When we think of the suffering of stray cats, we picture winter, the cold, the snow. Yet, summer is just as dangerous , sometimes even more deadly, than winter. High temperatures, dehydration, parasites, the risk of poisoning… cats left to fend for themselves face extreme conditions that threaten their survival.
Here are 5 critical factors that show why summer is a high-risk season for stray cats, and how each of them can be mitigated through concrete actions.
1. Dehydration: a silent and rapid danger
During hot weather, a cat needs to drink two to three times more water than the rest of the year. But in nature, water sources are often:
- Hot and unfit for consumption
- Polluted by chemicals
- They evaporated after a few hours of sunshine.
Dehydration can occur in less than 24 hours, leading to:
- Extreme fatigue
- Kidney dysfunction
- Death from organ failure
According to the 30 Million Friends Foundation, summer dehydration is one of the main causes of summer mortality in stray cats.
2. Heatstroke: a life-threatening emergency
Cats have difficulty regulating their body temperature. They don't sweat through their skin, but only through their paw pads and mouth. When the temperature exceeds 32°C, their bodies can quickly overheat.
Symptoms :
- Rapid panting
- Excessive salivation
- Loss of consciousness
Without shaded and ventilated shelter, a cat can die in less than an hour.
Miawi shelters allow cats to protect themselves from direct sunlight while maintaining a cooler internal temperature than outside.
3. Proliferation of parasites and diseases
Summer is the breeding season for parasites:
- Fleas lay up to 50 eggs per day
- Ticks transmit Lyme disease
- Mosquitoes can transmit blood parasites.
These infestations cause:
- Severe itching
- Anemia
- Serious infections
According to veterinary data, 80% of stray cats are parasitized in the summer, which severely weakens their bodies and reduces their life expectancy.
4. Lack of natural shaded shelter
Contrary to popular belief, cats don't always find shady or cool spots. Concrete floors and roofs absorb heat and release it at night, preventing the cat's body from cooling down.
An outdoor shelter:
- Protects from direct sunlight
- Creates a cooler microclimate
- Reduces heat stress
Miawi shelters are designed to insulate against the cold in winter… but also against the heat in summer , thanks to thermoregulating materials.
5. Food shortages and risks of poisoning
In summer, garbage cans close more quickly due to odors, and natural food sources become scarce. Stray cats are then tempted to eat:
- Spoiled leftovers
- Contaminated food
- Toxic stagnant water
Every year, thousands of cats die from indirect poisoning due to lack of access to safe food.
"Contrary to popular belief, summer is one of the deadliest seasons for stray cats. The lack of water, healthy food, and proper shelter leads to many silent deaths."
Free Cats Association of France
A suitable shelter: four-season protection
Protecting a stray cat isn't just about helping it in winter. It's about offering it shelter all year round .
- Cool in the summer
- Warm in winter
- Dry in all seasons
Miawi shelters are designed with this overall vision in mind: to offer stray cats a chance to live with dignity, regardless of climate challenges.
Because survival isn't just about when it's cold... but about every day of the year.
