2023-12-06 09:13:54
Cats and Winter: What You Need to Know
By: Anna Heyers
You can often see dogs wearing a jacket or protective socks in winter – but do domestic cats also need to be protected from ice and snow? The answer is clear: no. Cats also react to the changes that winter brings. If you want to ensure that your cat feels comfortable despite the wet and cold, there are a few things you should keep in mind during the cold season.
1. Cats freeze in winter
Outdoor animals in particular usually have thick winter fur and their connective and fatty tissue protects their delicate paws from too much cold. Depending on the breed – and the cat’s own sensitivity – temperatures down to minus 20 degrees are not a problem. The only important thing here is to listen to the cat. She shouldn’t be forced outside and allowed to come back in when she wants. Cats, ideally chipped and neutered, often like to roam through gardens and fields. They don’t come into contact with harmful road salts or grit – unlike most dogs. Outdoor animals in particular often want to go outside in winter. This isn’t a problem as long as the owners have a warm, sheltered place for their furry friend when they return. Caution is advised in freezing temperatures or if the animal has become very wet. Hypothermia could be imminent here. A dry place is particularly important. By the way, kittens under the age of six months should never go into the snow.
2. Bedtime – especially in winter
If you think your cat just sleeps in the winter, you’re not entirely wrong. Instead of the usual 16 hours, the velvet paw sometimes slumbers for up to 22 hours a day in winter. Winter fatigue doesn’t stop at the mini-robbers. Especially when you can doze undisturbed in your favorite spot. To ensure that the muscles don’t break down and the cat doesn’t get out of shape, you should encourage it to play every now and then. Maybe a special cat toy will help?
3. Proper heating and ventilation
Is your pet’s fur dull and a bit flaky? This could be due to the heating air being too dry. Here it is important to have a brushing session more often if the cat joins in. Alternatively, a little vegetable oil in the food also helps. Additionally, water bowls or damp towels can help increase humidity during cold months. This benefits people, animals and even houseplants – just like regular ventilation. Open the window completely once every two to three hours. Be careful with the tilt position: This can lead to life-threatening injuries to cats.
4. Winter fur for indoor cats?
Yes. But unlike outdoor cats, who are regularly out and about in wind and weather, the winter fur of indoor cats is not nearly as thick. This is because apartments tend to be many times warmer in winter than the natural environment outside the door. And that makes a thick winter coat unnecessary. Disadvantage: Indoor cats tend not to shed as much as outdoor cats when changing fur. However, indoor cats like to shed (less heavily) all year round – and even greet the postman every now and then.
5. Leave cat outside overnight?
Even at temperatures below zero, this is not a problem at all for most outdoor animals. But they will definitely be happy if they have a dry, warm place to retreat to. This can be access to a shed or the basement, or a warming hut with a cozy blanket or straw. A water and feeding place should also be offered. And don’t be surprised if there’s a small present on your doorstep in the morning. Despite the snow, cats can orientate themselves, smell – and hunt excellently.
6. The snow and the cats
Have you seen your cat eating snow? Don’t worry, in small quantities and away from roads or footpaths this is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the cat eats too much snow, inflammation of the stomach lining can occur. Road salts, such as those used to combat slippery paths and roads, can also be dangerous. If consumed in excess, they often lead to diarrhea or vomiting. Since this can also become a problem when caring for your own fur, try to at least clean the cat’s paws with a damp washcloth or cloth. Better: Rinse under lukewarm water and check for injuries. A little milk fat or Vaseline ensures that the paws don’t become too dry and cracked. But be careful: too much and you will see the cat sliding across the tiles.]
#tips #cold #temperatures #snow