Summer time usually means time off for most people.
Even for cats, routines tend to change and there are new things to take into account. Here you get tips for the summer holidays – from training the cat to go in a harness to how to do if you need to get a cat sitter.
Cats are family members who may need a little extra care during the summer to feel good. If the owners plan and think ahead, many risks are easy to prevent and increase the chance of a wonderful summer together.
Cats out in the wild
During the summer period, many indoor cats get a chance to get out into the wild. Some accompany to the country, on the caravan holiday and even in the boat. Keep in mind that an indoor cat does not have quite as trimmed instincts as the outdoor cat and does not really know what to look for when staying outside.
A leash with a harness is a good investment but do not tie up the cat. Remember that cats that stay outside can be exposed to snakes, insect bites and not least ticks.
Ticks in cats
Just like for dogs, it is important to protect the cat from ticks. Feel the cat daily and immediately remove any ticks. The most common risk is instead that the cat brings ticks into the home and spreads them to humans and other pets. It is very uncommon for cats to get sick as a result of tick bites. If a cat becomes infected, it is from Anaplasma bacteria, formerly called ehrlichia. Choose an over-the-counter tick repellent at the pharmacy. Pay extra attention to choosing a tick repellent that is specifically designed for cats – tick repellents for dogs can be directly fatal to cats.
Here you get answers to the most common questions about ticks on cats.
Deworming
If necessary, take a stool sample from an adult cat and then deworm if there is a reason, cats that only live indoors rarely need to be dewormed. Signs that the cat may have worms are diarrhea, weight loss, dull coat, vomiting and coughing. In some cases, worms may be visible during vomiting or around the anal opening. Kittens are dewormed before leaving breeders.
Get tips and advice on how to deworm the cat in this blog post.
Vaccinations
Update your cat’s vaccinations! Cats should be vaccinated every three years against parvo. Normally, the same time interval applies to cat flu, but consult your veterinarian for your cat’s needs.
Castration
In the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s updated animal welfare rules, the cat owner now has a stated responsibility for cats that stay outside not to be able to reproduce. The purpose is to prevent unwanted kittens. This is most easily done by castrating both female and male cats.
Heatstroke
Make sure the cat always has access to shade and coolness. Never leave the cat in the car on hot days. The first signs of heat stroke are that the cat becomes anxious and stressed. If the cat also gasps and drools, it must be cooled down. Cover the cat with wet towels. When it starts to recover, make sure it rests in a dry, cool place.
ID marking
An ID-marked cat can be easily identified and reunited with its owner should it disappear or be injured. The ID marking is done by a veterinarian.
This is how you ID tag your cat (blog post).
Sunscreen for the cat
Cats can burn in the sun if they can not seek shade on really hot days, although most seek shade or stay indoors. In general, the risk is greater for white animals and animals with thin fur. Exposed areas are ears, nose and stomach. Help the cat by using a perfume-free sunscreen in particularly exposed areas if necessary.
On the balcony
More and more indoor cat owners are putting nets around their balconies and balconies to give their cats a little summer feel. This is something to recommend, but before you get a net, remember not to buy too sparse and low nets so that the cat gets stuck with its head in the grid or escapes. Make sure there is always a shady spot for your cat when it is out and that there is fresh water to drink.
Read more: Net the balcony and avoid falling accidents.
How do we get the cat to go in harness?
If you do not have a balcony, feel free to buy a harness for your cat and take it out for walks. Train the cat by putting on that harness a little now and then. It is not uncommon for the cat to crawl along the floor, back off and have a very strange time the first few times. Also, do not be surprised if the cat thinks the grass is scary to walk in, it passes. Get used to it on shorter walks. After a while, you have a faithful walking buddy!
Before the holiday trip
Traveling away for a period of time, usually presents the cat owner with the choice of taking or leaving the cat / cats at home.
Some cat owners take the cat with them when they go on holiday while others leave the cat away. Cats react differently to changing environments – some adapt quickly while others do not thrive at all. Know what your cat is most comfortable with when making your choice.
If you decide to bring your cat
Do not feed the cat just before you travel. Cats are usually bad travelers because they easily get motion sickness. Bring the cat’s blanket and pet toy so that the cat feels a little more at home. If possible, place food bowls and a toilet box so that they correspond to the places the cat has been used to before. Offer something you know the cat is particularly fond of, but do not get anxious if the cat does not touch the food the first day. Some cat owners bring some used cat litter to the toilet for the new place. It usually works well as it gives the cat a familiar smell in a new unfamiliar environment.
Cat sitter
A good alternative is to get a cat sitter. Make sure you give careful instructions to the person who is going to look after your cat. Also give the telephone number of your veterinarian and inform about which insurance company and insurance number the cat has in case something should happen. If the cat has to stay with the cat sitter, the same preparations apply as taking the cat on the trip.
Guest house
If you do not know someone who can help you take care of your cat, you can book a place for the cat at a cat boarding house. Keep in mind that good cat boarding houses often have the summer fully booked well in advance.
Contact a cat club, they can usually give instructions on reputable cat boarding houses that have a high standard both in terms of accommodation and the care of the cats. Remember that if you are going to house your cat in a cat boarding house, it must be vaccinated!
Finally, we hope you and your cat have a great summer!