The days are getting shorter, the temperature decreases, the autumn has really come. If your cat doesn’t live inside a flat exclusively, it is the best time to prepare it for the unfavourable season so it’s not so hard for its immune system.
A Norwegian Forest cat or a Siberian cat enjoy winter. However, a Sphynx suffers, for example. It is apparent that every cat deals with autumn and winter differently and needs different care. If your furry friend lives exclusively at home with you, you don’t need to prepare it for the change of weather. Its living conditions do not change a lot. However, if it spends some time outside or at leasts sits for long whiles at an open window, it is good to support its immune system.
The cooler it gets, the more energy a cat needs to maintain its body temperature and the creation of a sufficient layer of the subcutaneous tissue. Therefore, it will need a larger supply of energy in the form of food. My friend who operates a temporary cat shelter and therefore has years of experience in taking care of these noble creatures claims it can be said how tough the winter will be. And she says it is obvious from the appetite of cats – the more food they want, the tougher the winter will be. And it even holds true even for strictly indoor cats.
In cold weather, it is particularly important to have high quality food. A cat needs more energy, so it needs higher supply of food to get it. With higher quality food, the amount does not increase so much as the energy in them is easily accessible and thanks to the high level of digestibility, the organism doesn’t have to use so much energy for digestion when it’s needed somewhere else and it doesn’t create unnecessary burden for it. If you feed a strictly outdoor cat, it is great to opt for high-energy cat food, usually “outdoor cat” range.
Warmth is more easily maintained by healthy, thick fur, so pay more attention to it. Comb it to remove potential clumps of hair but do it carefully and use a right comb so you don’t damage the hair structure or pull out the undercoat. The fur quality can be also supported by food supplements, the salmon oil is great, for example. It is also a good idea to add other food supplements that support the immune system. For example, vitamin C in the form of hips, sea buckthorns or cranberries. These “superfruits” are also contained in some healthy treats.
If you feed an outdoor cat, give it the food bowl somewhere with the least exposure to wind, rain and snow. The bowl also shouldn’t be directly on the ground. There are various stands and holders for bows, but a simple piece of polystyrene will also be good. Change the water more often and when it gets even colder, check it so it doesn’t freeze.
You will have no worries if you place the bowls somewhere under a roof. Good choices are a boiler room, a cellar, a shed or a garage, for example. Every cat should at least have an unlimited access to a dry and relatively warm place. Basically to some place where it can hide if the weather is bad. Such a place will also be good for it to get its strength back if it gets cold.
Check the health of the cat regularly. Notice the unusual things, may it be in the physical shape of your furry friend or in its behaviour. A perfect opportunity for this in outdoor cats is during feeding. If you aren’t sure everything is okay, have your cat in a warm place at home for a couple of days or if the symptoms are not clear, contact your vet.
How well does your cat handle autumn? Does it go out even when the weather is bad or does it rather stay at home in these darker days?
If you’re thinking about starting canistherapy with your four-legged friend, but you don’t know whether you would manage, here you will find a brief overview of the characteristics your dog is supposed to have and what he should all know.
Dermatological problems are one of the most frequent reasons of veterinary visits. Cats often suffer from them as well. A skin problem may appear due to several reasons and you may not notice it immediately. Also because of the time that cats devote to...
Toxocariasis is the most frequent parasitosis in dogs and cats. If we want to keep both ourselves and our pets safe, regular deworming is necessary. Do you know what’s behind this disease and how it’s transmitted?
If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, maybe you will find handy a bit of advice how to house him at home. A rabbit has certain needs as any other animal and it’s up to us, the owners, to make its life as comfortable as possible.
Holiday time is approaching fast and maybe you’re considering where to go with your four-legged friend. If you’d like to go camping, there are certainly many things you should consider. You have to plan and pack not only for yourself, but also for your...
Zoonoses are diseases common to both animals and humans. Are you interested in how such a disease can be transmitted, which ones are we at risk of in the Czech Republic or how to defend against them?
Guinea pigs are one of the most common pets that parents get for their children. They are considerably less demanding to take care of than cats or dogs. They stand out among rodents because of their sociable nature, willingness to snuggle and they are...
I have already written about dogs and how they (don’t) feel pain. So let’s look at cats. It is often not very simple to recognize. But the early recognition of the problem is important for their health and well-being.
Last time, I explained that allergy to fur as such does not exist. I wrote about allergens, the symptoms of allergy and the breeds that are hypoallergenic. Today, I will share with you how to cope with the allergy without giving your pet away.
Did you know that the concept of "allergy to fur" is actually a nonsense? The hair itself are not the only allergens. So what exactly is the person allergic to if he/she is allergic to dogs/cats and does he/she have to get rid of the animal immediately...
No matter that the surgery is minor, each brings certain risks. It is also a mental and physical burden for the animal. I wrote down several tips how you can eliminate the risks and the burden as much as possible.
This is really what this sport is about – herding balloons. The aim is the same as for herding sheep, get all the balls into the gate. And do not be mistaken, treiball is not only for herding dogs. You can do this sport with dogs of any race, size and...
