Summer is such a wonderful time of year. Everyone and everything thrives…plants, people and animals.
In a place like Saskatchewan, home to our Paws On Your Heart feral and stray Cat Sanctuary, we rejoice in the summer. Despite it being a super place to live, Saskatchewan is known for its cold and lengthy winters. Therefore, we celebrate each and every day of summer.
The cats are no exception. The picture here shows one of our Sanctuary cats, Swag, soaking up the sunshine in the outdoor pen. Swag’s picture reminds us to remind you that there are special precautions to take in the summer months to protect your cats. Here are a few:
1…Never leave a cat alone in your car.
Although this sounds so obvious, many people overlook this simple safety rule. Somehow they feel that cats are different than people, since they are often outdoors. They don’t realize that a parked car, even with the window open, can reach staggeringly hot levels when it’s warm outside. On a hot day within minutes a cat can be fighting for its life locked within your car.
2…Make sure your cat is safe outside.
Although all cats love to roam, over the years we’ve learned that the safest place for any cat is within a contained area. If your kitty wants to enjoy the fresh air of the outdoors, then a pen or running area is the best answer. There are many commercial outdoor cat runs that you can find on the Internet or through your favourite pet store. Or, you can easily set up something at home if you’re the handy type. The key is to make an outside area that has some shade, some sun, and lots of room to roam around. Some people create elaborate runways, several levels of platforms and play areas. Be as creative as you like. The cats will thank you for any area that is safely set-up and allows them to be outside.
At our Sanctuary we were able to build a 17′ x 11′ x 7′ pen attached to the back of the cat chalet. It has strong wire mesh on the top, and on all sides, to protect the cats from going out and anything else from coming in. The best part is that it has its own entrance so that they can easily go in and out whenever they like. We love to watch the cats run end-to-end playing in the grass, or just lying with their bellies in the air enjoying the sunshine.
3…Watch out for heat stroke.
When the summer weather hits both humans and cats love to be outside. Unfortunately, cats are wearing their fur coats indoors or outdoors, so frequently need cooling off times. Of course, they are having such a great time watching the birds, rolling in the grass or lying around that they don’t always ask to be let in. The best approach is to have an attached area to the house that lets them go in when they get hot. The next best thing is to bring them in regularly for a break from the heat. How often will depend on the temperature, the amount of shade, and access to water. There should always be fresh water available when your cat is outside. You can’t ever be too cautious.
Summer is all about enjoying the great outdoors – for both you and your cat. You can spend some precious moments outside together as long as you keep your kitty’s safety in mind at all times.
Do you have any other summer precautions to share with our readers? Maybe you’ve built an outdoor structure that others could model. Why not share your ideas in the comments section to help others enjoy a great summer with their cats.
Congratulations to one of our past Black Cat Contest winners - Bandit! Click 
