If you have community cats in your area, or you are helping to manage a feral colony, you know the adversity they face in all seasons. Here are just a few ways that shelters can help protect them when the sun bears down:
- Shade: Especially in urban areas, shelters provide a shaded area where cats can escape the direct heat of the sun. This reduces their risk of heat stroke and provides a safe space during peak temperatures.
- Cooling Down: Insulated shelters can stay cooler, even in hotter weather. Materials like reflective foil or Styrofoam can be used to maintain a lower internal temperature, offering cats a cooler place to rest.
- Hydration Stations: Incorporating water stations within or near shelters ensures that cats have regular access to fresh water, crucial for preventing dehydration. You may also want to include ice cubes, so the water stays cooler longer.
- Safety From Predators: Besides heat protection, shelters can also offer a safe space from other environmental hazards and predators, providing an all-around safe environment for feral cats.
More elaborate shelters can be purchased at pet stores or on Amazon.com, but a DIY shelter would be a more affordable option, and still be a welcome summer house for your feline friends.