A guide to keeping your cat happy this winter

We all know cats are sensitive creatures and also creatures of habit, which is why it may not come as a surprise to learn that the change in seasons can bring upset to our cats.

As the night’s draw in and the cold weather comes, cats are forced to change their daily routine which can be upsetting for our feline friends.

Cats are complex animals but there are some things you can do to ensure the transition into winter is one which is a comfortable one.

A guide to keeping your cat happy this winter

• Cats prefer to snuggle up inside during the winter but if yours is the outdoors type, always have a warm place they can go.
• If it’s really cold, keep them inside even if they are unimpressed
• Pet cats aren’t used to the extreme cold and can develop hypothermia and frostbite.
• Cats left outside may venture somewhere they shouldn’t to get warm which can lead to them getting trapped.
• Cats that are particularly upset by changes, use a Feliway diffuser plug in over the winter months.
• Make sure your cat is fitted with a microchip.
• Cats that usually go to the toilet outside may need a litter tray inside.
• Provide a litter tray over winter, even if they do not normally use one during the warmer months.
• Look out for hidden dangers over the festive season – poinsettia are popular Christmas plants but they’re actually poisonous to cats.
• Avoid using fake snow on your Christmas tree, fake snow can actually be toxic to cats.
• Take care with tinsel to ensure it is not eaten causing a potential blockage.
• Avoid using anti-freeze, even one to two licks of anti-freeze can cause Kidney failure in your cat.
• Cats are drawn to the sweet taste of anti-freeze, we advise you avoid using it completely to avoid the risk of ingestion.