Winter can be tough on all of us, but it can be especially tough on cats who like to venture outdoors despite Toronto’s heavy snowfall. There are always dangers lurking outside for cats, but felines are especially vulnerable in colder temperatures. These seven tips will help you protect your furry friend.
1. Supplements Essential fatty acids can thicken your cat’s fur. Help your cat get ready for winter naturally by supplementing their diet. Talk to one of the cat-care specialists at Toronto’s animal clinic—Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital--for more information. 2. Give them time to adapt If your cat is going to be spending time outside this winter, make sure that they have time to adjust to the cooler weather. Let your cat out for short periods of time every day to help them grow their winter coat. 3. Provide adequate shelter If your cat insists on spending time outside each day, make sure that he or she has access to adequate shelter. An insulated cat house provides welcome respite from the cold and a comfortable place to perch and watch the neighborhood. 4. Clean up antifreeze spills Antifreeze spills can accumulate in your driveway or garage, which can pose a serious risk to your cats and other pets. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that is appealing to animals but is deadly if ingested. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from antifreeze poisoning, contact our cat clinic in Toronto immediately. 5. Check the paws When your cat goes outside in the winter his paws will be exposed to ice melting products sprinkled on sidewalks and driveways. Avoid stomach irritation by wiping his paws before he has a chance to lick them. 6. Pay close attention to sick or ederly cats Older cats should be watched closely if they go outside during winter. The cold weather can be tough on their stiff joints and older cats can easily get disoriented when there is heavy snow fall. 7. Keep your cat indoors The best way to protect your cat from winter weather is to keep them indoors. Prolonged exposure to the elements can place them at risk for frostbite or even hypothermia. Sterilization can decrease your cat’s need to wander. Visit our spay clinic in Scarborough for more info. Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital in Scarborough has everything you need to keep your cat happy and healthy all year round. Visit our animal clinic today for more information on dental hygiene, sterilization, microchipping and more! We’re proud to serve pets in Toronto, Scarborough and all the surrounding areas. We even do house calls! Contact us today to learn about all the services we offer.