6 Great Activities for Cats at the Beach & Vet-Reviewed Tips (With Pictures)

If you’re planning on taking a vacation or day trip to the beach, the idea of leaving your cat behind is difficult. While dogs are considered man’s best friend, that doesn’t mean our kitty cats aren’t as important. In fact, more people are vacationing with their kitties and showing the world that cats are up for fun adventures.

While every cat has a different personality, a trip to the beach may be ideal if you have an adventurous feline. One of the biggest questions is, what can my cat do while we’re enjoying the beach? Let’s look at a few fun activities for your cat while they are at the beach and go over a few things you should remember before heading on your sandy adventure.

The 6 Activities for Cats at the Beach

1. Playing in the Sand

It makes sense that a cat that enjoys a trip to the beach would love to play in the sand. Why wouldn’t they? The sandy beaches are similar to your cat’s litter box or dirt in the backyard. While your cat is on their leash and harness, let them have fun scratching, rolling, and digging in the sand.

As a word of advice, keep a close eye on your kitty while they are scratching in the sand. Beaches are notorious for the objects other visitors leave behind. Certain foods can harm your cat, so make sure they don’t eat anything you haven’t given them. Also, avoid letting your cat investigate items lying around that could hurt them in any way.

2. Sunbathing

We’ve all seen our kitties sunbathing in the window or backyard. The beach is an excellent spot for the same thing but on a different level. Sunbathing on the sand can be quite enjoyable for your kitty. If your cat enjoys the warm rays of sunshine, let them bask, but not too long. It’s essential to keep your kitty cool while on the beach. Make sure to have fresh water and somewhere, like an area with an umbrella, your cat can escape the sun’s rays when needed.

3. Playing With Toys

Not every cat enjoys playing with toys. But if your cat is a toy lover, bring a few of their favorite things along for the trip. Using your kitty’s favorite toys is a great way to get them used to the beach while giving them a fun activity to enjoy. Feather toys, balls, or your kitty’s favorite mouse can make a trip to the beach more interactive and enjoyable for them. So, pack a few fun things for your trip.

4. Exploring

Most beaches have boardwalks, sand dunes, and other areas that are great for exploration. If your kitty is active, grab the harness and take them for a walk. You and your kitty can spend hours exploring cool spots along the sand. As with any activity you tackle with your kitty in the sun, keep water and food handy when they need a break and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

5. Enjoying the Water

If your cat is one of the few that enjoys time in the water, you may find it challenging to keep them out of the sea. If you let your kitty enjoy the water, there are a few things to remember. First off, keep them in very shallow water.

The last thing you want is for your cat to face the dangers of drowning or aspirating sea water. Second, keep it brief. Sea water has salt, which isn’t the greatest for your cat. A quick dip should be fine, but remember to bathe your cat once they are home to remove the salt from their fur, not to mention the sand.

6. Relaxing in the Shade

Relaxing in the shade is an excellent alternative for kitties who aren’t big on the sun, water, and adventure of the beach. Spread a towel or blanket in a shady spot and relax with your cat. The two of you can enjoy the sounds and relaxation of the beach on your own terms, away from the crowds.

The 7 Tips for Taking Your Kitty to the Beach

Now that you’ve learned a few activities your cat can enjoy on a beach visit, it’s time to go over a few tips to make your cat’s trip safer and more enjoyable.

1. Make Sure Your Cat Is Microchipped

Even when wearing a harness attached to a leash, accidents can happen and your cat may get loose. Beaches can be a scary place for some cats if they are busy with people, noise, or if there are stray cats or dogs off leash. All this can make your cat frightened and they may escape. Having a microchip means that if your cat gets picked up by a member of the public and taken to a shelter or the vets, they can track your details and phone number based on the microchip, as long as it’s registered in your name with up-to-date information.

GPS trackers may be an additional option for some pet owners, which allows live tracking of your pet’s location, based on the type of tracker and battery life. This can be useful to see where your cat has gone to and may speed up finding them. Be mindful that they could get so scared that they will not want to approach you, so be patient and use toys and treats to try to get to them safely.

2. Bring Food and Water

We’ve already mentioned it, but this must be stressed. Your cat needs fresh water and food on any trip or adventure you go on. It is especially vital when visiting a place like a beach where the weather can be quite hot.

Your cat will need fresh water breaks; depending on how long you are there, you may need to provide a snack or meal. Make sure you carry their necessities in a place where the water can stay cool and the food dry.

3. Keep Your Cat’s Personality in Mind

You know your cat better than anyone. A beach trip can be difficult if they aren’t fans of excitement and change. If you still want to share a beach experience with them, make your plan accordingly. You can go to a more secluded, pet-friendly beach.

You can also go during downtimes throughout the year or when fewer people are on the beach. If you genuinely want your cat to enjoy the trip, keep their emotional needs and welfare in mind. Bring your cat to the beach only if they are used to walking confidently on a leash and harness, as the beach is not the place to be trying it out. There could be other animals around, which may cause your cat to be scared and try to escape.

4. Keep Kitty on a Leash and Bring a Carrier

The last thing you want is for your kitty to make a great escape on the beach. Instead of letting them run on their own, use a secure leash and harness. You should also bring a backpack or carrier. This will give your cat a place to escape if the excitement of the beach becomes too much.

5. Take Things Slow

Don’t plan on heading to the beach and instantly tossing your cat into the sand or water. They need time to adjust to their surroundings and work their way into the fun. This is another reason why a leash and carrier are essential tools. You can let your kitty watch the water and get comfortable before letting them have their beach fun.

6. Check the Weather

You should know the weather forecast before taking your cat out for the day. They aren’t fans of heavy winds, too much sun, or rain. Choose a pleasant day that isn’t scorching hot. This will help ensure you and your feline pal have a great day at the beach, without the risk of heatstroke or your cat being scared by the strong winds.

7. Watch for Stress

Most importantly, keep your eyes open for signs of stress in your cat. Yes, it’s fun to spend the day exploring the beach with your cat, but they shouldn’t stress over the situation. If you notice your cat is uncomfortable, scared, shaking, meowing continually, frantically moving or pacing, trying to escape, or drooling, you should take them home immediately so they can relax and calm down. If they are breathing heavily or with an open mouth, like a dog, take them to a cool shaded spot or an air conditioned car and seek veterinary care immediately.

Conclusion

If you are a beach lover and want your cat along for the ride, keeping things safe, fun and exciting is the best way to ensure they enjoy themselves and want to return in the future. For a fun day, consider trying the six great activities for cats on the beach mentioned above. To keep your cat safe and happy while out and about on their beach adventure, be sure to keep our tips in mind. They will make your cat’s day at the beach something they’ll love.

Featured Image Credit: AltArt, Shutterstock