January is here and so are news reports of potential snow storms heading to our small island. Snow is a lot like Marmite, some people love it, others hate it. Cats in general will prefer to avoid the cold wet white stuff under their paws, but many will still need to go out in order to go to the toilet, to exercise and protect their territory. There’s plenty of fun to be had in the snow, in small doses, but there are a few risks to be aware of to. Here’s a short list of how to keep your cats safe if the snow does arrive.
A Safe Haven in the Garden
This is a useful piece of advice for anyone with a catio or cat fencing but also for those that allow their cats to roam the neighbourhood. Introduce a small place to hide away from the snow, ice and rain in the garden. This could be a wooden box with a small opening or a garden shed providing there is guaranteed exit points. Add a warm blanket and a bowl of water and your cat (or any stray cats) will have somewhere to go and get shelter fi they are unable to get into their house.
Checking Paws
Cat paws may walk through grit and salt during colder months, which can make cats very ill if they ingest it. Therefore, it’s vital that cats’ paws are checked when they come in the home. This is a good practice for cats that are safely contained with cat fencing or catios, because snow can compact on their paws leaving a risk of frostbite.
Cats and the Car
Cats are known to hide under car bonnets to find heat if they’re far from home. Create a habit of checking your car by giving the hood a gentle bang and banging above the tires. Life the bonnet and check underneath to be extra sure.
This is also a good time to remind you of the dangers of antifreeze. Always wipe up and spills and keep antifreeze away from cats as it can kill, learn more about the dangers of antifreeze, here.
Cat Flap Checks
In extreme snowy periods you may find the cat flap becomes blocked or even frozen shut. Remember to check that your cats can get access in and out the home, clearing away any snow and providing a clear access point.
Cats will either love or hate snow, let us know how your cats feel about the white stuff over on our Facebook page.