From sunbathing to one last sprint after the laser light: here are 10 things cats love about summer, with tips to enjoy the season together to the full.

10 Things Your Cat Loves About Summer

As the days grow longer and warmer, you will notice a clear change in your cat's behaviour. She seeks out the sun more often, becomes more active at dusk, and seems to find extra fun in and around the house. For most cats, summer is simply one of the best times of year. Below are ten things cats particularly enjoy during this season, with a practical tip for each one. At the end, you will also find an important warning you should not skip.

1. Sunbathing in the warmest spot in the house

Cats are true experts at finding the warmest spot in the house. A windowsill in the morning sun, a garden chair on the patio, or a cosy corner on the balcony: wherever the sun shines, your cat will find it sooner or later. This heat-seeking behaviour is deeply rooted in their nature, since a cat's ideal body temperature is higher than a human's. 💡 Make sure there is always a shady spot within easy reach at home too, so your cat can switch between warmth and cool whenever it gets to be too much.

2. Spotting and chasing butterflies, mosquitoes and moths

As the weather warms up, insects appear in greater numbers, which instantly triggers your cat's hunting instinct. Tail flicking, ears forward, ready to pounce: a butterfly in the garden or a mosquito against the window can keep a cat entertained for hours. Even a cat that never goes outside can enjoy this kind of natural "live toy" through the glass.

3. Seeking out cool tiles and stone floors

Interestingly, at the hottest points of the day your cat actively seeks out cooling: on the bathroom tiles, the kitchen floor, or in the cellar if you have one. This is completely normal, healthy behaviour, as it helps your cat's body cool itself down without you having to do anything. If you notice your cat lying stretched out flat on a cold surface more often during hot weather, that is simply a sign the system is doing exactly what it is meant to do.

4. Fresh, moving drinking water

Cats naturally do not drink a great deal, but their water needs genuinely rise in warmer weather. Many cats also prefer moving water over a still bowl. A cat water fountain keeps the water in constant motion and encourages your cat to take a sip more often — exactly what is needed as temperatures climb.

5. Nibbling on fresh cat grass

Cats with outdoor access nibble on grass plenty during summer, and it is more than just a quirky habit: it supports digestion and helps process hairballs. If your cat has no garden to roam in, or you would rather offer grass in a controlled way indoors, a tray of fresh cat grass is a simple and safe way to bring the same enjoyment inside.

6. Safely exploring the garden or balcony

With a well-fitted harness and a lead, even a cat that normally stays indoors can occasionally get to know the outside air, grass underfoot and new smells under supervision. Build this up gradually: let your cat get used to the harness indoors first, before heading outside together. A snug, secure cat harness gives you control while keeping your cat safe.

7. Extra-long play sessions at dusk

Cats are naturally most active around sunrise and sunset. Long summer evenings therefore mean extra time when your cat feels like running, stalking and pouncing. A wand toy taps straight into that hunting instinct and is a lovely way to stay active together before the evening properly begins.

8. Open windows full of new scents and sounds

Birds singing, neighbours sitting outside, the smell of freshly cut grass: with the windows open, your living room becomes a kind of "cat TV". Many cats spend considerably more time on the windowsill in summer, simply keeping an eye on everything happening outside. Just make sure you have a sturdy window screen or restrictor, especially for upper-floor windows.

9. One last evening sprint after the light

Now that daylight lasts longer, there is often plenty of energy left after dinner. A laser pointer is a fun way to burn off that last bit of energy, so your cat settles down satisfied and tired for the night. Always end the session by letting the light "land" on a toy, so your cat actually gets to catch something.

10. Extra naps in unexpected places

Heat makes cats drowsy too. In summer they often nap in spots you would never find them the rest of the year: in the middle of the hallway, in the open laundry basket, or stretched out on the cool floor. As long as your cat is otherwise alert and active at other times, this is simply part of the summer rhythm.

⚠️ All this summer fun has a flip side: intense heat can cause heatstroke in cats, especially in flat-faced breeds, overweight cats and older cats. Always make sure there is enough shade, fresh water in several spots around the house, and a cool place to shelter. If you notice your cat seeming lethargic, breathing rapidly, drooling, or behaving oddly in hot weather, contact your vet straight away.

In short

From sunbathing and bug-chasing to long evening play sessions and unexpected naps, summer brings cats a rhythm all of its own. Support it with fresh, moving water, some cat grass, plenty of shade and enrichment such as a wand toy or laser pointer, and your cat will get the very most out of the season — safely.

Tags

Katten Kennisbank Top 10 Zomer

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email