The 10 Best Summer Treats for Your Cat

With summer in full swing, you may find yourself reaching for seasonal, refreshing foods to enjoy in the warm weather. But while your cat may not be able to eat some of your favorite summer foods, there are still plenty of options to keep them cool and content. Here are the 10 best treats to feed cats in hot weather:

1. Fish

The powerful smell and strong flavor make fish a favorite of many cats. Canned salmon or canned tuna can be great ingredients for a fun, refreshing treat on a warm day.

Pour the water-packed canned fish into a food processor with some extra water or bone broth. Then, process until smooth and freeze into small cubes for a deliciously fishy summertime snack.

Fish like salmon and tuna are full of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein that can boost your cat's health, but they should only be eaten in moderation. The high fat content can also lead to weight gain in cats.

2. Goat Milk

Goat milkis rich in nutrients and probiotics that are great for your cat's health. It contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, potassium, and other key vitamins and minerals that can boost your cat's digestive and immune health.

The prebiotics and probiotics in goat milk also help support a healthy immune system. Freeze goat milk, mix with other healthy ingredients, or simply add it to your cat's food for a hydrating, healthy snack.

Goat milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, which can be easier on your cat's stomach, but it's still not recommended for cats with a history of lactose intolerance.

3. Frozen Wet Food

One of the biggest concerns for cats during the summer is whether they're staying cool and hydrated. Your cat’s favorite wet food is a great way to keep them hydrated, and it also freezes well for summer fun.

Spread wet food onto a lick mat, into an ice cube tray, or insert in a food puzzle toy and place in the freezer. This makes for a fun enrichment activity that can cool your kitty off while also engaging their brain. Frozen treats for cats are the perfect idea for a hot day.

4. Yogurt

While many cats are sensitive to dairy products, unsweetened Greek yogurt can make a great treat for those that can handle lactose. Yogurt has a lower lactose count than other dairy products, so many cats with sensitive stomachs can still handle a spoonful in moderation.

Greek yogurt is another ingredient that mixes and freezes well with other ingredients to make your own cat-friendly popsicles. Make these summer cat yogurt treats by mixing yogurt with your cat's wet food and freezing in ice cube trays.

5. Watermelon

What's summertime without fresh watermelon? Luckily, this is one summer snack that you can share with your cat.

Watermelon, cantaloupe, and other types of melons are some of the best treats for cats to nibble on. Not only are they full of vitamin C and antioxidants, but their high-water content also helps keep your cat hydrated on a hot day.

Always remove the seeds and rind before giving your cat any kind of melon, and only feed in moderation. Avoid feeding watermelon to cats with diabetes because of the high level of natural sugars.

6. Frozen Peas

Peas are rich in many vitamins and minerals that can benefit your cat. They're high in fiber, as well as vitamins A and C, and you'll often find them as a key ingredient in many commercial cat foods.

While you can feed your cat raw peas, frozen peas can be a fun summer treat. They can help keep your cat cool, and they make a fun toy for your furry friend to bat around.

7. Broth

Bone broth, chicken broth, and turkey broth can be a great way to keep your cat hydrated, and they're full of health benefits as well. Bone broth, specifically, can help:

• Detoxify your cat's liver

• Strengthen their immune system

• Boost their digestive system

• Improve their bone health

• Improve joint mobility

You can add broth to your cat's kibble or freeze it into ice cubes for a fun, nutritious summer treat.

8. Spinach

Spinach, in moderation, is rich in vitamins and minerals that can benefit your cat's overall health. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium which are all part of a balanced diet for your cat. In fact, spinach is often listed as a main ingredient in many commercial cat foods.

Spinach isn't right for all cats, however, especially those with urinary tract stones. The calcium oxalate it contains can cause crystals to form in your cat's urinary tract.

9. Ice

Is there any better treat on a hot summer's day than ice? An ice cube can double as many things for your cat: a fun toy to bat around the kitchen floor, a way to cool off after time in the hot sun, and a fun way to stay hydrated.

Plain ice cubes are great for encouraging your cat to drink more water, but you can also add fun ingredients like bits of meat or cat treats for an added challenge and tasty incentive.

10. Bananas

Bananas, as well as many other fruits, can be a fun treat for your cat, not to mention a wonderful source of fiber and potassium, which can help your cat's digestive system. They're also an easy snack to mix in with other ingredients, as well as freeze.

Only give your cat bananas in moderation. Cut the banana into small pieces, and give them a few pieces at a time. Bananas are high in natural sugar, and, despite the high fiber content, too much banana can lead to digestive upset.

What's Your Cat's Favorite Summer Treat?

With so many tasty, seasonal foods to try with your cat, there are endless ways to make staying cool and hydrated a fun experience.

Before introducing your cat to a new food, always consult with your veterinarian. They will have a better understanding of your cat's health history and whether a particular food is safe for them to eat.

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