug bait) in safe, closed containers.
- Be careful when using bug sprays.
- Think about your neighbours’ gardening habits.
- Check your cat’s paws and fur often after they have been outside, and clean them if you think they got chemicals on them.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your cat’s health this summer, always get advice from your vet. And don’t forget, our policies include free access to a 24/7 vet advice line for your peace of mind.
