Summer Weather Tips for Barn Cats
Courtesy of Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycatallies.org)
Rising temperatures means special considerations for cat care. Here are some tips to keep your feline friend well-fed and hydrated during warmer months.
Food
- Don’t leave food out for too long. After about 30 minutes, bugs will start to show up. Picking up uneaten food after roughly 45 minutes helps prevent that.
- Feed cats dry food in the summer—it attracts fewer insects. But if you give wet food, add water to keep it from drying out, or be sure to pick it up within 45 minutes
- Invest in an ant-proof bowl.
- You can create your own “ant barrier” by surrounding the bowl with baking soda or a line of food-grade diatomaceous earth without chemical additives.
Water
- Extra water is essential in hot weather. Too much water is better than not enough.
- Place water bowls in shaded areas. Feeding stations keep water out of the sun, and they’re easy to build! Visit alleycatallies.org for suggestions and instructions.
- Use a bowl that is narrow but deep. This reduces the bowl’s surface area and slows evaporation.
- Drop a few ice cubes into the water bowl.
- Pet water fountains provide a constant stream of water, inspiring cats to drink even more.
Shelter
- Provide easy access to shaded places, like under a deck.
- Build an outdoor cat shelter on the cheap with supplies found at any hardware store. Visit alleycat.org/resources/feral-cat-shelter-options-gallery/ for a variety of different options.