Last updated: June 26, 2023 crystal with
Taking care of stray cats in the summer can be difficult. These cats escape the slightest human contact and are therefore not often seen. As such, it’s difficult to tell if they’re thirsty, hungry, or injured unless they’re caught. That said, there are some simple acts of kindness you can do to keep your local feral cats healthy during the hot summer months.
Top 12 Ways to Care for Stray Cats in Summer:
1. Provide water
The most important thing you can do for a feral cat in the summer is to give it water. Providing several drinking fountains will help your kitten stay cool without having to travel far for hydration.
2. Keep the water bowl in the shade
Sunlight heats water and causes it to evaporate. Feral cats don’t drink much water, so you’ll need to refill the water bowl frequently. A simple solution is to keep the water in the shade.
3. Use a narrow, deep bowl
Shallow water heats up faster because light reaches the surface of the container. For this reason, use a narrow, deep water bowl to keep the water cool and last longer.
4. Provide shade
If you don’t have a large tree to share, you can create shade with umbrellas, shades and tables. You can also plant leaves or trees to create natural shade. Ultimately, plants and structures that provide consistent shade are best, as they can provide deep shade during the hottest hours of the day.
5. Leave the garage window open
During the summer, people like to work on outdoor projects that require garage gear. I always have one cat who likes to roam around the house and get stuck. Keep your doors and windows sprayed with water to avoid being locked in a hot garage.
6. Water the lawn
If you have grass, don’t let the grass turn brown and dry out. Even during the hottest hours of the day, a watered lawn is cool and cool for your cat.
7. Give a small amount at a time
Cat food spoils quickly in extreme heat. Leave enough food outside to last for 30 minutes and that’s it. You can always put more food on the outside later.
8. Offer dry food instead
Wet food helps keep your kitty hydrated, but it also attracts pesky flies that dry out in the bowl. Feed dry food instead to avoid insect infestation.
9. Offer cold treats
Once your feral cat is accustomed to your interaction, try offering cold treats such as berries or cold chicken. You don’t want to leave fresh food out for too long, so try to give these treats at dawn or dusk, which is the coolest part of the day.
10. Do not leave the trap in the sun
If you are in a TNR (trap-neuter-release) program, do not leave your trap in the sun. On the hottest days of the year, it may be best to avoid traps altogether. Otherwise, your cat will get heat stroke.
11. Do not leave a trapped cat in the car
Never leave a captive cat unattended in a car during the summer. Bring a trapped cat inside a cool room.
12. Do not leave the trap on hot surfaces
Even in the shade, hot summer days heat hard surfaces with thermal mass. If you have no choice but to capture them, please capture them in the shade of the grass.
Signs of heat stroke in cats
Learn the signs of heatstroke and monitor your feral cat community.
- restless behavior
- gasping
- Drool
- sweaty feet
- excessive grooming
- vomiting
- lethargy
- stumble
Conclusion
Stray cats are wild and know how to take care of themselves, but a little help doesn’t hurt, especially when they lack what they need. Providing water, shade and fresh food can be very helpful for your colony.
Featured image credits: ivbalk, Pixabay
About the author
Ivy’s mom cat is a lively little rescue kitten who is her only child. At this point! Throughout her life, she has known the special love found in the bond she has with her cat. Having owned multiple cats, she is convinced that their love is unmatched, unconditional, and unlike any other animal. With a passion for educating the public about everything from cat biology, behavior and unique personalities, Krystal encourages all cats and their owners to live and love consciously. I am dedicated to making people aware of the importance of