Tips for Preparing Your Cat for Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and whether you have a cat who stays strictly indoors or a nature-loving explorer who enjoys the great outdoors, we’ve got tips to help you keep your fabulous feline cool, safe, and comfy all summer long.

Follow these helpful hints from our compassionate team of cat-loving experts, and your cat will be well-equipped to take on the dog days of summer!

Give Her the Spa Treatment

Who doesn’t love a good hair day? Your cat’s beautiful coat is her crowning glory, but a little help getting rid of that winter fluff will perk up her appearance and make her more comfortable in the summer heat. Regular brushing at home or a visit with a professional groomer for extra pampering can rid her of excess hair—which means less fur on your furniture, too!

Protect Her From Parasites

Atlanta’s beautiful, subtropical climate means that our cats need parasite prevention year-round, but we must be extra vigilant during our hot, humid summers. Schedule a wellness visit before summer is in full swing and ask about safe, effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventives. Even if your cat stays indoors, these pesky parasites can wriggle their way through screens, hitch a ride on your clothing, or fly right through an open door. 

Keep Her Cool and Hydrated

Yes, cats love to be cozy, but they can still overheat. Make sure your cat always has clean water, and never confine her to a space that could get too hot. If she does like to visit the outdoors, make sure she has access to a shady spot with plenty of water. Add a few ice cubes to make the water extra refreshing! Keep a close eye on elderly or overweight cats who are more prone to heat exhaustion. 

Plant Cat-Safe Gardens and Flower Beds

If you’ve got a cat who loves to stop and smell the flowers, make sure your garden beds are free from toxic plants. Opt for natural pesticides (think diatomaceous earth or nematodes) that are pet-friendly; read all labels carefully—even on fertilizer—and you can create a cat-safe outdoor paradise. 

Cat Scratching on the Uptick?

Your cat’s seasonal allergies could be in full bloom. If you notice that she’s scratching, self-grooming, or head shaking non-stop, schedule an appointment so we can get her feeling comfortable again in time for all the summer fun you have planned. Left untreated, all that itching and scratching could lead to secondary skin infections.

Plan a Summer of Fun Activities

Summer feline fun is limited only by your imagination! Cat owner activities for summer can be as simple as making frozen cat treats (tuna cubes, anyone?) or as elaborate as adding a catio. Float some toys in a container of water and watch her try to scoop them out, or satisfy her hunting instinct by hiding some of her favorite toys or treats in a box filled with grass clippings and leaves. Any type of indoor or outdoor enrichment will add to your cat’s quality of life and make her summer memorable!

If you’d like more tips on preparing your cat for summer, please give us a call! We love helping the cats in our community live their best lives.