08/09/2026
Stray Evolution
Keeping community (feral or free-roaming) cats safe during extreme summer heat comes down to four essentials: water, shade, food safety, and modified shelter.
1. Optimize Hydration
Use deep, narrow bowls: Deep bowls reduce water evaporation compared to shallow ones. Avoid metal bowls, which absorb heat quickly; stick to plastic or ceramic.
Freeze water overnight: Freeze water-filled bowls or 2-liter bottles and place them in the feeding areas. As the ice slowly melts, it provides a steady supply of cool drinking water.
Provide multiple water stations: Place bowls in consistently shaded areas where cats already rest.
2. Create Cool, Elevated Shade
Elevate resting areas: Off-the-ground surfaces (like raised pet cots or wooden pallets) allow air to circulate underneath, keeping cats off hot pavement or dirt.
Provide cooling ice packs: Freeze water bottles or ice packs, wrap them in a towel, and place them under straw or bedding in their shaded spots.
Open up cool structures: If you have an open carport, covered porch, or garage, crack it open to give cats access.
www.alleycat.org/Heatwave
