On those hot summer days, it can be more dangerous for our cats than many of us realize. It’s not just the risk of them overheating—the outdoors presents other dangers too, from dehydration to painful insect bites, and in serious cases, even organ failure.
That's why, especially on scorching hot days, the safest place for your cat is indoors, away from the harsh sun.
Of course, an adventurous cat that loves to roam and explore might not be too happy about being cooped up inside. The secret is to bring all the fun and stimulation of the outdoors to them.
The good news is, keeping them entertained indoors is easier than you might think. Here is a list of our 6 favorite ideas to keep your cat active and entertained this summer.
#1 Spend Quality Time Together
Never underestimate how much your cat simply enjoys your company. When they're spending more time indoors, a little extra attention from you can make a huge difference.
Take some time each day to interact with them. You can talk to them, offer a lot of pets, or even just relax quietly in the same room. Your presence is often all the comfort and stimulation they need, and that one-on-one bonding is incredibly important for their happiness.
#2 Designate a Fun Zone
Since your cat is missing out on outdoor adventures, bring the excitement inside by setting up a dedicated play area just for them. This gives them a perfect outlet for all their cat energy, like climbing and scratching, which can help keep your furniture safe.
It doesn’t need to be a huge space! A cozy corner of a room or a spot near a sunny window is all you need. The key is to make it a safe and comfortable spot that your cat knows is all theirs.
To make it truly feel like a playground, fill it with things they love, like a Cat-e-Corner for their claws, and fun, eco-friendly toys to chase and bat around.
#3 Provide the Perfect Place to Scratch
We mentioned scratching posts when setting up a play area, but this instinct is so important for a cat that it deserves its own spotlight. When your cat scratches, they're doing much more than you might think, as it's an instinct that helps them stretch their body, claim their territory, and take care of their claws all at once. If they don't have a good place to do it, your furniture will often pay the price.
This is where a well-designed scratching solution, like the Cat-e-Corner from Hilde & Phil, comes in. It’s a smartly designed piece that works as both a stylish side table for you and a satisfying scratching surface for your cat, designed to protect the vulnerable corners of your sofa.
Cat-e-Corner comes with separate risers you can add to make sure it sits perfectly flush with the side of your couch, no matter the style or size. The result is a piece that keeps your cat entertained and satisfies their natural urges, all while blending in beautifully with your home's decor.
#4 Turn Snack Time into a Hunt
It’s no secret that most cats go crazy for their favorite treats, so why not use that love to create a fun challenge for them? Instead of just handing them over, you can make them work for it in a way that feels like a game.
Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys are fantastic for this because they turn snack time into an engaging activity that stimulates your cat’s mind and body. This taps directly into their natural hunting instincts, giving them a satisfying puzzle to solve.
You don't even need expensive, special toys to get started. A simple way to do this is by hiding a few treats in different spots around a room and letting your cat use their powerful sense of smell to track them down.
#5 Introduce Some Digital Entertainment
You might be surprised by how captivated a cat can be by a screen. Sometimes, all it takes to break up their day is giving them something new and exciting to watch and listen to.
Try putting on a nature documentary or searching online for videos made specifically for cats. These often feature close-ups of birds, squirrels, and other small critters that can keep them completely captivated.
If you have a tablet, you can take it a step further with interactive apps designed just for them. These games let your cat “chase” and bat at digital bugs or fish, providing a fun way to engage their hunting instincts without leaving the living room.
#6 Turn a Window into Your Cat's Favorite Spot
Never underestimate the power of a good window. For a cat spending more time indoors, it’s like having their TV channel, offering hours of safe, free entertainment.
Make their viewing spot comfortable by setting up a cozy cat bed, a soft chair, or a special window perch right by the glass. A window with a higher view, like on a second floor, can be even more exciting for them as they watch the world go by.
Want to take their window-watching to the next level? Install a bird or squirrel feeder just outside the window. This creates a live-action show that will keep their senses sharp and give them front-row seats to all the neighborhood action.
A Quick Check-In After Outdoor Adventures
With all these fun indoor activities, your cat can stay safe and stimulated during the hottest parts of the day. Of course, once the day starts to cool off, you might let your cat enjoy some supervised time in the yard or on the patio.
Whenever they come back inside from an outdoor trip, no matter how short, it’s a great idea to give them a quick, gentle once-over. You never know what they might have picked up, even on a short trip outside.
Give them a quick pat-down, checking for any fleas, ticks, or insect stings. Inspect their paw pads for any signs of irritation, and take a quick look for minor cuts or scrapes. It's also important to check for sunburn, especially on their ears and nose, and make sure there’s nothing unusual on their fur. This simple habit takes only a minute and is one of the best ways to catch any potential issues right away.
Wishing you and your cat a wonderful and safe summer together!
Hilde & Phil Team.
