Tag: winter

Do Cats Need Special Care in the Winter?

Posted on December 14, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
A cat walking outside through the snow.

Mittens, it’s cold outside. It’s time to discuss what kind of special care might be needed for cats this winter.

First, we need to look at what kind of life your cat leads to provide the best guidance. Are they an indoor-only cat? If so, there are a couple of changes you’ll need to make this coming season. Are they an indoor/outdoor cat? Leading a double life requires some extra precautions. Let’s dig through some tips before the snowplows have a chance to warm up their engines.

Indoor Cats Still See Changes in the Winter

All cats have a natural instinct to store energy and conserve fat reserves as soon as the weather becomes colder. You may notice Mittens sleeping or lazing about more in the winter as a result.

Cold weather may mean it’s cooler in your house during winter than the summer, and if that’s the case, you’ll notice your cat’s appetite increase. Studies suggest indoor and outdoor cats will eat up to 15 percent more in the winter due to the extra energy they need to keep warm. So, make sure you add some extra kibbles to your favorite feline’s food bowl. Consult with your local veterinarian if you have any questions about how much is too much.

Speaking of warmth, cats prefer to stay nice and toasty. If Mittens had opposable thumbs, they’d set the thermostat to around 70 degrees to stay cozy all winter long. However, since they’re not paying the utility bills, 70 degrees may not always be achievable. Your cat will do okay in rooms hovering between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but be sure to provide them with plenty of blankets or other sources of heat. Your cat needs to maintain a body temp of more than 90 degrees in order to ward off hypothermia. Added tip: Have a fireplace? Make sure it’s covered by a glass screen. Mittens will want to sit as close as possible to the fire and you don’t want them to get burned.

Indoor cats will grow a winter coat if they are exposed to enough sunlight, because winter coats are a response to the amount of daylight we have during winter months and not necessarily the temperature. For longer-haired felines, reach for their brush more frequently to help them prevent any potential tangles or matting. No matter how many times a cat grooms themselves, longer fur can still get tangled.

Indoor/Outdoor Cats Need Double Care During Winter

Some cats just yearn to get outside, no matter the season. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, many of the same recommendations are applicable: You’ll need to increase their kibbles during winter, and you’ll need to provide them with sources of heat to maintain that internal body temperature of 90 degrees.

But also remember that no cat should be left outside without a shelter once temperatures begin falling below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. You can make your own weather-proof cat shelter or you can purchase one from the store. Most pet stores, feed stores and big-box stores sell houses with your cat in mind.

You’ll also want to insulate the pet house with straw — not hay. Straw repels moisture and keeps your cat warm. Keep adding straw throughout the winter months, as your cat will likely begin to compress the straw over time.

It’s important to note that cats have a tendency to find warmth in unexpected spots in addition to the shelters or blankets you provide. Before starting your car in the morning, give your hood a few loud thumps and look to see if a cat is on the move. Your cat or even stray cats could be curled up near your engine in an attempt to stay warm.

Be sure to switch to heated food and water bowls during the winter to prevent water or wet food from freezing. Rubber bowls can be a less expensive alternative, as they won’t crack like plastic containers when water freezes in them, but food and water can still harden. This brings us to our next point — you’ll want to provide food and water daily and make sure that nothing is frozen if you’re not using a heated bowl. Remember: Cats will eat more the colder it gets. All that extra food is going to help sustain their internal temperature.

Lastly, even exclusively outdoor cats still need flea, tick and heartworm prevention medicine or collars. As crazy as it sounds, many parasites are active during the winter months, no matter how cold it may get. Year-round parasite preventives not only help safeguard your pet from disease, but they can help protect your family’s health as well.

Prep Your Winter Cats for Winter Storms

If there’s a winter storm on its way, help care for your outdoor kitties or neighborhood strays by avoiding salt or other snow/ice melt products that aren’t approved for pets. Non-approved snow removal methods can irritate food pads, and they can also be lethal to all animals when licked off paws or ingested from melting puddles. Antifreeze is another deadly chemical to keep out of your cat’s reach during winter.

Next, try to clear a path in and out of the cat’s outdoor shelter, add extra straw to the outdoor house and consider building a feed station to shield your cat’s food and water from wind and snow.

Finally, don’t forget to get all your necessities — including extra food for you and Mittens — prior to the storm rolling in. You’ll want to make sure all humans and pets are hunkered down before the bad weather arrives.

While we wish that every cat could stay safe and snug inside during the winter months, some cats love the winter weather and insist on being outside. But whether your cat experiences winter only from the warm side of the window, or they prefer walking on the wild side all year long, you can keep them safe and comfortable with just a few winter weather updates to their care.

RELATED POST: Cat Breeds Made for Winter Weather

Cat Breeds Made For Winter Weather

Posted on January 19, 2023 - 3:26 pm by
Taste of the Wild

“Winter Wonderland” might be a song humans are humming this January, but not all cats enjoy the dropping temperatures. However, some cat breeds have developed the physical traits to not just survive but even enjoy colder climates. If you live where the winters are harsh (or, let’s be honest, even if you don’t), these might be the cats for you.

Siberian Cat

Siberian cat in the snow.

The title for most cold-resistant feline goes to Siberian cats. While this fluffy feline was officially recognized as a breed in the late 1980s, they were actually introduced in Siberia as early as the 17th century as a way to control the rat population.

Since Siberia is known for some of the coldest temperatures in the world, these cats went on to grow dense heavy coats to survive. Their fur became resistant to moisture and their ears are also well-insulated. This additional fluff has helped them survive temperatures as cold as 5– 14 °F until they could find shelter to hunker down.

When adapting to harsher climates, this breed developed a keen ability to think and plan ahead – making them excellent hunters and survivalists. As a house pet, you’ll notice their high level of intelligence shine through when they play or strategize their next move.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian forest cat in the snow.

Norwegian forest cats are dense-coated felines with a mysterious origin. Legend has it that this breed was the real-life inspiration for the myth of Norwegian skogkatts — large cats who lived in the mountains and had a magical ability to climb extremely rocky terrain with ease.

Norwegian forest cats are also known for their ability to run down a tree headfirst. How? This breed has sturdier claws than most cats — likely developed to survive that rocky terrain.

A cousin to the Maine coon, the Norwegian forest cat is known for its big body, bushy tail and double-layered coat used to repel moisture. As they’ve adapted to surviving snowy climates in Scandinavia, this breed has also developed tufted ears and toes to serve as natural ear warmers and booties. They’re friendly to children and usually adaptable to other pets, making them perfect family cats.

Maine Coon

Maine coon cat in the snow.

Though they originate on different continents, the Maine coon is often mistaken for the Norwegian forest cat. One way to tell the breeds apart is by looking at their faces. Maine coons have a wedge-shaped head and Norwegian forest cats have a triangle-shaped face. The Maine coon is husky breed developed naturally in the state of Maine where they experience average winter temperatures of 15 to 25 °F.

The exact age and origin story of the Main coon is still a mystery to researchers, but one thing we know for sure is that many members of this breed love spending time outside in the winter.

Maine coons have adapted to colder elements by growing a thick, luscious, semi-water-resistant coat — perfect for repelling snow and staying warm. Another unique feature this large-bodied feline possesses is winter-ready paws. Their large, wide paws act like snowshoes in the winter, preventing them from sinking into the snow as they walk. It’s a great feature to develop in a state that sees an average of 50 to 70 inches of snow along the coast and 60 to 110 inches of the winter precipitation inland.

Maine coons can be great family pets because they’re super friendly and affectionate. And they draw attention due their size: The average male Maine coon weighs more than 15 pounds, while females regularly top 10 pounds. The largest of the breed can approach a whopping 25 pounds!

Turkish Van Cat

Turkish van cat in the snow.

Turkish vans are a large, rugged and rare breed that dates back to ancient times. This active breed originated in the Lake Van area of Turkey. The vast geographical origins have caused the breed to develop a unique ability that lets their coats adapt to a wide range of climates.

When temperatures begin to drop, the Turkish van’s coat becomes longer and thicker, and tufts of hair emerge between their toes. They have a water-resistant, single-layer coat for enduring winter elements or staying dry after going for a swim in warmer months. Yes, we said swim! Another unique characteristic of Turkish vans is their love for water. A Turkish van is a strong, capable swimmer.

If you ever own a Turkish van, you’ll frequently find them in the elevated locations in your dwelling. When adapting to the environment in Europe and Asia, this breed developed strong hind legs and a fondness of jumping and climbing to see their surroundings — likely needed for survival.

Even though these cats have a history of surviving winter weather, it doesn’t mean these bundles of fur should be left out in freezing temperatures for very long. They can stand to be out in colder temperatures compared to most cats, but they do need a warm shelter when temperatures fall below 30 °F. Hardy felines can still suffer from frostbite and hypothermia!

Note: Most cats cannot tolerate anything below 45 °F for too long. Bring your pets inside or provide them with a warm refuge to prevent frostbite on their ears, tails and paws.

RELATED POST: Winter Safety Tips for Pets

Winter Cat Safety: Keeping Your Tabby Toasty

Posted on January 3, 2019 - 3:57 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Pet cats have the right idea about winter. You’ll never find them shoveling or scraping ice off a windshield. They’re more likely to be inside, basking in a sliver of sunshine. Or curled under your down comforter. Which raises the question: What else can you do to make your kitty feel cozy during the cold winter months?

Invest in feline fashion — While a hairless cat breed such as the sphynx could use a wool sweater, other cats may appreciate some extra insulation, too. Especially if you keep the heat turned down low or it’s drafty near the windows. When you choose a sweater or coat, make sure it doesn’t restrict your cat’s movement and doesn’t include beading or strings that could be chewed off and swallowed.

Make a comfy bed — The cold and damp can bring out the aches in an arthritic cat’s joints. Since cats often hide signs of illness, you may not know that your cat is in pain. In fact, one study reviewed 100 random X-rays from cats aged 6 months to 20 years, and the researchers found evidence of arthritis in 91 percent of those cats. So why not provide a padded bed to help cushion those joints, just in case?

Add a little heat — Some cat beds are designed to be self-heating, meaning they absorb your cat’s body heat and reflect it back to the cat.  Other heated beds may use heating elements that are warmed in the microwave or plugged in like an electric blanket. A word of caution: hot water bottles and other heated elements should never be placed next to a cat’s skin. To help avoid burns, there should always be at least a towel between the heat source and the cat. Also, electric beds can be dangerous if your cat urinates in the bed or chews on electrical cords.

Trim out those mats — Cats’ fur, especially if it’s long, can become matted if it’s not brushed regularly. While it may be tempting to leave the mat in place for warmth, the mat may actually have the opposite effect by not allowing air to circulate between the skin and coat. If your cat’s fur is severely matted, ask your groomer or veterinarian for help.

Heat your cat’s food — You enjoy a warm meal when it’s blustery outside. So why shouldn’t your cat? It’s easy to slightly warm canned food (make sure it’s not too hot). Or you can heat up low-sodium chicken broth and pour it over your cat’s dry food for a belly-warming treat.

Move the litter box — Do you keep the litter box in the cold basement? Then consider moving it to a warmer spot, away from drafts, just for the winter.

Help the neighborhood stray — If there’s a stray cat that frequents your yard, consider trapping it and bringing it to shelter to reduce the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. As an alternative, provide a “cat house” lined with straw that’s sheltered from the wind and snow. Make sure the house is raised off the cold ground. If the kitty takes to it, provide food and fresh water daily. That simple kindness will make you feel warmer, too.