In the winter months our animals need more care, to avoid diseases. We protect the cat from the cold in winter.
Winter has now arrived: our pets need to be helped to cope with the cold at its best, without problems for their health. Our cat needs to be in a well-organized house for these harsh months.
How to organize in winter for our cat
In the winter months our cats can suffer from various problems and diseases related to cold and rain, typical of this period. And of course we have to protect them in every way.
Our four-legged friends are lucky to have a home and be safe, but for strays winter is a really dangerous time: for many this cold is lethal.
Animals that live mainly outside, in addition, must have a place to take refuge, which is dry and without drafts, for the night and when it rains.
And then we must consider the following factors:
- Diet;
- Shelter;
- Health and grooming;
- Dangers inside and outside the home.
How to live a happy winter with the cat
The nutrition of our cat, as often happens, is essential in winter for its health. As it happens to us human beings, the needs with the cold change.
In the cold months, animals need more calories, just like us, and therefore we must use richer foods so as not to make our four-legged friend lose weight.
Cats living outdoors, especially, need a diet high in fat, protein and nutrients, which is of high quality profile.
This will help them not to lose weight, since their body in the absence of a suitable diet could use the body reserves to warm up in these cold months.
Of course, we are careful not to overdo it, because the danger of overweight in cats is always around the corner: the diet must always be well balanced.
In addition, water is very important in every moment of the life of our furry friend. If it lives outside, be careful that the bowl of water does not freeze. Better to use a plastic one.
In fact, plastic bowls conduct the cold less quickly than metal, thus preventing them from freezing too quickly.
And since not all cats are as lucky as ours, if we have old clothing to throw away, let’s take it to a shelter, and put a bowl of food and water near the house for the strays.
We have already talked in the past about the dangers of antifreeze for cats. In this period these cases are much more frequent.
Cats that live outdoors, must also always have shelter, which is dry and without currents. If possible, this kennel should always be raised from the ground by a few cm.
In addition, the entrance to the kennel should ideally be in the opposite direction to the one in which the wind usually blows.
The bottom should be padded with a woolen blanket, to be changed regularly and especially after the rains. If the cold is really strong, it is better to insulate the kennel thoroughly.
If the cat gets wet from rain or snow, we must dry it well, especially the paws and fingers: here you can nest ice crystals, and any antifreeze substances.
Substances normally used to protect roads from the cold are potentially toxic to pets, and salt can cause irritation to the fingertips.
Winter dangers for the cat
In winter the cold at night can be really dangerous for cats, especially the less strong ones: elderly and / or sick animals, puppies and short-haired ones.
For this, at night you have to pay even more attention, and do not leave them outdoors. But they should not stay outside even during the day, when the cold is very cold.
In addition, like children, our pets should not be left alone in the car. If in summer in the heat comes to scorching temperatures, in winter the interior of the car is freezer.
Similarly, never leave cats alone in the garage. The dangers here are many, especially if the radiator of the car leaks liquid. As we have already anticipated, antifreeze is a huge danger to pets.
The liquid from the car contains antifreeze, and for dogs and cats its sweetish taste is attractive. But when ingested, it is very poisonous. We must never allow the cat to lick it.
Speaking of cars, before setting in motion we check that there are no animals under or near the wheels: they often take shelter in the wheel arches for the cold.
Just give a couple of taps to the body to escape any guests who have sheltered from the cold under our car.
In addition, in the house never leave electrical appliances unattended with our cats. Thermal cushions, electric heaters, portable stoves: they could chew their cables and be electrocuted.
