During the summertime, you need to change your car routine for your cat up a little bit. Cats can become severely dehydrated when they are left out in the sun, and they can even suffer heat stroke. There are also additional hazards that are present during the summertime outside that your cat could encounter. Here are a few things you need to do differently during the summer for your cat.
Provide Them With Plenty Of Water
One of the most important things you can do for your cat this summer is provide them with access to lots of fresh water. You should change your cat's water in the morning before you leave for work and in the evening when you get home. Since your cat likes to hang out outdoors, make sure that you leave water bowls in multiple locations for your cat to access. This will help your cat stay hydrated in the hot sun.
Make Sure They Have Access To Shade All Day
Even though your cat is used to being outdoors, the summer sun can really get to your cat. Cats can get dehydrated and they can even get sunburned. If your cat likes to hang outside all day, make sure that they have access to shade throughout the day.
If your backyard is not that shady, put a box outside for your kitty to chill in with the top cut off and some water nearby. Put some kitty toys outside that essentially offer your cat a "kitty house" and protection from the heat. If possible, put in a cat door so your cat can come inside when the heat outside gets to be too much for it.
Use Flea & Tick Prevention Medication
During the summer, there is an increased chance that your cat could be exposed to fleas and ticks. Talk to your vet and see what type of flea and tick prevention they recommend for your cat. You should make sure your cat is protected against fleas and ticks before you let your cat go outside.
Be Careful With Lawn Products
Finally, you need to be careful about what products you put on your lawn and plants. Make sure that any lawn insecticide and poison that you use outside will not harm your cat; you don't want to poison your own cat while trying to take care of your lawn. If the products you use on your lawn require your cat to stay off them for a specific period of time, watch your cat closely and keep them indoors until it is safe for them to be on your grass again.
If you think your cat is suffering from a problem related to being outdoors, take them to a local animal hospital to get them checked out.
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