23 Tips for Surviving Winter with Your Cat

Keeping Cats Warm and Safe

Here’s how to make the best of a frosty yet magical season with your feline friend!

Avoid metal bowls in winter
Don’t leave your cat in the car
Keep your cat away from antifreeze
Give your cat fresh food and water daily
Offer extra blankies and even some fleece
Adjust food portions to match activity levels
Continually clear snow from all shelter entrances
Use pet electric blankets or heat mats responsibly
Make time to play with your cat, especially in winter
Don’t clear snow with salt or chemical melting products
Make sure your cat has enough toys, including brain teasers
Microchip your cat in case he or she ends up finding shelter elsewhere
Offer a litter tray for cats that are used to doing their business outside
Keep an eye on the catflap to make sure your cat can always get back in
Make sure kittens and older cats are warm enough when they need to be
Don’t start your car before checking under the hood and give it a few taps
Cats, especially outdoorsy ones, need a warm place they can access at all times
Keep your kitties inside at times: extreme cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia
Rather be safe: cats that are left outdoors are often forced to seek shelter in unsafe places
As an extra precaution, build or buy an outdoor shelter and insulate it with straw (but not hay)
Invest in a feeding station / heated food and water bowls to stop food and water from freezing
Clean garage floors: cats can poison themselves when grooming after stepping in oil, petrol etc.
Be extra vigilant during the festive season: keep toxic foods and hidden dangers – such as lilies, poinsettia and tinsel – out of reach