1 HELP THEM STAY WARM & DRY
Dry off your cat if they get wet outside. Make sure you provide a warm, cosy bed for them to curl up, especially for your elderly feline friend. Periodic/ regular hot wash to your pet bedding helps to keep them away from parasites and fleas, which are active in the winter months.
2 KEEP AWAY FROM WINTER CHEMICALS
Just 5 ml of antifreeze can kill a cat. Mop up any spills straight away, in case they walk over it and ingest it later while they’re grooming.
3 KEEP TRACK OF THEIR WEIGHT
Cats might gain a bit of an extra weight in winter months due to lack of exercise. Be mindful of the amount of treats given to your cats. Winter clothes can disguise weight loss, so keep track of their weight.
4 CHECK THEIR PAWS
When your cat comes back from outside, dry them off and check their paws. Apply a paw balm if cracked or sore. Long-haired cats could get sore paws when snow gets attached to their paws and make a snowball.
5 INSPECT YOUR CAR AND OUTDOOR SHEDS
Alpha albion pet store Make sure to bang the hood of your car as cats have a habit of crawling under car bonnets for warmth. Keep the doors of sheds and outbuildings closed so that cats can’t get trapped inside.
6 TOP UP THE ESSENTIALS
Ensure you stock adequate winter supplies like extra cat food, toys and cat litter. Keep litter tray clean and topped up. Have fresh water and warm bedding.
7 HAVE A NIGHT IN
Provide shelter for cats who like to spend a lot of time outside. Keep them safe from traffic due to reduced visibility.
8 WATCH FOR STIFFNESS
The cold can severely affect inflamed joints if your cat has arthritis. Provide additional warm and comfortable places for your cat to rest or sleep. Ensure easy access to litter trays and food supplies. Consult your vet, if you are concerned about your cat’s mobility.
9 VACCINATIONS
Take them to the vets for their annual vaccine boosters if not done already.
10 UPDATE THEIR ID AND MICROCHIP
Make sure Microchips and tags are updated. Cats are prone to wander off to search for warm places in winter months.