 The
Cat's Meow
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3, Vol. 4 |
Cold Cat |
January 16, 2005
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Winter Cat Care Reminders
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In many parts of the US, it's cold and snowy. The Cat's Meow wants to remind you that cats have special needs in winter, particularly if they spend time outdoors.
- If your cat stays outdoors, a shelter lined with straw will keep her warm. A doorflap to keep out the wind will also keep warmth inside the shelter. (Of course, the best place for your cat is inside.)
- Be prepared to feed your cat extra food to help him stay warm. A cat's high metabolism uses a lot of fuel to maintain body temperature. If feeding outdoors, remember to refill the food supply at least twice a day; you may be feeding more cats than you realize.
- Make sure that your cat has a supply of fresh, clean water. Snow and ice are NOT water sources!
- Road salt and chemicals used on sidewalks may injure your cat. Wipe (or wash) her paws and dry them thoroughly to prevent painful cracking of paw pads. If possible, use kitty litter, sand, or calcium chloride crystals instead of sodium chloride to melt ice.
- Cats and cars don't mix! Don't leave your cat in an unheated vehicle for long periods; the car acts like a refrigerator -- holding cold inside -- and your cat can easily freeze.
- Shredded kitties aren't pretty! Remember to bang on the hood before starting your vehicle; your cat may have crawled inside to nestle next to the warm engine or to escape the wind.
- Antifreeze is poisonous to cats. Use a propylene glycol product to minimize the potential for death. Wash your cat's paws or fur if you determine that he has been exposed to antifreeze.
- Mouse and rat baits contain chemicals that are dangerous to cats. Use traps in preference to poison baits.
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© Jane A. Cate, 2005
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