Cats
For many, winter in the UK wouldn't be complete without a seasonal frost or sprinkling of snow. However if you’re enjoying serene, white vistas from the comfort of your living room and planning how you’re going to stay on your feet when you eventually emerge from the warmth of your home, consider how much greater the challenge would be if you were under a foot tall, enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors and only owned one coat, courtesy of Mother Nature.
For most of us, the problems posed by a temperature drop represent little more than an inconvenience. For cats, however, the risks can be far greater – especially if there’s ice or snow on the ground and they aren't used to their new environment.
To find out how you can keep your beloved pet safe when the temperatures plummet, check out our top tips below.
- Foreign Friday
These are my brother Duncan's cats Oscar and Lucinda, they live in Sweden where it snows a lot. However, they do not like the snow as it hampers their activities. Would you look at that Luci... it's snowing again!They live in a rural area...
- Feline First Aid Faqs
Want to brush up on your feline first aid? Have a read of this blog post, summarising some of Cats Protection vet Vanessa Howie’s answers to our recent live first aid Q&A on Facebook. Question: With winter coming, what are the key symptoms of antifreeze...
- Lost Cat – What To Do If Your Cat Goes Missing
If your cat hasn’t come home, don’t panic! Cats will often go ‘missing’ only to arrive home later that evening – or in some cases months later – as though nothing has happened! Follow the advice in this guide: To enlarge, click on the image...
- Behaviour Focus: Litter Trays
In this week’s behaviour focus post, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow discusses why cats may not use their litter tray. Why does my cat poo/wee on the furnishings in my house rather than in their litter tray? It’s clean! This is the...
- How To Recognise The Symptoms Of Poisoning In Your Cat
There are a number of everyday household items that can be poisonous to cats, so as they are inquisitive animals it's important to keep them out of their reach. This visual guide lists some common cat poisons, explains what the symptoms of poisoning...
Cats
Keeping your cat safe in winter
For many, winter in the UK wouldn't be complete without a seasonal frost or sprinkling of snow. However if you’re enjoying serene, white vistas from the comfort of your living room and planning how you’re going to stay on your feet when you eventually emerge from the warmth of your home, consider how much greater the challenge would be if you were under a foot tall, enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors and only owned one coat, courtesy of Mother Nature.
For most of us, the problems posed by a temperature drop represent little more than an inconvenience. For cats, however, the risks can be far greater – especially if there’s ice or snow on the ground and they aren't used to their new environment.
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| A snowy garden can be a whole new world! Photo by Tambako The Jaguar via flickr |
- If your cat is experiencing icy ground for the first time, consider letting them wander in a safe, enclosed area such as a back garden to allow them to get used to their new terrain. Stay with them as they explore, just in case they have any difficulties
- Even if you’re confident your cat is happy with their new environment, it’s a good idea to ensure they only head out during the day when temperatures are at their highest (and traffic volume/risk of road traffic accidents are at their lowest)
- If you haven’t already done so, consider taking out pet insurance to cover the greater risk posed to your cat by the winter weather. Also, make sure they are microchipped, to increase your chances of being reunited with your cat should they go missing
- If you have a cat flap, make sure you check it regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen over or become blocked by snow. If your cat has an outdoor water source, make sure it doesn’t freeze – and always provide an alternative source indoors
- It's always advisable to provide your cat with somewhere they can take refuge from the elements, whether it’s a purpose-built shelter or a sturdy cardboard box partially covered with plastic sheeting
- Cats in search of warmth and shelter may find their way into outbuildings, garden sheds and even vehicle engine bays. Be sure to keep outbuilding doors closed (or wedged open) and check under the bonnet before setting off on a car journey. Once back in the house, ensure your cat is sufficiently protected from open fireplaces, wood stoves and heaters
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| Provide a place to shelter from the elements. Photo by Julie Krawczyk (German) via flickr |
- When your cat does come in from the ice and snow, wipe away any substances that may be stuck to them (road grit, in particular, can irritate paws) and be sure to check their paws and ears for signs of frostbite
- Antifreeze, which can spill from car radiators during the winter, poses a huge risk to your cat’s health. If you suspect your cat has ingested antifreeze (first signs of intoxication include the appearance of being ‘drunk’) take them straight to a vet. Read more about how to spot the signs in our advice graphic, How to recognise the symptoms of poisoning in your cat
- If your cat is arthritic, take special care as the cold can severely affect inflamed joints. Provide additional warm, comfortable places for them to rest and ensure their favourite resting places and toileting sites are easily accessible
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| To enlarge, click on the image |
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- Foreign Friday
These are my brother Duncan's cats Oscar and Lucinda, they live in Sweden where it snows a lot. However, they do not like the snow as it hampers their activities. Would you look at that Luci... it's snowing again!They live in a rural area...
- Feline First Aid Faqs
Want to brush up on your feline first aid? Have a read of this blog post, summarising some of Cats Protection vet Vanessa Howie’s answers to our recent live first aid Q&A on Facebook. Question: With winter coming, what are the key symptoms of antifreeze...
- Lost Cat – What To Do If Your Cat Goes Missing
If your cat hasn’t come home, don’t panic! Cats will often go ‘missing’ only to arrive home later that evening – or in some cases months later – as though nothing has happened! Follow the advice in this guide: To enlarge, click on the image...
- Behaviour Focus: Litter Trays
In this week’s behaviour focus post, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow discusses why cats may not use their litter tray. Why does my cat poo/wee on the furnishings in my house rather than in their litter tray? It’s clean! This is the...
- How To Recognise The Symptoms Of Poisoning In Your Cat
There are a number of everyday household items that can be poisonous to cats, so as they are inquisitive animals it's important to keep them out of their reach. This visual guide lists some common cat poisons, explains what the symptoms of poisoning...