Active cats are happy cats, but during the “dog days of summer,” outdoor cats often retreat to cool, air-conditioned spaces. Whether your cat is always or only sometimes indoors, they need exercise for their bodies and minds even during heat waves. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help with this list of favorite cat-friendly activities!
Top Heat-Busting Enrichment Ideas
Watch Cat “TV”
When the sun is blazing and the mercury is rising, chilling in front of the TV might sound like a great idea. It can be a fun idea for your cat, too. Cats survey their surroundings for small, quick movements, like those a mouse or bird might make. They focus, anticipating the hunt, which floods their brain with feel-good chemicals.
While a TV tuned to a cat-friendly channel can provide one outlet for this kind of stimulation, so can a window next to a bird or squirrel feeder. Window-mounted cat baskets, cozy window seats, and even carefully positioned cat trees can provide them the perfect “TV watching” spot, especially in the summer.
Cat-Friendly Playtime
Watching and observing prey are only the initial part of the predatory sequence. Cats also enjoy stalking, chasing, pouncing, and grabbing. During playtime, incorporate wand toys that use feathers, balls, stuffies, and other dangly objects to help stimulate and fulfill your cat’s prey drive. Catnip-scented bubbles are also frequently a big hit, combining the thrill of the chase with the exhilaration of catnip. Add puzzle feeders and foraging games for the final twist that helps turn playtime into snack time, even on the hottest days.
Grow a Cat Garden
Cats are obligate carnivores, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy some fresh greens now and again. Many cats love sniffing, rubbing on, and nibbling at plants. Not all houseplants are good for cats, but some are both safe and stimulating for our furry family members. Try growing some pots of valerian, cat grass, catmint, or even catnip, on a sunny sill, so your cat can graze as desired. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
Teach Your Cat Tricks
We often think of training as being the exclusive domain of dogs, but cats can learn new skills and lessons, too. With clicker training, you can teach your cat basic skills, like coming when called or begging. You can also train more extensively, incorporating scent work and obstacle courses into your cat’s summer routine. For added stimulation, hide treats and toys in unexpected spots and encourage your cat to find them.
Discover New Heights
Many cats love observing the world from a high perch. Outside, they might use a fenceline, a tree, or even a shed roof to watch busy birds and squirrels. Inside, however, they have fewer options. “Catifying” your home by adding shelves, tall cat trees, cat hammocks, and similar products encourages your cat to indulge their natural behaviors, including climbing, stretching, scratching, leaping, and exploring. If you have the space, an outdoor catio can allow for greater stimulation. In the heat of summer, be sure to provide a shady spot and ample water supplies.
Stay Cool!
Although descended from desert animals, cats can struggle with summer heat, too. Keep your cat hydrated by offering ample cool water sources throughout your home. Consider getting a fountain to encourage your cat to drink more, and offer wet food instead of dry. Use a cooling gel mat, especially in outdoor catios or non-air-conditioned spaces.
Although fur can help insulate cats, dense, heavy, matted, or overgrown fur can cause issues. Groom your cat regularly to remove loose fur and keep tangles at bay. At Cozy Cat Suites, we can help groom your cat to ensure comfort and optimal temperature control all year long. Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule your cat’s next grooming or boarding experience.
