Image Credits:
Pixabay
Those who are proud parents of cats would know that these little
furry creatures love warmth. You will often find them curled up
in a sunny and cozy corner. You will see your cats being on the
lookout for a warm spot, even more, when winter approaches.
Winter is a difficult time for cats and cat owners need to be
more proactive in taking care of their pet.
There are several essentials that you need to get for your cats
to help them get through winter smoothly. We have listed down
some of the things that will make taking care of your little pet
effortless.
Ready to slide through winters slickly?
1. An indoor heated cat bed
If you do not have the indoor temperature cranked up at all
times, chances are your house is going to be very cold. Get your
cat an indoor heated cat bed where it can cozily curl up to fight
the cold. This heated bed is especially beneficial for those cats
who have arthritis as the heat can give relief to the painful
joints.
2. A plush
For some, getting an indoor heated cat bed is too much, and you
need something else to keep your cat warm. You can get your
little friend a plush bed, which works as more than just a bed.
This bed does not require electricity to heat up, and you can
open it up to double it up as a cat mat. The plush material of
this bed also attracts your cat's hair preventing a lot of
shedding outside the bed.
3. Cat tower
This toy is for those cats who cannot go out anymore due to the
cold weather. We understand that you can no longer let your cat
outdoors for its little excursions. Your cat can get bored quite
easily. For such cases, get a cat tower for your cat that will
keep them entertained. They will keep climbing and exploring for
hours.
4. A cat jacket
A cat jacket is required only if you have a hairless cat, like a
Sphynx. Other breeds of cat have fur, and some of the breeds also
have an undercoat for extra protection against the cold. However,
for a breed like a Sphynx, you could get this indoor cat jacket
to help keep them warm. Try getting one that is lined with fleece
for extra warmth.
5. A good harness Get a good harness for your
cat, which will help you when you go out for a walk. Attach the
harness to a leash when going out for a walk, so your kitty does
not run away into the cold environment. Make sure to buy the
right size for your little friend so that they do not slip out of
it. Introduce the harness slowly, starting by experimenting with
it indoors. Ensure that your cat does not find a way to slip away
from it.
How to Care for a Cat During Winter
Winter is here, and the time has come to snuggle under large
blankets with huge sweaters. You may think that cats have an
advantage over humans with their flashy furry coats, but the
truth is that they are just as susceptible to the perils of not
taking care of themselves in winter as we all are. Pet owners
have to be especially careful when winter comes around, as it is
possible for your cat to get into an accident, suffer from
disease or just be more lethargic if they are not well taken care
of during this period.
How should you take care of
your cat during winter?
Depending on how low the temperatures fall in your area during
winter, you may want to consider keeping your cat inside. Some
families keep their cats outside normally, but if you are facing
a temperature where you know you would not want to be outside,
the chances are that your feline friend doesn't like the cold too
much either.
Most cats seek warmth during winter. Even a cat that loves going
outside can be found preferring to stay warm and comfortable at
home.
Here are the things you need to keep in mind in order to ensure
that both you and your cat have a warm and comfortable winter:
- Do not use antifreeze on anything. If you live in an area
where it snows, then you may be aware of a product called
Antifreeze that is used to stop frost from accumulating in
different places of your home. This is actually a substance
called 'ethylene glycol'. It is extremely toxic cats, yet they
are attracted to its smell. If your cat ingets this substance,
they could be in terminal danger.
- Check Under the Car: Cats always prefer the warmth over the
cold, and one place they love to hide is under the car. Always
remember to thump your car as well as a check under the hood to
make sure there isn't an animal hiding there, seeking warmth and
shelter from the cold.
- Clean their toes: Cats that walk around on snow will need to
have their toes cleaned. The reason behind this is that the
leftover snow around their toes could cause them pain if not
properly cleaned.
- Clean food and warm environments: Cats, especially older
cats, can be prone to getting sick during winter. Some animals
may develop arthritis as well, and it is necessary to pay
attention to how they are behaving in order to maintain their
health.
Cats thrive when they are well taken care of, and as long as you
ensure that you are keeping your feline friend safe, warm, and
well-fed, they are sure to have an amazing winter alongside you.
You can also consider buying your feline friend treats for the
winter, or small toys to keep them busy and active while they are
inside. You can find all this equipment and more in our portal,
along with everything you can think of to make your cat feel
happy and excited about the changing season.