Granted, you don’t see cats at the beach every day, but it happens. Some cats are so laid-back and easy to please that they’re happy to accompany their people anywhere—even if that’s a place with a huge body of water and a bunch of strangers.
So, if you think your cat might be the kind of cat to have an absolute ball on the beach, what activities can you prepare to keep them occupied? Read on to find out some fun activities for beach-loving cats and tips on how to keep your cat safe at the beach.
The 7 Things for Cats to Do at the Beach
1. Dig for Treasure
To a cat, the beach is a gigantic sandbox. You might want to consider bringing a box with you, filling it with sand, and letting your cat dig for hidden toys. Alternatively, you can just hide bits and bobs directly in the sand and let your cat dig them out.
If you’re worried your cat might use the box as a litter box instead of hunting for treasure, bring something flat like a plastic sheet to spread sand on instead. This also helps limit their search area. Make sure to collect their poo to keep the beach clean for other people to use.
2. Play with Ice Cubes
Playing with ice cubes is a fun summer activity for cats and helps keep them cool. Bring an ice box with you to store the ice cubes in and pop them out onto a plastic sheet or into a low box for your cat to bat about. You’ll likely need to bring quite a few ice cubes, though, as they won’t last long in warm weather.
3. Eat a Cat Ice Lolly
Ice lollies are a classic beach treat and there’s no reason your cat should miss out—they’re also great for keeping your cat hydrated and cool. You can make cat ice lollies at home with ingredients like the liquid from a can of tuna and water. You can even use a stick-shaped cat treat to use as the “holder”.
4. Go for a Walk
Some cats absolutely love the feeling of sand under their paws, so you might want to consider taking your cat on a little adventure across the beach on a secure harness and a leash. Just make sure the sand isn’t too hot for their paws before you head off and avoid areas busy with children, people, and other pets.
5. Chill Out
For some cats, nothing beats taking a good long snooze on the beach. Remember to bring a towel or blanket for them to sleep on and always monitor them to make sure they aren’t getting too hot. It’s also a great idea to put up an umbrella to keep them in the shade while they take a nap, or find a naturally shaded area underneath some trees.
6. Play Fetch
Though your cat won’t be able to take part in the volleyball or badminton game that’s going on on the beach, they can certainly play fetch if that’s what they enjoy. Bring along your cat’s favorite ball and let them bring it back to you. Just be careful not to throw it too far away!
7. Play with Toys
If your cat prefers teaser toys like mice on a stick, why not bring them along with you to the beach? In addition to teaser toys, you could bring:
- Interactive cat puzzles
- Puzzle/obstacle feeders
- Toys on a string
- Remote control toys
- Butterfly chasers
- “Flopping fish” toys
Cats at the Beach: Safety Tips
If you plan on taking your cat to the beach, safety has to be the main consideration. Here are some top tips for keeping your cat safe and comfortable at the beach.
- Ensure your cat is fully vaccinated and has a microchip well before considering a trip to the beach.
- Train your cat to wear the harness and be comfortable with walking on a leash.
- Always keep their harness and leash on and supervise them at all times.
- Avoid busy areas and busy parts of the day.
- Make sure to bring along a water bowl, ice cubes, and plenty of water to keep your cat hydrated.
- Don’t stay on the beach with your cat for too long to avoid overheating. Aim for early mornings and late afternoons.
- Rub water on your cat’s fur if they get too hot, take them into a well-ventilated area, and seek immediate veterinary care if you’re worried they are overheating.
- Apply sunscreen formulated for cats to avoid burns and blisters, particularly on the top of the nose and ears, especially in white cats.
- Avoid taking your cat to the beach when it’s extremely hot or windy.
- Bring an umbrella for shade or find another sheltered area.
- Never force your cat to go into the water.
- Bring along a comfortable cat carrier that your cat can retreat to.
- Brush the sand out of your cat’s fur when you leave the beach.
- Watch out for life-threatening signs of overheating (panting or open-mouth breathing, rapid breathing, vomiting, lethargy, drooling, stumbling, pacing, collapse, etc.).
Conclusion
Though dogs are more commonly found at the beach than cats, there’s no reason your cat can’t enjoy a day at the beach, too—if that’s their thing. As long as you take safety precautions, make sure they’re well-hydrated, have a shady spot to hang out in, and don’t spend too long out in the sun, it should be fine. Oh—and don’t forget to check that the beach you have in mind permits pets. Bon voyage!
Featured Image Credit: dimitrisvetsikas1969, Pixabay
