9 Ways To Help Feral Cats During Hot Summer Months

Summer is here, heating up our days and adding a sizzle to the sidewalks. While we can retreat to the comfort of air conditioning, our feral feline friends aren't always so lucky.

In the harsh heat of the season, these wild cats face challenges that can make their survival tough.

In many areas, summertime brings new challenges in the form of fewer water sources as well as intense heat.

Wouldn't you like to make their lives a little easier, a bit more bearable?

This article will unveil nine simple yet significant ways to lend a helping hand to these independent spirits.

As you'll discover, small actions on our part can mean a world of difference to them.

So, ready to explore this summer mission?

You can help make life just a little bit easier for these cats by following these tips.

Essential Summer Tips: Providing Water To Feral Cats

The most important thing you can do to help feral cats during summertime is to provide them with easy access to plenty of fresh water.

Anyone can perform this simple act of kindness, so even if you don't regularly care for a colony of feral cats, consider leaving out a bowl of water.

The Right Water Bowl To Help Feral Cats In Summer

Tip #1 - Use a deep bowl: The sun can be a harsh foe during the peak of summer, causing shallow water dishes to evaporate rapidly. To counteract this, consider using large deep bowls for water.

This not only ensures the water lasts longer but also is accessible for cats of all sizes. However, make sure the bowls are not so narrow that the cats struggle to drink comfortably from them.

Innovative Idea: Add Ice To Feral Cats' Water

Tip #2 - Add ice to the water: In areas where summer heat is intense, simply providing water might not be enough. The water can heat up quickly, becoming less refreshing for the cats.

An easy solution to this is freezing water in a plastic cup overnight and placing this block of ice in the water bowl in the morning.

This not only keeps the water cool for a longer period but also ensures a slow release of fresh water throughout the day. Cats might also appreciate the novelty of a cool drink.

Feeding Strategies To Help Feral Cats In Hot Weather

Summer brings with it not just heat but an increase in bugs and bacteria. Food, especially wet food, can quickly become a magnet for ants, flies and turn rancid if left out in the heat.

Dry Cat Food: The Safe Choice For Summer Feeding

Tip #3 - Leaving food out unattended? Consider dry cat food: The decision between canned and dry food can have significant implications during hot summer days.

Unless you are sure the cats will consume the wet food quickly, you might want to stick to dry cat food. It's less likely to spoil in the heat or attract pests and can be left outside for long periods without concern.

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Placing Wet Food Smartly: Opt For Shaded Areas

Tip #4 - Feed wet food in a shaded area: If you prefer feeding canned food due to its higher moisture content, make sure you choose the placement wisely.

Direct sunlight can zap the moisture from canned food, turning it into an unappealing crust. Always place dishes of wet food in shaded, cooler areas to preserve their freshness and appeal.

Add A Touch Of Hydration: Mix Water In Canned Food

Tip #5 - Add water to canned food: Dehydration is a real concern for feral cats during the sweltering summer months. An ingenious solution to this is to mix water into their canned food.

This not only helps increase their water intake but also keeps the canned food from drying out too quickly in the heat. However, remember that cats need a good amount of nutrients to survive the harsh conditions.

So, while adding water, be careful not to dilute the food too much. The goal is to strike a healthy balance between hydration and nutritional value.

Keep Food Dishes Ant-free: Trusted Tips From Our Community

Tip #6 - Keep ants away from the food dishes: Ants are more active during summer months and there's nothing they'd like more than a dish full of nutritious cat food.

TCS member @catsknowme says that she applies Vaseline around the bottom of the food dishes to discourage ants. @msaimee told us that she uses an outdoor ant and bird-proof pet feeder which keeps both the ants and the starlings away from the cat food.

Summer Cat Shelters: Importance Of Shade And Cool Spots

Shelter is a more obvious need during wintertime when cats need a safe warm place to make it through the snow and cold. However, it's also important during summertime, as direct sunlight can quickly raise a cat's body temperature to the point of a heat stroke.

Provide Plenty Of Shade

Tip #7 - Ensure ample shaded spots: The comfort of a cool, shady spot can be a lifesaver for a feral cat during the summer. Ensure that your feline friends aren't fighting over a single shady spot by providing plenty of shaded areas.

You can hang tarps over popular napping spots or use naturally shady areas in your yard. And when feeding time rolls around, always place the food dishes in these shaded areas, preferably during the cooler early morning or evening hours.

TNR In Summers: Safeguarding Cats From Heat During The Process

TNR stands for "Trap, Neuter and Return" - the recommended protocol for feral cat care. As experienced caregivers of feral cat colonies know: If you feed, you must also spay and neuter.

Trapping and neutering cats during hot summer days requires special care.

Trapping Practices: Shield Cats From Direct Sunlight

Tip #8 - Never leave a cat in the trap in direct sunlight or a hot place: Cats, like any living being, can suffer from heat stroke due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat.

To prevent such a dangerous situation, never leave a trapped cat under the sun or in a heated place. Monitor the traps vigilantly, and once a cat is captured, promptly cover the trap and transfer it to a cool, shaded area.

Never Forget: Don't Leave Cats In Parked Cars

Tip #9 - Never leave a cat in a parked car: The interiors of parked cars can turn into lethal heat traps within minutes. This creates a perilous environment for any living being, including cats.

Therefore, never leave a cat or any other pet in a parked car, even for a moment. If you've captured a feral cat for transport, ensure the vehicle is well-ventilated and air-conditioned, and remain in the company of the cat at all times.

Embracing The TNR Approach: A Quick Start Guide

If you're newly navigating the waters of TNR, we recommend starting with our simple guide: Everything you need to know about TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release). You'll find practical advice on how to conduct TNR activities effectively and safely.

Please also visit our Feral Cat Care & Rescue forum where you can get more advice on how to properly and effectively trap and neuter your cats.

Help Feral Cats In Summers: Your Role In Their Survival

Feral cats may be known for their independence, but they still require our support to survive, especially in the heat of summer.

Enhance your understanding of their struggles and learn how you can alleviate their hardships by reading the articles in our Feral Cats & Rescue section.

Engage, Learn, And Contribute: Join Our Feral Cats & Rescue Forum

Connect with a community of feline aficionados in our feral cats forum. Here, you can share your stories, get advice, and offer your own tips to help others.

Remember, your voice can make a world of difference for these feral friends. Let's work together to ensure their survival and well-being, one cat at a time.

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