Image Credits:
Pixabay
Winter is finally here, but is your home winter-proofed for your
furry feline? Did you know that cats, whether they're furry or
not, prefer to stay warm and cozy? In fact, they continuously
search for places that help them stay balmy. This rule applies to
feral cats as well, so don't be surprised if you notice your
outdoor kitty taking a snooze in the garage or under a pile of
autumn leaves.
Since temperatures do plummet significantly during the winter,
it's essential to winter shop for your cat.
Here are some essential items that your kitty will need
this winter:
1) Heated Cat Bed
Due to global warming, many places are seeing record-breaking
temperatures. The best way to beat the cold is by providing your
cat with a warm place to sleep and rest. A heated cat bed will
keep your kitty nice and toasty. This is necessary for older
felines and especially for those with arthritis as joint
inflammation is rampant during the cold season. Cat beds are
meant for indoor use. Plug them in and watch little Felix make
himself cozy in his new bed.
2) Plush Bed
A plush bed is another excellent option for indoor cats during
the winter season. It will keep your feline very warm without the
need to plug it in. Some plush beds have a 2-in-1 option where
the bed also acts like a cat mat. Plush beds are waterproof,
windproof, and very inviting.
3) Laser Pointers
Cats get bored too. In the winter, they will need exercise to
keep them engaged and challenged. When temperatures plummet, the
last thing you want to do is get out of bed; the same thing
occurs with cats. Before your feline gets overweight and bored,
consider getting a laser pointer. This is the perfect winter
accessory to keep your cat moving around. Simply point and press
the laser. Your cat will surely run around and chase the light.
4) Cat Jacket
Even though your feline has lots of furs to help keep it warm, it
will still feel cold. Many cats have a thick coat, so it's not
necessary for them to wear cat clothes. However, if you have
short fur or a hairless feline, a cat jacket will definitely be
helpful in regulating their body temperature. Your cat can wear
this indoors during the winter season.
5) Walking Vest
Some cats like to 'walk' outdoors, but this can feel difficult in
the winter. A cat walking vest is the best accessory for your
walking cat. It's simply a harness that's attached to the body of
your cat with a leash that extends from it. It will help you
manage your kitty outside, preventing him from escaping. Just be
sure to try it out in the house before using it outside. Your cat
may need time adjusting to the vest. Winter shopping for your cat
is easy and fun. With these essential items, you and your feline
can make the most of this beautiful season.
Taking Care of Your Cat During Winter
Now that winter is here is in full swing, how can you ensure that
your cat stays safe, warm and protected? The colder months can be
a bit difficult for cat owners since you have to find the balance
between letting your cat be and making sure they are protected
from the biting cold. With these few tips below, you can navigate
that line better by not taking away your pet’s freedom while
still caring for them.
-
Help them avoid
frostbite
If your cat likes being outside and spends plenty of time
outdoors, chances are they can manage and take care of
themselves. Cats are very independent and capable that way.
However, during the winter, it’s always good to keep an eye out
for a frostbite.
If your cat gets a frostbite, the ears are first affected,
followed by the tail and the feet. So, if your cat has spent a
lot of time outside in the snow, remember to always wipe their
feet dry and clean when they come back inside. Also remember to
dry their fur and make sure no ice is stuck.
-
Make sure to keep antifreeze
away from your cat
Antifreeze, which is ethylene glycol, is an agent that is found
in car radiators, de-icers and in screen washes. This is commonly
used during winter for various purposes, but make sure to keep it
away from you cat. If ingested, antifreeze can be fatal for
felines. You have to be extra careful because cats are attracted
to the taste of the agent, which means that they can likely sniff
it out when it is close by. So, make sure to keep your antifreeze
tightly closed and store it away. Even when there has been a
spill, make sure to clean it up right away.
-
Keep them engaged
indoors
If you want your cat to spend more time indoors and stay away
from the icy cold outside, give them reasons to stay in the
house. You can give them plenty of toys and fun activities to
keep theme entertained, while still providing them with plenty of
physical and mental exercise. For this, it is important that you
set time apart to play with you cat too. The more engaged you
are, the more excited your cat will be to stay indoors and spend
time with you.
-
Fresh water inside and
outside
Your cat needs to stay hydrated at all times, which means that
they need to have access to fresh drinking water both inside and
outside. Your cat may have places to drink from outside on any
other day, but during winter, there is a chance that these places
could freeze up. So, make sure you keep a bowl of fresh water
inside and outside the house for your cat.
