5 Tips For Keeping Your Cat Healthy And Happy During Winter
Posted on: 9 March 2015
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While bringing your cat to the vet for an annual exam and staying up to date with their vaccinations is essential for their overall health, it's also important to consider making additional changes for winter. Bundling up and ensuring your heater is working properly are just two examples of ways that you can get your home ready for your family before the winter gets chilly, but you can make your cat extra comfortable and healthy by using the following tips.
Consider Diet Adjustments
Many pet owners don't consider the food that their cat is eating during the winter, so it can be surprising to learn that even indoor cats can benefit from a switch in their diet. With the cold temperatures, the ASPCA recommends switching to a higher calorie food.
Keep Up with Grooming
Your cat's coat will likely begin to change once the temperature begins to dip, growing longer and thicker than during the warmer months. In order for your cat's coat to continue looking beautiful, it's important that you make a habit of daily brushing so that no knots or tangling occur.
Ensure Your Cat Is Exercised
Many cats experience a decrease in their activity level, whether it's due to a change in the temperature or being cooped up indoors all day. Whatever the reason may be, it's important that you keep up with routine exercise.
Some great ideas for exercising your cat include a feather toy or buying a scratching post. Even sprinkling some catnip near your cat's bed can help get them in the mood to play.
Restrict Your Cat's Outdoor Access
If you typically allow your cat outdoors, it's a good idea to stop once the temperature drops. Not only can it be too cold for your cat to stay safe outside, it can also mean disaster if they end up getting lost when it's snowing or raining heavily.
Provide a Cozy Space Indoors
Even if you keep your home warm with central heating, your cat will still enjoy having a cozy space to call their own. Providing your cat with an insulated bed or even a heated pet blanket can help keep them warm, despite how cold it gets.
Making some adjustments at home is essential for keeping your cat healthy throughout the winter. If you notice any dramatic changes in their food intake or activity level, it may be a good time to schedule a visit to your pet hospital for an exam. For more tips, contact a clinic such as Orange Grove Animal Hospital.