9 Tips to Keep your Cat Safe in Winter
Winter certainly has its charms for us humans, but cats have to overcome many obstacles to stay warm and safe. We've put together some tips and tricks for you to make sure your cat and the cats in your neighborhood enjoy the best time of year just as much as you do.It's easy not to think about it at all. After all your cat is most likely cover in far from head to toe. You'd think they'd have no problem staying warm. However, cats can catch a cold just as easily.. If you let your cat outside, it is possible that she will catch a cold or spend a little too long outside in the cold rain or snow. Even indoor cats can get cold, especially if they spend time in a cooler part of the house like a basement, attic, or other place with poor insulation or generally low temperatures.
Your cat's well-being and happiness is obviously one of your top priorities as a pet owner, and you shouldn't underestimate how much cold weather can affect your four-legged friends. Read on for some seasonal cat care tips on how to keep your cat safe and warm during the winter.
1 - Think about your cat when setting the heat
You might be a little hesitant to touch the thermostat, even when it's getting colder outside. Heat can be a big expense on your electric bills, but when it comes to your cat, it could be worth the extra few bucks a day. Since we always have the option to throw on a sweater or wrap ourselves in a blanket, it seems like the house isn't as cold as it really is. But the cold can do a lot more to your cat. Not only are they less likely to cooperate with wearing sweaters, but they also spend most of their time low to the ground, which means the house may feel a lot colder to them than it does to you.
We recommend keeping the heat up at least a little to keep your cat warm and comfortable. Even if you leave the house, do not turn off the heating completely. Your instinct to conserve electricity could mean a cold day home alone for your cat, something nobody wants. Before you head out, consider how cold it is outside and adjust the heat accordingly.
2- Create a cozy place where they can relax when they need it
Cats love having a little spot to retreat to when they need to relax. Consider setting up a cozy space for your cat during the winter months. You can use their regular bed if you have one and add some blankets or warm towels to complement it and keep your cat as warm as possible. You should also put them in a warmer room of the house so they're more likely to use the cozy spot when they need to take some time to rest.
3 - Consider special housing for cats with joint problems
Like humans, cats with joint problems like arthritis tend to experience more pain and discomfort during the colder months. To counter this, consider a special bed designed to help cats with joint problems. These often use orthopedic foam, which is much more comfortable and relieves your cat's aching joints. Some models are even heated, which helps them with pain and keeps them warm.
4- Make sure they get a nutritious diet
One of the best ways to ensure your cat is warm enough during the winter is to feed them as nutritious a diet as possible. This way they have enough calories to keep themselves warm and the nutrients in their food help keep their coat thick and healthy. Between these two factors, it's clear that a balanced, nutritious diet is a crucial part of keeping your cat happy during the winter.
If you're not sure what the best diet for your cat is, ask your vet the next time you see her.
5 - Stay active, keep warm
Some people like to go for a little jog or do some jumping jacks to get the blood flowing and warm up when it's cold outside. The same goes for your cat. They'll likely be a lot colder if they're not doing as much around the house, leading to decreased energy and further inactivity, which only makes them colder. Break this cycle, but make time every day to play with your cat.
Choosing an activity depends on your specific pet. Some love chasing toys or laser pointers around the house, others may enjoy navigating obstacle courses made of crates, cat tunnels, and the like. Experiment to find out what moves your cat the most and take as much time as possible to play with your cat.
1 - Think about your cat when setting the heat
You might be a little hesitant to touch the thermostat, even when it's getting colder outside. Heat can be a big expense on your electric bills, but when it comes to your cat, it could be worth the extra few bucks a day. Since we always have the option to throw on a sweater or wrap ourselves in a blanket, it seems like the house isn't as cold as it really is. But the cold can do a lot more to your cat. Not only are they less likely to cooperate with wearing sweaters, but they also spend most of their time low to the ground, which means the house may feel a lot colder to them than it does to you.
We recommend keeping the heat up at least a little to keep your cat warm and comfortable. Even if you leave the house, do not turn off the heating completely. Your instinct to conserve electricity could mean a cold day home alone for your cat, something nobody wants. Before you head out, consider how cold it is outside and adjust the heat accordingly.
2- Create a cozy place where they can relax when they need it
Cats love having a little spot to retreat to when they need to relax. Consider setting up a cozy space for your cat during the winter months. You can use their regular bed if you have one and add some blankets or warm towels to complement it and keep your cat as warm as possible. You should also put them in a warmer room of the house so they're more likely to use the cozy spot when they need to take some time to rest.
3 - Consider special housing for cats with joint problems
Like humans, cats with joint problems like arthritis tend to experience more pain and discomfort during the colder months. To counter this, consider a special bed designed to help cats with joint problems. These often use orthopedic foam, which is much more comfortable and relieves your cat's aching joints. Some models are even heated, which helps them with pain and keeps them warm.
4- Make sure they get a nutritious diet
One of the best ways to ensure your cat is warm enough during the winter is to feed them as nutritious a diet as possible. This way they have enough calories to keep themselves warm and the nutrients in their food help keep their coat thick and healthy. Between these two factors, it's clear that a balanced, nutritious diet is a crucial part of keeping your cat happy during the winter.
If you're not sure what the best diet for your cat is, ask your vet the next time you see her.
5 - Stay active, keep warm
Some people like to go for a little jog or do some jumping jacks to get the blood flowing and warm up when it's cold outside. The same goes for your cat. They'll likely be a lot colder if they're not doing as much around the house, leading to decreased energy and further inactivity, which only makes them colder. Break this cycle, but make time every day to play with your cat.
Choosing an activity depends on your specific pet. Some love chasing toys or laser pointers around the house, others may enjoy navigating obstacle courses made of crates, cat tunnels, and the like. Experiment to find out what moves your cat the most and take as much time as possible to play with your cat.