Cats love warm, comfy, snuggly days and despite having long, nice fur, they feel cold and find it hard to keep themselves warm during chilly weather. As a caring feline parent, you need to take a proactive approach to provide them the comfort and keep them healthy in the winter season.
In this blog, we will explore some useful winter care tips to protect your cats from the cold weather and keep them safe and cozy.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Kitty Comfy and Cozy During Winter
- Create a Warm Indoor Environment: Cats are warm babies and they love staying in cozy spaces and winters can make them uncomfortable. Consider creating a warm environment inside the home by arranging heated cozy beds, layering them with sweaters, placing mats and carpets on the floors and providing a litter tray so that they don’t have to go outside in the chilly weather.
- Watch Out for Joint Issues: Senior cats dealing with arthritis or other joint-related conditions may experience worsening conditions during the cold weather, finding it difficult to jump or run. Consult the vet and follow the suggested course of action to provide relief to your cat in the winter season.
- Protection From Anti-Icing: Anti-icing or de-icing uses de-icing agents including harmful chemicals to prevent ice from accumulating on roads, cars, pavements, etc. Cats often get tempted by the sweet taste of these substances but it can be toxic for them if ingested. Keep these anti-icing agents away from cats and wipe their paws with warm water once they return from outside strolls to avoid licking the substance. Consult the vet immediately in case they ingest it.
- Keep Your Kitty Entertained: Winter means shorter days and more indoor time. This can make your cat feel bored and restless. Inculcate exciting games, entertaining toys and interesting puzzles in their routine to keep them busy and entertained. This will not only prevent boredom but will stimulate their mental as well as physical health.
- Food, Water & Exercise: Dropping temperatures means reduced water intake and more calorie consumption. These can cause lethargy and weight gain. Make sure you provide your cats with clean drinking water, feed them a nutritious diet and take them for moderate exercise.
- Upgrade Their Grooming Routine: Chilly weather generally leads to the development of a thick coat, brittle nails and dehydrated skin, causing itching and discomfort. Consider brushing your cat’s fur two or three times a week to prevent matting, moisturizing their skin to prevent dry skin and trimming their nails and hair around the paws to avoid the accumulation of ice.
- Be cautious of festive dangers: Winter season calls for a festive time with a lot of decorative items like Christmas trees, shiny garlands, lanterns, etc. All of these may excite your cat but they are very dangerous for your feline. Keep an eye on your cat and protect them from these dangers.
Parting Words
Keeping your feline friends comfortable and warm throughout the winter season requires some simple lifestyle changes and minimal effort from your end. Follow the aforementioned tips in the blog to keep your kitties protected and happy in freezing temperatures.