Well, summer has finally arrived here in the UK, and that means one thing (well, except for us humans complaining it's too darn hot!): trying to keep our fur babies cool! So while we can take a cold shower and enjoy ice cream for lunch, it's not as easy for our children in fur (even the naked cats struggle!)

So we've put together five helpful tips to keep your cat cool as a cucumber! 

1: Meow Bar 🧊

Ok, don't worry, we aren't suggesting taking them down to your local pub, but instead bring the "pub" to your cat(s)! 

1: Fill a bowl up with cold water (not freezing) and place some ice cubes to create an enrichment game of "whack a cube!" This will keep their paw pads cool as well as stimulate their mind (even for a short amount of time!) It's also a refreshing, cool drink when the game is complete!

2:  Freeze their favourite yoghurt treat! Just pop it in the freezer, anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours (max!), squish it in your hands, tear it open, and now your cat has their own ice lolly!

More than one cat? Why not cut the treat in half, add some popsicle sticks, and freeze for the appropriate time for your cat's preference (The Meow Avenue cats prefer their frozen treat not too frozen, but just enough!)

2: Fort Kitty Knox 📦

As cat parents, we know how much our cats love a cardboard box, no matter the size, but now is the purrfect time to keep those boxes around! Even better if your kitty enjoys a cool breeze from a fan! Avoid setting the fan too close to their favourite box, we wouldn't wanna scare them! If you happen to have a nice breeze on these summer days, why not set the box up near an open window or back door?

3: Off To The Salon 🪮

Regular grooming is always important for your cat's coat. It helps with removing the excess fur, reduces furballs and reduces the amount of fur that can be floating around your house. So you can imagine how much it helps to groom your cat when the temperature rises.

4: Cool Down Stations 🪭

Cats will naturally seek out cool surfaces, such as the kitchen or bathroom floor. So why not add some extra coolness with a cooling mat or chilled towel? Don't have a cooling mat? Rinse the bath with cool water and let your kitty chill with some water droplets! 

5: Curfew & Closed Curtains ⏰

Ok, so we aren't saying they can't enjoy the sunshine, because that would be unfair, but as cat parents, we have to know what is classed as the "hottest hours". Keeping your cat indoors (or in the shade) between 11 am - 4 pm will keep them safe from the rising temperatures throughout the day. Another shady tip, that will also benefit us humans, keep the curtain drawn to keep the sunlight out to help reduce the temperature in that room. 

Bonus Tip:

Did you know that if you freeze a Missy Flashing Lights or Milo's Light Up Dice, your cats have a fun game to play while keeping those sweet paw pads chilled!