Different type of cat enclosures or catios and keeping your cat cool in the summer
While
there are some benefits to letting your cat outside, the cons far outweigh the
pros and it's easier and safer to keep your kitty indoors and create an
environment where they have the benefit of feeling like they are outside (like
catios, summer and winter houses and enclosures)
Some
risks involved with letting cats outside include the danger of injury
where they can be injured or killed on the roads. Cats can also be injured
through contact with other cats, dogs or not so nice humans. Cats can contract
harmful diseases through fighting and contact with other cats as well as
the environment. Cats can pick up parasites such as fleas, ticks and a variety
of internal worms. Your cat could get lost or go missing or they can be taken
by someone else. Cats are more vulnerable to outside poisons with common
poisons including anti freeze and garden chemicals.
Provide them with an inviting toilet area. Cats generally like somewhere soft to bury their toilet so you can provide them with a litter tray in the house. Keep your cat occupied. It's important to allow cats opportunities to show their hunting behaviour as it keeps them mentally stimulated. Provide them with toys to keep them occupied. Provide climbing towers and activity centres, even cardboard boxes are a hit. Try to get involved with play to make it enjoyable.
Create interest at mealtimes by hiding biscuits around the house for your cat to find. Swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting. Provide your cat with an accessible place to hide so they can feel safe and secure. Make sure kitty has somewhere safe to go up high. They feel safer when they can see their environment from a height.
Provide plenty of large, comfortable beds
and a scratching post so your furniture doesn't get ruined. Cats like to
express their natural behaviour by scratching. You could also provide a window
perch and put out a bird feeder so your cat has entertainment to watch from the
window.
• Location – Where do you want
the enclosure to be? You can build if off an existing window, door or patio.
• Seasonal or all year round –
This will determine the type of roof and walls.
• Accessibility – How will you
access the enclosure? Make sure you provide a lockable outside access door.
• Kitty furniture – Climbers,
kurandas, cat trees, etc
• Materials – Choose a plan
that uses wood, metal or other sturdy, non toxic materials
• Floor – Decide whether you
want to build on grass or build a floor for the catio
• Roof – Make sure the roof is
strong enough to handle any weather conditions.
• Perches – Create a place for
a cat tree, scratching posts, climbing structures or you could provide your cat
a cat wheel.
• Water – Include a bowl of
fresh water.
• Litter box – Provide a litter
box or easy access to litter boxes inside
• Room for you – Make sure
there is a human sized door and space for a chair
• Protection from the elements
– Your cat will need ventilation in warm weather and a cozy place to retreat
from the cold
• Supervision – Always
supervise your cat. Build it where you can see it and consider adding lights if
kitty has night-time access.
Where
you can buy ready made catios in the UK
Where
you can buy kits to make your own catio in the UK
Where
you can buy ready made catios in the USA
Where
you can buy kits to make your own catio/enclosure in the USA
How
to keep cats cool in the Summer
Very
young kittens, old cats, sick cats and the obese are at greater risk during the
hot months as they are less efficient at regulating their body temperature.
Cats do sweat but only through their paw pads which isn't enough to cool them
down a great deal. Here are some tips for keeping your kitty cool.
• If kitty is outside in a
catio or enclosure, make sure they have access to somewhere shady. They should
have access to plenty of cool, fresh drinking water so place bowls in shady
spots so the water doesn't get too hot.
• Fill a hot water bottle with
cool tap water and put some ice cubes in it or place it in the freezer for half
and hour (don't let the water freeze), remove and put if under a blanket in
your cat's bed.
• Alternatively, place towels
in the freezer for a few hours, removed them and place in your cat's bed.
• If your kitty goes outside,
try to keep them in between 10am and 2pm when it is at its hottest.
• Place a few ice cubes into
their water bowl and replace them often.
• If you know it is going to be
a hot day and you are at work or out for the day, close the blinds/curtains in
one or two rooms to keep the sun out. This will help the rooms stay cooler.
• If you are out for the day,
place a bowl in the kitchen sink and leave the tap dripping (slowly) so they
have a constant supply of cool, fresh water or you can invest in a water
fountain.
• Don't over exert your cat on
warmer days, if you must play with them, do so either early in the morning or
in the evening when it has cooled down.
•
Do
not leave a cat in the car. It only takes a couple of minutes for the car to seriously
overheat.
•
On
really hot days, leave a fan on or the air conditioning on.
•
Let
your cat sleep where they choose, most likely this will be on a cool floor.
•
Try
and keep your kitty calm so they aren't running around and exerting themselves
so they don't get dehydrated.
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