The weather outside might be frightful-but it doesn't have to be for your kitty. Cats can experience the same winter woes as us humans-and then some. Here are ways to keep your kitty safe until spring.
Instructions
Keep your cat indoors during cold weather. Prolonged exposure to the cold can cause hypothermia (below-normal body temperature) or frostbite in cats. They also tend to hide under warm car engines when it's cold, which can be very dangerous when the vehicle is started.
Feed your cat a quality commercial cat food that contains Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), or if feeding a homemade diet, supplement it with essential fatty acids. You can break open a fish oil capsule or purchase liquid fish oil to add to the food. This will fortify the coat and make it grow thicker for the colder months. Vitamin E is also a good supplement for healthy skin.
Make sure your cat has a soft, warm place to sleep. The couch, a cat bed, comfortable mat or a lined cardboard box with a warm blanket should work. And if you're so inclined, your bed will work just fine too.
Brush your cat more frequently during colder weather to get rid of dead skin cells and dander. If it's necessary to bathe your cat, use a moisturizing shampoo that is made specifically for cats. Human shampoo can irritate a cat's skin since they have a different pH balance.