The heat is on! And that means it’s time to hit the pool. For cat owners, pool days can pose some questions and provoke some stress. While we may love to give our cats a place to cool off in the hot summer months, cats and water don’t always mix well. Keeping your cat safe around the pool is an important part of being a responsible, loving pet owner. Summertime can be hazardous, especially with a deep backyard pool in play. Make sure to take the necessary precautions to keep your feline friend away from any potential danger.
To help keep your bestie safe around the pool, we have compiled a list of helpful tips. Read on for seven ways to keep your cat safe around the pool this swimming season!
The 8 Vet-Reviewed Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe Around the Pool
1. Install a Pool Cover
You can’t always be around to stop your cat from falling in the pool, and because of their super feline athleticism, you can’t easily fence it off to keep cats physically away from the water. The next best thing you can do is get a sturdy and durable pool cover, ideally one your cat can easily walk on top of without slipping through into the water. A good-quality pool cover can prevent accidents from happening by keeping cats out of the water. If your cat does accidentally fall into the pool, having a cover will give them some support and prevent them from getting tired and struggling to keep themselves above water. Investing in a quality pool cover will help ensure that both you and your kitty have peace of mind when the swimming season arrives.
Always keep the pool covered unless you are there to enjoy it and supervise your kitty. This is especially important overnight, or in instances when you’re not at home, even for a short while. Kittens are at particular risk of getting injured, suffering from hypothermia, or even drowning in the pool, as they are not as strong enough and may not be able to get out if they fall in without anyone knowing.
2. Get a Pool Alarm
A great way to ensure your cat’s safety is by investing in a pool alarm, even if the pool is covered. These are wireless sensors that detect when something goes into the water and will sound off an alert so you know right away if anything has gone awry—and you can spring into action. Pool alarms come in different sizes and shapes and range in price, so there’s sure to be one that fits both your budget and needs. Not only do they provide maximum security for your wet moggy, but they also give you peace of mind knowing that you have an extra line of defense against any accidents happening in the water.
3. Ensure Your Cat Always Has Fresh Water
Oftentimes, cats, both owned and stray ones, may venture into the yard with a pool because they are thirsty. Trying to get a drink during the hot summer months can result in a disaster. In order to avoid such an accident from happening, it’s important to keep some water bowls handy not far from the pool area so the cat can easily find them. Installing a water fountain may be even better, as running water is more likely to attract your cat and get them to have a drink, keeping themselves well hydrated and at a safe distance from the pool.
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4. Teach Your Cat How to Swim
If you’re a proud cat parent and your summer home includes a pool, you may be wondering how to keep your feline friend safe. Given many cats’ natural dislike of getting wet, a cat swimming sounds unnatural, but it is possible: most adult cats know instinctively how to swim, but rather stay well away from water, while some may even love swimming. Ensuring your cat can use the pool safely is one of the ways to prevent any accidents from happening.
Some cat breeds do enjoy water, and some cats, despite their breed, may take up on swimming. If your cat is one of these, make sure they are always supervised when in the water. Ensure they have an easy way to exit the pool, and that they can’t get stuck or trapped under the pool cover. Feline breeds that enjoy water more than most are Turkish Angoras, Maine Coons, Turkish Vans, Norwegian Forest cats, and others. Swimming can provide some water-loving cats with a pleasurable physical activity that they can enjoy while spending quality time with their favorite humans.
One of the most important aspects is to always supervise your cat while they’re in or around the water. Never leave them unattended. It’s not so much that they don’t know how to swim, unless they are a kitten, but the fact that they can get tired if they cannot get out of water easily.
5. Consider a Cat Life Jacket For Cats That Enjoy Swimming
For cats that are used to swimming from an early age and that love water, consider using a floatation device or a cat life jacket. Floatation devices for cats come in many shapes and forms, with the most common being specially designed life jackets. Not only does it keep your cat afloat if they happen to fall into the water awkwardly or get tired, but it also offers them a comfortable spot to relax on top of the water. The best part? Your kitty will look super stylish while they’re enjoying their day out at the pool!
However, something to keep in mind is that cats are usually not the greatest fans of being dressed up, and this may also be dangerous if the life jacket is too tight or they try to get out of it. Make sure to only use a life jacket on your cat if they have been taught to use it from an early age. If you have a kitten, gradually try to get them used to wearing one by using positive reinforcement, but only when supervised. Never leave your cat unattended if they are wearing a life jacket.
6. Create Several Exit Points for Your Cat
Once a cat is comfortable in the water and knows how to enter the pool comfortably, the next problem is how they get out of the pool easily and safely. Human-sized steps and ladders may be impossible for your cat to use and pulling themselves up from the pool is something cats are not anatomically designed to do. To ensure your cat’s safety consider adding an exit ramp from the pool. Creating an exit ramp allows your cat access to a safe area surrounding the pool where they can rest after swimming or play before getting in.
The ramp should be wide enough and stable that they can easily grip them, and walk up and down with their natural gait as well as be made from materials that provide good traction, such as wood, so they don’t slip on their way out of the water, and that they can easily get out. Ensure there are several ramps around most corners of the pool, so your cat can exit from whichever side.
7. Educate Family and Friends on Pool Safety Procedures
Pool season is in full swing and it’s a great time for you, your family, and your friends to have some fun in the sun. You can’t personally always be at the pool to watch out for your cat so, make sure everyone knows to always watch out for your cat when they are near the pool or playing outside. If they see them near the edge of the pool, remind them that cats can be very curious creatures and not to leave them alone near any body of water without supervision.
It’s also important that all family members know how to properly use any covers or fences installed around the area so that your kitty cannot get close enough to fall in.
8. Store Pool Chemicals Securely
When you own a cat, it can be exciting to create an outdoor space for them. A pool area is one way to provide your kitty with extra entertainment and exercise; however, there are several steps you should follow in order to keep them safe. Water is not the only potential hazard for cats: the chemicals used to keep the pool clear are highly toxic. To keep your cat safe, make sure that all pool chemicals and cleaning agents are securely locked away with no access for your cat, other pets, or children.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your cat safe around the pool is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. With the right precautions and environmental modifications, you can make sure that your cat is enjoying the pool safely. As a first line of defense for when you are not around, invest in a pool cover and a pool alarm. To help your cat enjoy the water you can get them a life vest and supervise them if they enjoy swimming. Cats can’t climb out of a pool so you should create a ramp for them to get out unassisted. Don’t forget to leave some fresh drinking water around, as many cats are drawn to the pool, just because they are thirsty.
Finally, remember to always watch your cats when they are near or in the water, as accidents can happen at any time.
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
Contents
- The 8 Vet-Reviewed Tips to Keep Your Cat Safe Around the Pool
- 1. Install a Pool Cover
- 2. Get a Pool Alarm
- 3. Ensure Your Cat Always Has Fresh Water
- 4. Teach Your Cat How to Swim
- 5. Consider a Cat Life Jacket For Cats That Enjoy Swimming
- 6. Create Several Exit Points for Your Cat
- 7. Educate Family and Friends on Pool Safety Procedures
- 8. Store Pool Chemicals Securely
- Final Thoughts
