Cats are hardy creatures, there’s no doubt about that. Falling from a tree? No bother. Walking far from home? Just a vacation. Being chased by a fox? Merely a bit of exercise.
But despite their resilience and their enviable amount of lives, we pet owners still have a job to do when it comes to protecting them, especially when it comes to the winter.
The winter poses a number of risks that can wipe out several of our cats’ nine lives, and if you’re not careful, it could even claim all of them. For this reason, you have to do everything you can to keep them warm, dry, and healthy.
If you’re wondering exactly how you do this – cats aren’t typically ones to be told what to do! – then we’ve concocted a little list to get you started.
First, Cover Yourself And Your Cat
Because of the freezing temperatures and icy landscapes, it becomes far easier for your cat to injure itself during the winter, and if this happens, then they will require emergency treatment. Veterinary bills have already risen by 11% in the last year, and most emergency treatments can cost upwards of $1,500. Not everyone has the money to cover such a sudden expense, and even if you do, it’s far more sensible to attain cat insurance to keep those bills from derailing your finances this winter – and beyond.
Consider Their Mental Health
Because the temperature is getting colder, your cat is going to want to stay indoors more. For this reason, you’ve got to think about their mental health as much as their physical health. You can do this by providing them with several interesting cat toys and fitness-orientated games like a cat wheel. This will not only stop them from getting bored, but also keep them exercising both their body and their mind.
Check Their Microchip
It’s always important to check that your pet’s microchip is working, but it’s even more important in the winter. In the summer, if your cat gets lost for a few days, the chances are they will fend for themselves until they are found. In the winter, however, the landscape is far harsher, and hyperthermia becomes a bigger risk as a result. Make sure their microchip is working and you have everything you need to find them as quickly as possible if they stray too far from home.
Keep Providing Fresh Water
While you might put out a water bowl for your cat, if they’re anything like the rest of their species, they prefer to do things their own way! Many cats drink natural water from places outside, but in the winter, their common drinking spots might freeze over. Make sure you fill up your cat’s bowl with fresh water on a regular basis, and keep it inside to avoid it turning to ice.
Provide Those Warm, Cosy Places
Just as cats like to do things their own way, they might need a bit of encouragement to stay indoors. You can do this by setting up warm and cosy places for them to curl up. This becomes more important if your cat is a little less active and doesn’t have as much muscle tone. If this is the case, they will have trouble maintaining their body temperature on their own, and that makes these warm and snuggly places crucial to keep them healthy.
Pay Close Attention To Their Paws
During the winter, it’s normal for roads to be salted or gritted, but this can be quite dangerous for your cat. When they come inside from their outdoor adventure, make sure you check their paws for any rock salt. Not only can those chemicals irritate their skin, but they can also be dangerous to ingest – which they might do while grooming themselves. Keep checking and cleaning their paws to avoid this from happening.
Take Even More Care If They’re Older
Degenerative joint disease is actually very common in cats. According to veterinary researchers, 45% of cats are affected by a type of feline arthritis, and that percentage increases to 90% for cats over the age of 10. Just like it is for humans, during the winter months, the colder weather and changes in barometric pressure can worsen the side effects of arthritis, heightening your cat’s pain sensitivity and sometimes even causing muscle spasms. Make sure you keep an even keener eye on your cat if they’re a little older, and if you see any negative changes in their behaviour, contact your vet as soon as possible for medication.
