Cats do love to stretch out and bask in the sun. However, she may enjoy it so much that she stays out long enough to risk getting a sunburn – especially if she has a light-coloured coat, or a pink nose or pink skin.
When summertime is around, remember to take extra care. Here’s how you can keep your cat cool.
Does she love the sun too much?
Help your cat by setting up areas of shade in her favourite sunbathing spots. She will love cardboard boxes. Try turning one on its side and create a shelter for her to sleep in.
There’s a chance that she may ignore the shade you create and simply move back to a sunny spot. Try keeping her indoors during the middle of the day, when the sunshine is at its peak.
Bring out the sunscreen
Choose a non-toxic variety of sunscreen to protect her skin and ears – she may not enjoy it at first and try to wipe it off, but she’ll get used to it.
Greenhouses and enclosed structures
If you have a greenhouse or similar structures, make sure you keep the door locked to keep your cat from wandering inside. If she gets trapped inside during the summer months, your cat could suffer from heat exhaustion. Discourage your cat from sunning herself on the roof, rails, or ledges too.