As we officially approach the beginning of winter, our team here at Wags to WIskers is wishing all of our Wags Fam (pets and their people!) a happy, healthy, safe, warm festive season. We have holiday items on sale from December 20th onward while supplies last and during all of December our pet beds are 20% off, so if you want to keep your dog or cat festively fashionable and/or cozy, warm, comfy, and cool this winter, stop on by at your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies stores in the Ann Arbor, MI area (2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103) or the Chelsea, MI area (1192 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI, 48118).
If you didn’t get a chance to read our Winter Safety Tips for Dog owners, you can do that HERE. This week, we’re focusing on our cat lovers with Winter Safety Tips for Cats. Read on to keep your felines feeling friendly this winter.
Winter Safety Tips for Cats
Keep Your Cat Indoors
This is our #1 recommendation for cat owners this winter and is the best way to keep your cat safe and healthy this winter. If your cat is typically an outdoor cat, make sure that you are taking some serious precautions (read on for these) and limiting their time outdoors.
Despite their evolutionary advantages, cats are not meant to be in freezing Michigan climates for very long. They are at greater risk of frostbite on their paws and ears and there are several worst-case scenarios (again, read on) that we’d like to precaution you against with our winter safety tips for cats.
Store Antifreeze Safely
Antifreeze is extremely toxic to both cats and dogs and should be stored and tucked away safely. In addition to being toxic, antifreeze also has an attractive scent and taste to pets that causes it to be an enticing curiosity for your furry family. Be wary of leaks and puddles in your driveway or garage and if you happen to spill some it’s best to clean it up immediately.
If you are using antifreeze on your driveway, consider a pet-safe alternative like Paw Safe Ice Melter which you can find at your local Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies stores in the Ann Arbor, MI area (2270 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103) or the Chelsea, MI area (1192 S. Main St, Chelsea, MI, 48118). We try to be the best place for pet supplies near you and we are totally stocked on pet safety and holiday products to get you through the winter.
Frostbite Signs
If you allow your cat outdoors, keep in mind that they’re susceptible to frostbite, especially on the ear tips and extremities. Always make sure your cat is indoors when the temperature gets uncomfortable and check your cat over physically to look for signs of frostbite. Here are some of the most distinguishable signs of frostbite in cats:
discoloration of the affected area of skin - this discoloration is often pale, gray, or bluish.
coldness and/or brittleness of the area when touched.
pain when you touch the body part(s).
swelling of the affected area(s).
blisters or skin ulcers.
areas of blackened or dead skin.
Unexpected Hiding Spots
Cats and other rodents might find the warmth of a car engine to be a nice spot for a snooze this winter, especially if you are parked out on the street and have seen stray cats in the neighborhood. You can knock gently on the hood of your car to alert any extra passengers you might have as it is always preferable to send them scurrying rather than the alternative when you start up your car…
Keeping Your Cat Fit this Winter
Most of us will have a bit more difficulty in staying fit this winter as our daylight and comfortability are in swift decline. The cold weather makes it a bit easier to get lazier. However, there are some easy ways to keep your cat active this winter. Make mealtime stimulating by hiding portions of your cat’s food in bowls around the house, maintaining their evolutionary need to hunt for food. You can continue this game of hide and seek with treats and catnip.
Last but not least, don’t forget to play a little bit extra with your cat this holiday season! We have a wide variety of cat toys at Wags to Wiskers Pet Supplies including feathers, balls, danglers, and more to keep your cat acrobatic and fit this winter.
Winter Safety Tips for Cats
Conclusion
The onset of winter is an adjustment for all pet owners in southeast Michigan. Hopefully, with these winter safety tips for cats, our WagsFam can stay healthy and happy as we make our way through the dark days, together! We try to be the best place for pet supplies and more in the Chelsea and Ann Arbor areas, so feel free to stop by and speak with an associate with any questions, concerns, comments, or otherwise.