Do you have a cat that likes to go outside in nice weather but with the recent drop in temperature doesn’t seem as eager to run out the door? Many “seasonally” outdoor cats turn into couch potatoes in the winter but others are still full-fledged indoor hunters that stalk your feet as you walk or wreak havoc on your Christmas tree. There are many ways that you can keep them healthy and happy during their indoor hibernation. Dangers to watch out for:
Christmas Decorations:
Tinsel can be incredibly tempting to play with and seems like all fun and games; however it poses major health risks when cats ingest pieces of tinsel which can get caught up in the intestines making the intestines fold up like an accordion causing your cat to be incredibly ill. Signs of this may include vomiting, panting, anorexia, lethargy, pain when touching the abdomen, diarrhea or lack of feces. Other Christmas decorations such as lights with wires or extensions cords can also pose serious health risks. Cats often like to play with the wires or chew on them which can result in shock or electrocution. Make sure all electrical cords are kept away from cats.
Antifreeze or Ethylene Glycol:
Cats that get into the garage or outdoors may get into antifreeze or ethylene glycol. It has a sweet taste and does not freeze so cats may drink it but as little as 1 tsp can be fatal to your cat. Antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, appearance of being drunk, panting, lethargy, excessive thirst, seizures and coma. It is important to get your cat to the vet immediately if you suspect ingestion as they must be treated within 3 hours for the best prognosis.
Providing adequate stimulation will help keep your cat interested and out of trouble. Setting aside playtime every night for at least 10 mins will encourage your cat to exercise. Try throwing a toy or dragging it along the ground so the cat can stalk it. Dangling toys in their face often irritates the cat and can cause them to quickly lose interest in playtime. Cat trees or platforms that the cat can jump on provide stimulation and can be placed in front of a window where a bird feeder is can provide hours of entertainment for them without any effort on your part. Ensure you have a scratching post or somewhere that your cat can stretch and sharpen their claws. Many cats like tall upright scratchers so they can stretch their body out. Rubbing or spraying catnip on areas that you would like your cat to scratch can encourage them to use this area only and leave furniture unharmed.
Always provide lots of fresh clean water for your cat to drink. You can add tuna juice or low sodium beef/chicken broth to water to entice them to drink more. A good quality diet will keep your cat looking healthy and in good body condition. For some cats this may include a calorie control diet if they are not getting adequate exercise. A proper diet will help keep their coat shiny, skin healthy and prevent urinary crystals/stones. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations for your cat.
Following these tips can help keep your cat happy and healthy while indoors during the cold weather.
