If you care for a colony of community cats, it’s important to keep them as comfortable as possible when it’s hot out. Keeping them hydrated and offering plenty of shade can help them stay cool and beat the heat. Here are a few safety tips to keep community cats safe and happy during the summer.
Food
Feed wet food twice a day and try adding a bit of water to it for extra hydration. If you feed kibble, soak the dry food in some water for added hydration.
Most community cats will eat their meals right away, which allows you to throw out any leftovers or empty bowls. However, if your colony eats more slowly or you like to leave out some food for them, here are some tips for deterring insects from enjoying the cats’ meals. Get a large tray or pizza pan and fill it with water. Then put the bowls or plates of the cat food on the tray. The water creates a little moat and will deter ants and slugs from crossing into the food bowls. Sprinkling kibble over wet food makes the meal less enticing to flies. Surround food bowls with food-grade diatomaceous earth to prevent crawling insects and slugs from crossing. Feed the cats slightly off the ground like on pallets or cement blocks. The elevation makes the food less accessible to small insects and creatures.
Water
Cats can get dehydrated very easily, especially since many cats don’t love drinking water. Encourage them to drink more water by placing bowls of cool, fresh water in multiple locations.
Shade
Create shady areas for the cats to avoid direct sunlight. A tent made from a tarp, a large umbrella, or even a few large, leafy plants can help provide cats a cool place to hide out from the sun.
Sunburn
Cats can get sunburned, especially hairless breeds, white cats, or cats with sensitive skin or thin fur. Shady areas that keep them out of direct sun will help them avoid burns. Common spots for sunburns are ears and noses. If you do notice burns, do not use aloe vera gel as that can be toxic to cats. There are other cat-safe creams with hydrocortisone that can help instead.
Pest Protection
Mosquitoes, fleas, parasites and ticks are active during the summertime. Consult your veterinarian for the best preventative medications to avoid bites and disease. If they let you, regularly check for and treat for parasites and fleas.
Plants and Insecticides
If you spray your garden or lawn with chemicals or insecticides, ensure the cats stay away from those areas. Learn which flowers and plants are toxic to cats and avoid planting them where your colony cats spend most of their time. Store any fertilizers, pool chemicals, and other dangerous substances out of their reach in a secure shed. If your cats make contact with any potentially toxic chemicals, seek veterinary care or call the pet poison control hotline immediately.
Keeping Cool
Leave frozen water bottles wrapped in towels. The cats will love lying next to them to cool off. Cooling gel mats can absorb cats’ body heat and help to regulate their body temperature during hot days.
By understanding summer risks and following these safety tips, you can ensure that your community cats stay healthy and happy during the hot weather.
Love, Nala
