Why do dogs get all the credit for being fun to take on vacation? Your cat is also ready for an adventure! Granted, it takes preparation and a few safety precautions, but there’s no reason that your feline friend can’t accompany you to the beach.
Your kitty will absolutely adore spending time by the shore. Let’s talk about why cats might like the beach.
The 3 Reasons Why Cats Love Beaches
Even though your cat probably hates water, they’ll probably love the beach for the same reasons that you do. The sun is shining, there’s tons of activity happening, and there is an element of adventure in the air. Here are three main reasons that might explain why your cat loves the beach the way they do.
1. Look at All That Sand
It’s pretty obvious: A beach resembles a giant litter box for your cat! They’re going to love the natural, gritty materials under their feet. They will likely trot around to test the different textures between wet and dry sand. They will probably smell everywhere, taking note of the hints of sea life in the air and the various objects that wash up.
Just be careful not to leave a little surprise for others. There’s nothing wrong with letting them paw around to see what they can discover, but be ready with poop bags on hand to clean up any little bombs they might leave in the tiny granules.
2. Is Anyone Ready for Exploration?
No matter what beach you go to, there’s tons of stuff happening. There are fluttering birds, moving water, lots of other people and pets—the works! Your cat will love watching all the sights around them, as unless you have a beachfront, it’s utterly unfamiliar to their normal day-to-day.
Most cats will take a significant interest and curiosity in everything around them. Foster their curiosity by letting them walk around to enjoy all the newness in the environment.
Your cat can get overwhelmed if it’s too stimulating in a big, new place, though. So, just make sure to keep their body language in mind when showing them different scenery.
3. There’s So Much Entertainment
There are so many other animals at the beach, from dogs and birds to crabs and of course, plenty of people. Your cat will get a good dosage of socialization with other critters.
This can be very stimulating and alluring for them, but remember when enough is enough. Your cat will love to have a day exploring new territory. But after a few hours, they’ll probably want to be in a familiar space again. So, just make arrangements to comfort your cat and ensure you respect their timelines too.
Cats on Beaches: Things to Consider
It’s not all peaches and cream, of course. There are a few things to consider when you’re taking your cat to the beach, especially if this is your cat’s first trip. After all, you want to have good beach etiquette and be a team player to ensure the safety of your cat and other people and animals around them.
If your cat has a bad first experience at the beach, it might sour subsequent trips. So, let’s go over beach visits’ benefits and potential downsides.
Benefits
We’re sure you can think of your own benefits as to why your cat would love to go to the beach. Here are a few that will serve your cat well.
Exercise
Your cat might not want to rough and tumble in the ocean waves, but they will love going around the beach. They will probably move much more than you think they will, burning a lot of extra calories.
There are many things to smell and lots of shiny objects to get their attention. With your cat on a leash, you can walk them up and down the beach to see the sights all around. If it seems like your cat is getting tired, remember to give them a fresh, clean water source to stay hydrated.
Socialization
A lot of folks might not think about it, but many cats enjoy socialization too. Certain breeds are more energetic and curious than others as well. So, temperament should be taken into consideration here.
If you have a very amiable cat that is ready to be on the go, they will probably benefit from an outing at the beach much more than a quiet house cat sitting in the corner.
Prevents Isolation
If your cat is clingy in any way, rest assured they would rather be right by your side at the beach than at home alone. If you have a particularly needy cat, taking them with you on trips can really brighten their day. After all, some of them just want to be a part of things.
Downsides
Just as every situation has benefits, it also has its disadvantages. Here are a few things to keep in mind before getting into your vehicle and bringing your cat to the beach with you.
Unleashed Dogs
Dogs and cats are notorious for having conflicts. Everything from cartoons to real-life adventures tells us that there’s a rivalry between these two species. While some cats and dogs get along swimmingly, others will create quite a ruckus.
If you’re taking your cat to the beach, dogs with a prey drive just might want to chase your cat around. It’s always best to make sure you have safety measures in place for your cat. Having a cat backpack to provide a safe space for them whenever needed is a great idea.
Pet Restrictions
Unfortunately, some beaches don’t allow pets on the premises. Often, it’s likely due to a high population of people and a lack of cleaning up after the pet. Some beaches prefer not to have the hassle around so that every person can enjoy themselves without stepping in a fresh pile of poo.
Make sure that whatever beach you choose to attend with your kitty, they allow pets and it won’t be a problem. It would be terrible to get there only to find out that you couldn’t enjoy your day and have to make other arrangements at the last minute.
Unsecure Carrying Methods
Have you stopped to think yet about how your cat is getting to and from the beach? Have you also stopped to think about how your cat will get around while you’re there? This poses the question of whether or not your cat is ready for an outing.
Beaches can be dangerous places, especially if your cat goes too close to the water and gets in the tide. The last thing you will want to do is go to a public setting and lose sight of your animal. All cats that plan to walk around should be completely harnessed and leash-trained to prevent escapes. Make sure that they are either contained or have restraints on continually.
Final Thoughts
So, now you understand just why cats like the beach after all. Always prepare for the beach by ensuring that your cat’s safety and beach rules are of utmost priority to you. Choose pet-friendly beaches where people leash their dogs to avoid any conflict between other pets and your cat.
No one wants to lose their cat at the beach! Also, make sure that your cat is securely in a harness or backpack to provide a safe space and avoid any clean escapes. Otherwise, you kids enjoy all those rays of sunshine!
Featured Image Credit: steph photographies, Shutterstock
