Getting Cats Ready for Summer

September 28, 2026

Offering Some General Advice On How To Prepare Your Cat For The Summer Weather, Heat, And Festivities


Summer is nearly here! As the temperature starts to rise and the sun shines brighter, it’s not just us humans who need to adjust to the summer heat. Our feline friends also require special attention to stay cool, comfortable, and safe during the warmer months.


With a little preparation and care, you can ensure that your beloved kitty stays happy and healthy all summer long. This article will offer some general tips on how to get your feline friends ready for summer!


Hydration Is Essential


Just like us, cats need to stay hydrated, especially during the summer heat. Therefore, it’s important that your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. Consider placing multiple water bowls around the house, especially in cooler spots away from direct sunlight. Some cats enjoy drinking from fountains, so investing in a cat water fountain might encourage them to drink more. For more information about the best cat water fountains on the market, click here.


Keeping Them Cool


Both long-haired and short-haired cats can overheat easily when exposed to summer heat & temperatures. Therefore, it’s essential to provide them with cool spots to retreat to during the hottest parts of the day. Create shady areas in your home where your cat can relax comfortably. You can use shades or curtains to block out the sun, or set up a cozy spot with a fan or air conditioning nearby.


Grooming


Summer means shedding season for many cats. Regular grooming can help reduce shedding and prevent uncomfortable mats. Brushing your cat regularly during the summer will help them feel more cool and comfortable. Additionally, removing that loose fur will help prevent unwanted hairballs. However, be cautious not to over-groom, as cats’ skin can become sunburned if they are suddenly exposed to more sunlight due to a shorter coat.


For additional information on overall cat grooming, click here. 

A cat being brushed

Sunburn Protection


Yes, cats can get sunburned too, especially those with lighter fur or skin. If your cat enjoys lounging in sunny spots, consider applying pet-safe sunscreen to their ears, nose, and any other exposed areas. Additionally, be sure to provide shady spots outdoors or consider investing in a cat-safe outdoor enclosure where they can enjoy the fresh air without being exposed to direct sunlight for too long.


For more information regarding sunburn in cats, click here. 


Watch For Pests


Warmer weather means an increase in pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can pose health risks to your cat. Ensure your cat is up to date on flea and tick prevention medications, and consider using cat-safe mosquito repellents if necessary. Regularly check your cat for any signs of fleas or ticks, such as excessive scratching or small black/brown dots in their fur.

A cat receiving flea tick prevention medication

Be Mindful Of Hot Surfaces


Remember that asphalt, concrete, and even sand can get scorching hot in the summer sun. These excessively hot, sun-absorbing surfaces can burn your cat’s sensitive paw pads. If you’re taking your cat outside for a walk or to play, stick to cooler surfaces like grass or use pet-safe booties to protect their paws. A good rule-of-thumb is to place your hand on the surface. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your cat’s paw pads. 


Stay Vigilant


Lastly, always keep an eye on your cat for any signs of heat stroke or dehydration. Symptoms may include excessive panting, lethargy, drooling, and vomiting. If you suspect your cat is overheating, move them to a cooler area immediately, offer water, and contact your veterinarian for further advice.


For more information regarding heat stroke in cats, click here. 

A cat lounging in the sun

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Tabby cat with closed eyes being gently held by hands, close-up portrait

Happy Cat Month

September 29, 2026
Talking About How To Make Cats Happy And The Month-Long Holiday That Promotes Cat Happiness The month of September is celebrated by cat lovers everywhere as Happy Cat Month! Never heard of Happy Cat Month? Then you’re in luck because Cool Cats Professional Cat Sitting has you covered! This article will cover everything you need to know about Happy Cats Month, how to celebrate it, and some of the best ways to keep your cat happy. What Is Happy Cat Month? So what is Happy Cat Month? Happy Cat Month is a month-long holiday that aims to inform and educate cat owners about how to make their cats healthy and happy. It’s a common misconception that cats are self-sufficient pets. While most cats do have an independent nature, they are still very social creatures. Cats need lots of love & attention just like any other pet. Happy Cat Month is a friendly and celebratory way to educate people about the welfare, health, and importance of our feline friends.
A wildcat behind a wire fence, looking through the bars with one paw raised.

Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week/ Remember Me Thursday

September 29, 2026
Covering Two Very Important Pet-Themed Holidays That Focus On Shelter Animals And The Struggles They Face The month of September contains several pet-themed awareness based holidays. Two of the most significant of these holidays are Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week and Remember Me Thursday. Both of these holidays are centered around shelter animals and the struggles they face. This article will discuss both of these holidays and offer various ways you can observe them. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week The 3rd week of September is widely celebrated by pet lovers everywhere as Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week. This year (2023) Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week takes place from September 18th to September 24th. This week-long holiday was founded by PetFinder , an online searchable database of animals that need homes. Additionally, PetFinder also has a directory of nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations. These animal shelters and adoption organizations span across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week was founded to raise public awareness about shelter animals that are often overlooked. Most of these animals are overlooked based solely on appearance. However, just because an animal doesn’t look perfect, doesn’t mean they are not worthy of adoption. Additionally, this also applies to senior pets or pets with special needs. Many people believe it would require too much effort to care for a senior pet or special needs pet. Caring for these types of pets may not be easy, but it is still very rewarding and humbling to do so. Remember Me Thursday Remember Me Thursday occurs every year on the last Thursday of September. This year (2023) it will take place on September 28th. This pet themed awareness based holiday was founded in 2013 by Helen Woodward Animal Center of San Diego . The focus of Remember Me Thursday is to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and all of the shelter animals that are in need of a forever home. Remember Me Thursday has made a huge impact in the world since its founding in 2013. More than 190 countries have supported Remember Me Thursday along with over 700 different animal welfare organizations worldwide. Additionally, more than 330 million people have helped spread awareness about Remember Me Thursday across various social media platforms. What started as a pet-themed holiday has now become a worldwide movement to inspire change in shelter animals’ lives.