Tips on how to protect your cat against the chills this winter . . .
Antifreeze – contains ethylene glycol which can be fatal to cats if ingested, so it’s important to store screen washes and de-icers out of harms way. Always make sure any spillages are cleaned up straight away.
Tap the bonnet of your car – cats have a habit of crawling under car bonnets and wheel arches for the warmth from the engine and tyres. Always check before you head off.
Check paws – it’s always a good idea to wipe paws with a damp cloth to remove rock salt or other chemicals as these can cause burns.
Provide a litter tray – ideally cats should have access to an indoor litter tray all year round, but during the winter months provide them with a tray so that they don’t have to go out in the freezing temperatures. This is particularly important for more senior cats or cats with medical conditions.
Warm and dry – if your cat gets wet while outside, gently dry them off and make sure they’ve got plenty of warm and snuggly places that are draught-free where they can curl up. Again, particularly important for older cats or those with medical conditions.
Microchip – it’s important to ensure this is kept up-to-date with your latest contact details. Cats are more likely to wander to find a warm place during the winter.
Fresh water – make sure your cat has access to fresh water both in and outside the house. Check bowls that are kept outside for ice by regularly cleaning and changing the water.
Indoor activities and toys – cats inevitably spend more time indoors during the colder weather, and so providing plenty of physical and mental exercise for them is important.
Diet – cats tend to do less and so you may need to look at reducing their food intake slightly. Your vet can advise on this if necessary.