When the days start to get longer and warmer, you might start thinking about your next trip to the beach. If you’re like me and work from home, maybe you’re getting an extra itch to get out and enjoy some nice sun rays and ocean waves. But what if you work from home with your cat, or just spend enough time with your kitty that you are attached at the hip? Can you take your cat to the beach with you?
While it’s common to see dogs at the beach, or at least at pet-friendly beaches, it’s not very often that you will spot a cat running along the shoreline or chilling in the sand. This doesn’t mean it’s not possible though! In this article, I will cover how you can safely bring your cat to the beach so you and your fur baby can both enjoy the soothing sounds of the shore.
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Quick Summary
| ✔️ Keep your cat hydrated and make sure it’s not too hot outside ✔️ Bring a leash or a carrier, a litter box, and lots of food ✔️ Protect your cat from the sun with sunscreen ✔️ Ensure your cat is up to date on vaccinations ✔️ Protect your cat from dogs ✔️ Don’t let your cat swim and use a leash if they walk in the water ✔️ Wrap things up when your cat is ready to go home |
Are Cats Allowed on Beaches?
First things first…are cats even allowed on beaches?
Of course they are! Well, sort of. It has to be a pet-friendly beach. Just like you can’t bring a dog to just any beach, the same goes for cats. Always make sure the beach you are planning on going to allows pets. The last thing you want is to drive all the way down to the shore and get settled on the beach with your kitty just to be asked to leave! You could even be liable for a fine.
Should You Bring Your Cat to the Beach?
Now that we covered that you can bring your cat to the beach, does this mean that you should?
The answer to this is entirely dependent on your own situation and your own cat’s preferences. Some cats may not even do well with car rides, so bringing them to the beach would be a very stressful situation for them. Other cats may be more adventurous and enjoy car rides as well as outdoor adventures from time to time. The most important thing to remember is to not push your cat into a situation that they may be uncomfortable with.
10 Must-Haves for a Safe Beach Trip With Your Cat
If you decide that your feline friend would enjoy a nice day down the shore, there are some things to keep in mind. Below are the 10 must-haves to make sure that your beach day with your cat is both fun and safe.
1. Consider the Temperature
First and foremost, ensure the day you decide to take your cat with you to the shore is not too hot. Cats can overheat very easily, and temperatures over 90 degrees can be problematic. These high temperatures cause cats to pant in order to allow for additional heat loss. That would not make for a very comfortable beach day for your fur baby!
2. Ensure Kitty Stays Hydrated
Make sure you pack a water bowl for your cat (and lots of cold water!) to make sure they stay hydrated throughout the day. According to PetMD, an the average cat requires about 1/2 cup of water per day per 5 pounds of body weight, depending on diet and underlying medical conditions. This amount will go up if a cat is active or in warmer weather for a long period of time. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan ahead for a long beach day!
Travel bowls that are collapsible and can be hooked onto a bag are a purrfect solution for traveling with your cat. You can find these on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3YdBakh).
3. Bring a Leash or Carrier
You are not going to want to let your cat loose on the beach, especially if they are easily spooked. While a dog may be able to run off leash for a little while, cats are very different. Make sure you either bring a leash if you want to walk with your cat, or a carrier to keep them contained.
There are also outdoor tents you can buy for your cat that are perfect for a day at the shore. They can protect your cat from the sun while also allowing them to enjoy the relaxing sounds of the beach. Here is a great option for an outdoor pet tent from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k4yfD5.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Dogs
As I said before, cats can be very skittish and easily spooked. You don’t want them to feel unsafe or anxious if there are dogs around, which is very likely on a pet-friendly beach. It’s fine to keep a safe distance, but take extra care to protect your kitty cat and make sure they feel safe and calm.
5. Bring Sunscreen
Cats need sunscreen? But they are covered in fur!
Well, yes, but despite their furry exteriors (apart from some hairless breeds which are at the highest risk), cats are susceptible to sunburn as well. This is especially true around the eyes, above the nose, and on the ears.
Fortunately, you can find an organic and pet-friendly sunscreen on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YdCDHj.
6. Bring a Litter Box
The last thing you want is for your cat to not be comfortable ‘going to the bathroom’. You can’t just let your cat relieve themselves on the beach, so it’s important to bring some kind of litter box (the sand doesn’t count!). Amazon has plenty of options for disposable litter boxes, such as these: https://amzn.to/3EFJUJa. This can either be set up directly on the beach if your cat is on a leash, or inside the pet tent I mentioned earlier.
7. Ensure Kitty Is Vaccinated
Make sure your cat is up to date on their vaccinations before bringing them to the shore. There are many diseases that cats can be exposed to outside, and they can easily be prevented by vaccines. You don’t want a fun beach day to turn into a dangerous situation for your fur baby.
8. Be Extra Cautious Around the Water
It’s up to your cat if they enjoy walking in the ocean water. If they do decide they’re interested, make sure they are on a leash and you are with them the entire time. The ocean can have very unpredictable tides that can easily pull a cat out to sea. Avoid letting them swim, even if your cat is a good swimmer. It is just too risky to let them swim in the ocean.
9. Bring Lots of Food
Just as you should make sure you bring enough water to keep your cat hydrated, you should bring lots of food as well. You may be at the beach for a long period of time, and your cat is bound to get hungry. You might even consider bringing them some of their favorite treats to make them feel more at ease.
10. Recognize When It Is Time to Leave
Make sure you pay attention to the signs that your cat might be winding down for the day. While you might be up for a few more hours in the sun, your cat may want to finish out the day back at home. If you notice your cat getting noticeably uncomfortable or vocal, you may want to consider packing up for the day.
In Conclusion
If you have a cat that you feel would be up for a beach day, keep the above tips in mind for a safe trip. Always pay attention to your cat’s needs and never force them into situations that would cause them stress or anxiety. Remember that we are our cats’ caretakers, and they need to feel safe around us.
Here’s to a happy, safe, and fun beach day with your furry friend!
Looking ahead…
Not only are sunny beach days ahead, but so is Mother’s Day! Don’t forget about all the cat moms in your life, and make sure to get them something extra special this year. Check out Comfort Diva’s post about the best Mother’s Day gifts for cat moms!
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Such a great guide! 😻 I never thought about bringing sunscreen or a litter box to the beach for my cat, so helpful. Thanks for making beach days with kitties feel totally doable! 🏖️🐾
I’m so glad you enjoyed the article! 🥰🐈❤️
I’m not a cat owner, so I would have never thought it was possible to bring a cat to the beach or that it would need sunscreen. Not only did I learn something, these are great tips for keeping your kitty safe on a little beach field trip.
I’m glad to hear that! Many people don’t realize our fur babies can get sunburn as well. Also, some breeds of cats are more adventurous than others. My little bobtail Hazel acts more like a dog than a cat, so I feel like she would definitely appreciate a little beach trip! 🙂