Heat Wave Help: How to Care for Outdoor Animals in Extreme Temperatures

When temperatures soar, outdoor animals suffer quietly — often with no escape from the relentless heat. Whether it's community cats living in feral colonies or wildlife trying to survive in your backyard, summer heatwaves can be deadly without a little help from compassionate humans.

Here’s how you can be their lifeline during extreme heat:

Caring for Feral and Stray Cats

Provide Fresh, Cool Water

In extreme heat, dehydration can happen fast.

• Place multiple water bowls in shaded areas and refill them often.

• Drop a few ice cubes in the water throughout the day to keep it cool longer.

• Use ceramic or stainless steel bowls (plastic can heat up and break down).

Create Shade and Shelter

Cats will seek out any cool, shaded spot — help them by providing more.

• Set up a pop-up canopy, umbrella, or lean a piece of plywood against a fence for instant shade.

• Line the space with cardboard or towels (not dark colors) that you can occasionally mist with water to keep cool.

Feed in the Early Morning or Evening

• Offer food during the coolest times of day to avoid spoilage and insects.

• Remove leftovers after an hour to avoid attracting pests.

Helping Wildlife in Your Area

Wildlife may not be visible during heat waves, but they’re struggling too.

Leave Out Water Sources

• Shallow dishes or plant saucers filled with clean water can help birds, squirrels, rabbits, and more.

• Add stones or sticks so insects and birds can perch without drowning.

• Refill often and clean with mild soap every couple of days to prevent algae or disease.

Don’t Trim Back Natural Shade

• Let shrubs, tall grass, or overhanging plants grow during heatwaves to provide vital shelter.

• Even a pile of sticks or branches can offer cooling refuge for small animals.

Don't Feed Wildlife Unnatural Foods

Feeding wildlife processed or salty human foods (especially in heat) can dehydrate and sicken them. Stick to natural water support instead.

Signs of Heat Distress in Outdoor Animals

Be aware of the signs that an animal is in trouble:

• Panting, drooling, or lethargy in cats or wildlife

• Stumbling, disorientation, or collapsing

• Birds holding wings away from body and breathing rapidly

If you see an animal in distress, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or rescue organization. For feral cats, reach out to a TNR (trap-neuter-return) group or animal welfare organization for support.

Simple Actions = Lifesaving Help

Extreme heat can be overwhelming, but small acts of compassion go a long way. A bowl of cool water, a shaded corner, or a safe place to rest could be what helps a community cat or wild animal survive the summer.

If you’re able, consider donating to or volunteering with organizations working to protect outdoor animals — especially during crisis conditions.

Let’s make sure no one is left to suffer in the heat.