Cold weather & your cat

The best place for your cat is always indoors with you, but this is especially true in winter. More dangers lurk in the cold dark months and short days.

Car hazards

When the temperature drops outdoors, cats like to sleep under the hoods of cars. It may be warmer, but when the motor starts a car's fan belt can kill or injure them. If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine.

Antifreeze danger

Antifreeze is very dangerous to your pets if they drink it, and for some reason it really attracts them. Even a teaspoon can make your cat seriously ill, causing kidney failure and death. Be sure to clean up any spills from your vehicle immediately, and consider switching to a propylene glycol anti-freeze, which provides an added margin of safety. If you suspect poisoning, take her to your veterinarian right away for testing.

Food

Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food. Cold weather makes them burn more calories to keep warm.

An excuse for a new outfit

Most cats don't need or want to wear clothes, but if your cat is ill or getting on in years, keep her toasty in cold weather with a warm coat or sweater. Make sure it covers from her neck to the base of her tail, as well as her chest. If you usually clip your longhaired cat's coat in summer we recommend leaving the hair long in the winter. Wash sweaters regularly, and take them off occasionally so her skin has a chance to breathe.