Getting your Cat Safely Through the Winter

 

We know outdoor cats and those in stray or feral colonies need lots of additional help in the cold months.  Warm outdoor enclosures, consistent food and water are important for them.  Did you know there are things you should do for your pet cat, too?  Even if your cat is exclusively indoors, there are some steps you can take to make sure they stay healthy and happy in winter.

It’s true that indoor cats are super lucky to have a warm and loving place to live all the time, but particularly when the weather is cold.  Indoor cats don’t face the extremes their feral cousins do, but they do need some extra care in the cold.

First and foremost, keep an eye on your weather. Watch the forecasts. If you know storm is coming or an extreme cold snap, make sure your cats are inside.  A great rule of thumb is if you wouldn’t want to be out in the weather, your cat shouldn’t be either.

Catster.com makes these three key suggestions:

“Make sure your entrances and exits are secure and kitty-proof.  You don’t want your indoor cat slipping out in the dead of winter. I have a friend who had a loose screen in her window that she was unaware of, and her rescued cat escaped. They were never able to find him.

Make sure your heat is dependable.  Indoor kitties have it pretty good, but they appreciate being warm, too. If you have to travel, make sure that you have warm places for the cats to snuggle in case the heat does go out (sleeping bags, blankets, cat beds, etc.).

Stock up on cat food, in case the weather is so bad that you can’t go out to get any. Where we live now, ice storms are a pretty regular occurrence in the winter. Sure, you can order food online, but what if no one is delivering because the roads are terrible? Plan ahead.”

Some suggest that it’s best for indoor/outdoor cats to stay inside exclusively in the winter months.   As many cat owners know, that can be impossible with a determined feline!   So, be aware of the risks they’ll face during their outside time.  Those include the danger of frostbitten paws and ears, hypothermia, and seeking warmth underneath (or under the hood) of cars.  A good practice before you start your car is to open the hood and make sure your kitty or someone else’s hasn’t snuggled up in the engine to keep warm.  If your cat insists on going outside, consider taking them out on a harness and leash so they can’t dash off and get lost.  

One of the biggest dangers to cats in winter months is the antifreeze you use in your car.  The active ingredient in antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which will poison your cat and any other animal that should ingest it.  To a thirsty cat outside, antifreeze will look and taste just like water.  Like its name says, antifreeze won’t freeze so if a cat sees a puddle of it on the ground, it might be the only non-frozen liquid it can find outside.

Catster.com has some great suggestions for keeping your cats away from antifreeze:

“Never pour antifreeze into storm drains, septic systems, waterways or on the ground. It could seep through the soil and into the groundwater, or flow into waterways where it can kill fish and other animals.

Switch to antifreeze containing propylene glycol. It’s not nontoxic, but it’s less lethal than brands containing the big “E.”

Make sure outside animals have drinkable water year-round. Change water twice a day. Use a solar powered-heated water bowl (Solar Sipper). Keep traditional bowls warm by placing them on a Snuggle Safe microwave warming pad.”

Products used to melt ice on sidewalks can also cause problems for your cat.  The chemicals in them can cause paw pads to become dry and irritated.  If cats lick their paws to clean them, they can ingest the toxic chemicals.  There are pet-safe ice melting products out there that you can use.  Just be aware that not everyone in your area may be doing that so a good practice is to wipe off your cat’s feet when it comes back inside.

Indoor cats may need some extra stimulation during the winter months when the things they usually enjoy seeing outside aren’t there.  Invest in a laser pointer, a cat tower or some extra toys, then spend time playing with your cat every day so they can expend some pent up energy and bond with you. Cats who like to climb trees outside will benefit from a cat tower they can climb up.  Make sure the heat is consistent in your home.  If you’re traveling without your cat, consider a heated cat bed or “house.”  Feliway.com has a great list of things for your cat to enjoy in the inside months. 

Just like us, the winter months can also cause some illnesses in your cat.  Is your cat showing fatigue or lethargy, have a wetter-than-usual nose or maybe even coughing a little?  Those symptoms could indicate a cold or upper respiratory infection.  If you see those symptoms, call your vet.  Based on your pet’s health and a thorough exam, your vet will know how serious the condition and if antibiotics are called for.  At home you can help by putting a humidifier in the room where your cat sleeps.  Also make sure your cat gets plenty of water and stays warm.  Sounds a lot like what we do for humans, too!

Finally, if you need to evacuate with your cat due to a storm, make sure you have all the supplies you need for your cat, including and medicines he may take.  BCR’s blog on emergency preparedness for pets is a great resource for finding out what you really need for your pet.  

CLICK HERE to read more on cats in the winter months.

CLICK HERE to read about cats and colds.