Unlike dogs, cats are masters of adaptation and rest. In summer, they instinctively reduce their activity, seek out cool surfaces and adjust their rhythm to the environment. But that doesn't mean we should neglect their stimulation and wellbeing during the hottest months.
There are very simple ways to enrich your cat's life in summer, adapted to the heat and to their natural needs as a predator and player.
Adapt the play routine to summer
Play during the cool hours
Cats are most active at dawn and dusk — when the light and temperature are most favourable for hunting. In summer, concentrate play sessions during those windows. Avoid forcing play during the middle of the day: your cat will be in rest mode and won't respond well.
Toys and interactive play
Feather wands, toys that mimic the movement of prey and laser pointers are firm favourites. Even 10–15 minutes of intense play a day can be enough to keep a cat mentally stimulated and physically active. Play also strengthens your bond.
Environmental enrichment for summer
Access to windows and outdoor views
A window with a small ledge or a scratching post placed next to it allows your cat to observe the outside world: birds, insects, plants moving in the breeze. For an indoor cat, this visual stimulation is enormously enriching. Make sure the window has a net or mosquito screen so they can't escape.
Enrichment feeders
Instead of placing the bowl directly on the floor, use puzzle feeders or kibble dispensers that make your cat's mind work. In summer, when physical activity decreases, these devices compensate for the lack of stimulation and reduce boredom.
Cat-safe plants
Catnip (Nepeta cataria), wheatgrass and parsley are safe plants that cats love to explore, smell and nibble. Put them in accessible pots to create small pockets of nature indoors. Avoid plants that are toxic to cats: lilies, pothos, dieffenbachia and azalea, among others.
Can a cat go outside in summer?
Cats with access to a garden or terrace
If your cat has access to a safe garden or terrace, summer can be a very enriching time for them. Make sure they always have shade available, fresh water and a way to get back inside if the heat becomes too much.
Harness walks
Some cats, especially calmer and more adaptable ones, tolerate a harness and short walks well. In summer, go out exclusively during the cooler hours and in quiet areas. Never force a cat that doesn't want to go out: the stress can be more harmful than a sedentary lifestyle.
What to avoid in summer with your cat
- Don't force play during the hottest hours.
- Don't leave the house closed and unventilated if you're going to be out for several hours.
- Don't leave water in just one spot: put several bowls in different areas.
- Don't suddenly change the diet if your cat eats less in summer: it's normal for appetite to decrease in the heat.
- Don't ignore signs of heat stress.
Summer nutrition: what changes
In summer, many cats reduce their intake of dry food and drink more water. Increasing the proportion of wet food in their diet is one of the best strategies to compensate for the dehydration caused by the heat.
At OnlyFresh you will find wet food recipes for cats from brands such as Amanova, Harper and Bone and TrovetPlus, made with high-quality natural ingredients and without artificial colourings, perfect for accompanying your cat during the summer months.
