Summer Fun with Pets AND KEEPING COOL!
By C.A. Ritz
Summer again? The temperatures say “yes” in Nevada reaching between 102-114 degrees in July and August. That’s hot enough to fry eggs on the patio, but only with adult supervision! It’s less warm in the shade if you can find any! However, in cooler moments of the day, there are activities and toys you and your pet may enjoy outside.
PICKING ACTIVITIES
WHOA! Scanning the pet store, one can be overwhelmed by the number of indoor/ outdoor pet toys. So many on the shelves! But wait, here’s the revelation. Categories of toys are sorted by more than cat, dog, bird, fish, and fuzzy little mammals! Look carefully … while aisles are labeled by animal types, there are sub-categories indicating breed instincts or personality types. Notice, dog toys can be sorted by breed instincts which seem tied to jobs they do well. Birds and cat toys are sorted by personality/instinct habits. Here are examples:
SUITABLE TOYS
Dogs
Birds
Here are a few jobs and corresponding toys… • Diggers • Hunters • Herders • Lovers • Workers
Toys for Destroyers Toys for Scent Lovers Toys for Fetchers Toys for Cuddlers Toys for Tuggers/Chewers
Behaviorial/personality categories. Speaking as a cat lover, if jobs were assigned for cats, they might include:
Behavioral sub-categories, not job-related… • Chewing • Shredding • Nesting • Mirrors
Parrots Cockatiels Finches Parakeets
Outside, your pet can stay cool with a tent or mini-swimming pool. On really hot days, dampen a small towel or bandana, place it in your refrigerator, then apply to your dog’s neck briefly since they don’t sweat like humans. When your pet does start to pant, wait by the door, and stare with those big eyes, take them indoors! For a special treat, provide frozen watermelon cubes. These are healthy, cool, and fun for humans, too. Cats won’t need any since most kitties refuse to go out in the heat! But they may steal the dog’s frozen treats to swat and chase around you floor… not the best indoor toy! 10
Cats
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • July/August 2021
• Looking Down on You Jump and Interact Toys • Window Stalking
Hunt and Pounce Toys
• Stretching in the Sun Exercise (a little) Toys • Ruling the Home
Swat and Chase Toys
• Sleeping the Day Away Cuddly Toy
Although Bengal cats enjoy water and Maine Coons have been known to swim, most kitties stay indoors. If you find your kitty flustered watching quail, hummingbirds, and cottontails, from the window, consider toys that can be chased, swatted, or pounced upon. You might convince them to play inside if you let them think it was their idea and you won’t have to worry about cooling down your cat. They know when to stop. (Their demeanor oozes “cool” anyway.)
Have a safe and happy summer! C.A. Ritz ~ Author & Illustrator cynthialeopoldritsko.com
