It’s beginning to look a lot like Winter!

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For many of us (at least those who aren’t with us in California), that means snow! While many of our feline friends have adapted to snowfall, they still face a greater risk when it’s on the ground, so we wanted to share a few helpful tips so that your kitty can stay safe during the Winter.

  1. If you have any outside sheds or outbuildings, either ensure that they’re shut all the way or that they’re wedged open so no kitty looking for a warm place for a few minutes gets trapped.
  2. Check your car before starting it, including the engine! Even if your kitty is an indoor one, you never know who may climb up there for some warmth.
  3. Provide outdoor shelter. It’s important for a cat to have access to a warm place just in case; providing a warm shelter for them is essential. You may find a feral mom moves her kittens in, as well!
  4. If your cat is older, or has arthritis, the cold can severely affect inflamed joints and make it hard for them to reach some of their favorite sleeping areas. Provide some extra warmth lower to the ground, as well as trying to make it easier for them to reach their favorite sleeping area if possible.
  5. Confirm any outside water source isn’t frozen each day.
  6. Make sure your kitty is inside before the sun goes down. The night not only lowers temperatures, but significantly increases the chances of a vehicle incident.
  7. Whenever your kitty comes back inside from the snow, wipe off any grit and check for signs of frostbite.
  8. If your kitties are indoor only, do a quick check to make sure all entrances, exits (including windows!) are secure. Indoor kitties may escape through something as innocent as a loose screen, and the combination of the cold and being outside may frighten them and they could get lost.
  9. Make sure your heat is good and dependable! We know how much kitties appreciate being warm, so make sure your heater is working not only for yourself, but for them. When leaving during the day, make sure there’s enough heat on inside.
  10. Stock up on food! You never know when some extreme weather may come up, so having an extra case or bag of Fussie Cat will ensure you have plenty of food for your feline friends, just in case any blizzards make road conditions too dangerous. Plan ahead and save yourself from the worry!

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These are just a few Winter tips to ensure that your kitten has a safe (and warm!) holiday season!