Summer Cat Tips

Just like their cousins in the wild, your cats love to stretch out and bask in the sunshine. In fact, they enjoy it so much that they may stay out long enough to get sunburned. They're especially at risk if they're lying on a hot patio, and will be more prone to sunburn if they have a light coloured coat, and a pink nose or skin.

So when summertime comes round, it’s important to remember that your cat needs to take care in the sun, just like you. The good news is there are plenty of ways you can keep your cat cool.

Coping with a sun-loving cat

You can help your cat a lot by setting up areas of shade in their favourite sunbathing spots. Like all cats, your feline friend will love cardboard boxes – try turning one on its side to create a shelter for them to sleep in.

Of course, there’s every chance your sun-loving cat will ignore the shade you create and simply move back into a sunny spot. If they do, and you’re worried about them getting burned, try keeping them indoors over the middle of the day, when the sun’s at its strongest.

Bringing out the sunscreen

If your cat is having fun in the sun, and you don’t want to spoil it, you can use sunscreen to protect their vulnerable ears. They probably won't enjoy it at first – and may even try to wipe it off – so make sure you choose a non-toxic variety.

Greenhouse blues

If you’ve got a greenhouse, make sure you keep the door shut to stop your cat wandering inside. If they get trapped in the greenhouse during the summer months, your cat could suffer from heat exhaustion. Discourage your cat from sunning themselves on the roof too – their added weight combined with the hot sun could cause the glass to crack.