It’s the summer and there’s nothing more exciting and relaxing than going to the beach, getting the perfect tan in the sunshine, and forgetting all the problems of the world. But wait a minute, this time you aren’t going without your cat, you can’t leave your furball behind while you are enjoying a nice vacation somewhere else. Instead of your cat sitting at home the entire time, why not bring them along with you? In the end, we all want to share amazing memories with our loving pets through trips and adventures, but is it possible to take your cat to the beach? Most cats hate water, and the sound of the waves might frighten them, while some other breeds might actually love the water. This is something you can do and actually, it could be beneficial to your cat. However, if you are planning to take your cat to the beach for the first time, there are a lot of things you should be considering and taking into consideration before you do this. Remember that this is going to be an unfamiliar place and experience. To help you enjoy the perfect vacation at the beach, Pet Barn will share some amazing tips for taking your cat with you to the beach that might help make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

First, Ensure the Beach is Cat-Friendly; 

Before planning your trip and dreaming about all the adventures and memories that you are going to do with your cat, remember that not all beaches allow pets. Ask before going, and if you go and see a sign that says “no pets allowed” then it would be better to change your plan and go to another cat-friendly beach, or obviously you don’t have another choice than leaving your furball at home.

Remember that not all destinations are pet-friendly and can be extremely dangerous especially if it’s the first time that you take your cat on an adventure, you don’t want it to be a bad experience and memory for both of you. Some places have extreme weather changes or the presence of wildlife.

Harness Train; 

New places like the beach can be very stressful for your cat who is not used to change and travel. But you can’t leave your kitty cat home alone, so here is what you have to do before going on this trip. Train your cat to love his leash, try to patiently help him get used to his harness and leash, it will make the whole trip much easier, with the leash you will both be able to enjoy beautiful moments without worrying about the safety of your feline.

On the other hand, throwing a leash onto your cat without training him before isn’t going to be a good idea at all, not only the harness and leash will traumatize him, he will refuse to put the leash on and your trip will be ruined. So be patient with your cat, and remember this is all for the benefit of both of you. Never take your cat to the beach if he is not fully trained and used to his leash.

Pack All the Essentials; 

We all know that packing for yourself can be more than stressful, especially on vacation, but there’s something you should not forget if you are taking your cat with you this vacation, his own separate bag! Yes, your cat should also have a bag that contains all the necessities he will need on this trip, and make sure to write down all the essential things so you don’t forget them, it’s not easy to have access everywhere to pets’ necessities. Here are your cat needs list;

  • Cat Backpack or carrier.
  • Water (plenty of water bottles and a bowl to put the fresh clean water in it).
  • Cat Food whether it’s dry food or canned food.
  • Bowl to put the food in it.
  • Treats
  • Leash and harness
  • Cats’ sunscreen and Bug repellent.
  • Toys
  • Grooming wipes for pets
  • Cat Litter bags
  • First aids kit
  • ID Tags.

Sands and Cats;

If you are wondering whether your cat will love beach sand, the answer is yes! Your cat will enjoy the sand even more than the beach and water. The sand is in fact a vast area compared to the litter box where they can bury their mess and scent everywhere. So to sum up, it’s a large litter box with so much sand, they will surely enjoy exploring as long as the sand is not too hot or wet.

Keep your Cat Safe on the Beach;

You are surely planning to have an enjoyable moment with your cat at the beach, but let’s not forget that the beach is an open area where anything could happen, and your cat is your responsibility for safety and security, to make sure you are prepared and avoid the dangers, here are some helpful hints you need to follow to keep your cat safe;

  • Make sure that your cat is well-hydrated, and ensure have a bottle of fresh water to help beat the heat. Give your cat a few sips from time to time. Salty water from the ocean isn’t safe for cats to drink and can cause stomach upset.
  • Cat sunscreen is very important, just like us humans, pets (cats and dogs) can have a severe sunburn from the damaging UV rays and heat of the sun. Apply cat sunscreen to your cat’s exposed body parts, nose, paws, and ears. Please do not use human sunscreen, and ask your vet about approved cat sunscreen.
  • Last but not least, keep an eye on your cat. It only takes seconds for your cat to chase a bird or run into the shoreline, or who knows what could happen! This is why it’s very important to keep him on a leash at all times, to avoid any danger of losing him.

Conclusion

Going to the beach is a nice, relaxing, and enjoyable place to be, but when you decide to take your furry cat with you, you should think twice about it and be fully prepared to avoid any kind of danger or problem. Not everything there is safe, and there are surely a lot of things to take into consideration to keep your cat away from danger and spend the most enjoyable, memorable time for you both.