Create a cozy environment for your cat as winter comes!
Do you have an indoor cat? Even indoor cats could use some special care when winter rolls around. Temperatures can drop slightly in the home, with some parts of the house becoming colder than others, even in a well-insulated home. Indoor cat care in winter looks almost the same as cat care any other time of year. Follow these tips and ask your local vet for specific advice for your pet. If you need a vet in the Baltimore area, Everhart Veterinary Medicine is here to help.
Set up a Warm, Cozy Sleeping Spot
Set up a spot in the house where your cat can feel safe from the outside world and any harsh elements, such as the cold or heat. Create a warm, cozy sleeping spot for your cat away from its litter box and food and water bowls. It should be away from drafts and can be in a sunny and/or elevated spot. For signs that your cat is cold, read this.
Keep Your Cat Active
Indoor cats typically don’t go outdoors, but it’s important for your cat’s health to engage in physical activity every day, even in winter. Play with your cat, figure out what toys it likes best, and keep it on a healthy, well-portioned diet.
Keep Its Skin Moisturized
The air usually becomes drier in winter, which can lead to dry skin. Cats can end up having dry skin and dry paws as a result. If this is the case, you can use a moisturizer specifically for cats. You can also put a humidifier in your cat’s sleeping area and feed it a diet with more omega-3 fatty acids, as directed by your vet.
Ensure Other Basic Cat Care Practices
If you haven’t already, make sure your cat is microchipped, spayed or neutered, updated on its vaccines, and is on a healthy diet. Maintain regular grooming to ensure a healthy winter coat.
Supervise Any Outdoor Activity
In a fenced-in yard, you can take your cat outdoors to test out the winter weather under your supervision. Some cats love going on outdoor adventures, while others despise it and the cold especially. The safest thing to do is to keep your indoor cat indoors except for grooming, vet appointments, or other travel.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!