We all know that winter has its dangers for our feline friends, including the extreme cold, snow, and ice. But summer in Kansas has its own set of dangers. Our feral cats still need shelter from the extreme temperatures although their winter shelters, if in the sun, can be like ovens in the summer.

You’ve seen stories about frying an egg on the sidewalk—maybe even tried it when you were a kid. While a cat certainly enjoys basking in the sun on mild days, having to stay in that same sun in dangerous heat can be deadly. If you can’t provide indoor shelter, then make sure there are areas of shade either from canopies or umbrellas, or shrubs and trees. Wet down surfaces so they stay cooler for those tender little paws.

Cats are opportunistic when looking for shelter. Don’t leave shed doors open while you are working in the yard. A cat can sneak in and get trapped and die a horrible death from the heat.

Dehydration is a real threat for outdoor cats because they don’t have the sense of thirst that most animals do. In the wild they rely on their fresh kills for the moisture in their diet and don’t require water as much as our ferals who eat mostly dry food. It is vitally important that you provide clean, fresh water at all times. Consider feeding more canned food in the summer to help prevent dehydration.

Fleas and other parasites thrive in the summer heat. If you can apply Revolution to your colony, then do that. But their environment also needs to be clean and treated for pests. Check the garden center for cat-safe chemicals to cut down on those parasites in your yard. Never use products with Permethrin as it is toxic to cats.

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