Create a Cool Garden Spot Just for Cats this Summer

Ever find your cat mysteriously missing on a hot day, only to spot a pair of eyes blinking at you from the compost bin? Cats are natural shade-seekers and summer turns your garden into their hide-and-seek playground. Our Vet Barry McNulty warns cat owners in Co. Down to watch for overheating during the hotter days as your cat could be at risk of heatstroke - initial signs of heatstroke in cats include drooling, wobbliness, and fast breathing.

If in doubt, call us straight away and speak to our team at Barry's Vets. 

Create a cool space for your cat this summer

Secret garden: classic cat hiding spots

Barry explains that in warm weather, most cats won't sunbathe for long. Instead, they're off to find cool, shady hideouts to snooze the day away. Here are some favourite feline shelters:

• Under the shed or decking - dark, cool, and perfect for vanishing into thin air
• Among the plants - cats love to flatten themselves under bushes or nestle in flowerbeds
• Behind bins or compost heaps - not the most glamorous spot, but definitely shady and hidden
• Inside garden furniture - chairs with covers or hollow storage benches can be sneaky nap spots
• Greenhouses and garages - whether nearby or further afield in Co. Down, these are risky places if doors close behind them

Cats are great at finding shade, but not all their choices are safe, especially if they involve tight spaces or hidden corners that get hot quickly.

Build them a shady summer retreat

Giving your cat their own cool space means they can relax outside without ending up somewhere too hot or hard to reach. Barry recommends trying these simple ideas:

• Pop up a small canopy with a towel or blanket stretched over garden chairs
• Use a cardboard box turned on its side in a shady spot (they'll love it!)
• Place a cat bed or towel inside a covered area so it feels inviting
• Add water nearby and maybe even a breeze from a battery fan for extra comfort

Rain? No problem: Cosy shelters for all weathers

Summer weather in Co. Down isn't always sunshine and sunbathing. If your cat loves spending time outdoors, Barry suggests it's worth creating a sheltered spot that offers shade and rain cover. Here's how:

Plastic storage boxes

Turn one on its side or cut a doorway into it, pop a towel or mat inside and place it in a shaded spot. Add a small overhang or prop it under a garden table to stop rain from getting in.

Waterproof cat houses

You can buy outdoor cat shelters made from weather-resistant materials around Co. Down. Look for one with a raised floor to keep things dry and cosy.

DIY wooden shelters

A simple wooden crate with a slanted waterproof roof (like old roofing felt or a tarp) can double as a rustic hideaway. Just make sure anything you build is:

• Stable and secure (no wobbly structures)
• Free from sharp edges and sticking out nails
• Well-ventilated (especially in warm weather)
• In a shaded, quiet area away from dogs or noisy footfall

Keep an eye out!

Always double-check garages, sheds and greenhouses before shutting doors in summer as curious cats have a knack for sneaking inside unnoticed. If your cat does go missing, it's worth checking if they've gotten stuck in a neighbour's outbuilding.

Barry reminds you to call us on (028) 921 06130 straight away if your cat shows signs of heatstroke, so we can attend to them swiftly. See our opening times.