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5 Summer Weather Tips for Feral Cats

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If you work with feral cats, you know that summer can be a tough season for feral cats. They have to find food, stay hydrated, and avoid spending too much time in the sun. Otherwise, they may suffer heat stroke. Feral cats need your help--now more than ever!

Here are 5 summer weather tips for feral cats.

1. Keep their food out of reach of bugs.

In the summer, your cats' food can become a magnet for bugs and other wildlife. To prevent this, set up a feeding station with bowls of food. Sprinkle a line of non-toxic diatomaceous earth around the feeding station to discourage bugs and rodents from visiting. You can also elevate the feeding station on bricks or plywood.

Experts recommend that you leave out the cat food for just 30-45 minutes. Also, place a small bowl of food inside a wide, larger bowl with a shallow layer of water. This will prevent bugs from getting into the food.

2. Provide plenty of cold water for feral cats.

In higher temperatures, your feral cats will need lots of water to stay hydrated. Place narrow, deep bowls of water inside the feeding station. This will prevent the water from evaporating quickly in the hot summer sun. You can also add ice cubes to keep water cold. Or, place your water bowl on top of a flat ice pack.

Looking for the best feeding stations? Shop our products at UnderCover Pet Houses!

3. Don't leave feral cats in a trap during hot weather.

If you have to trap feral cats to have them spayed or neutered, choose a cool day. Don't leave them in a trap in hot weather. When you do trap a cat, place the trap in the shade with a trap cover. Or you can place them in an air-conditioned space. Never leave a trapped cat in a car or garage. This can cause heat stroke and possible death.

4. Set up a shady place for them to hang out.

To stay cool, cats should stay out of the sun. They may want to hang out under your deck or another outdoor structure. Or, you can get an outdoor cat house with a platform and loft. That way, your cats will be able to cool off inside the house or under the house.

5. Watch for signs of heatstroke in feral cats.

One of the biggest dangers for feral cats in the summer is heat stroke. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Drooling
  • Dilated pupils
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid breathing/panting
  • Lethargy
  • Yowling

If a feral cat has several of these symptoms, trap it, and take it to the vet in an air-conditioned car. Heat stroke needs immediate treatment right away.

Let's Chat:

Are you working with feral cats this summer? What are your best tips to help them beat the heat?

Need a cat house for your feral cat colony? Find the best one at www.undercoverpethouses.com!



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