If someone in your household has a cat allergy, you can't stand cat fur all over your house or you'd simply rather have an outdoor cat, keeping your cat outside is a good solution. Unfortunately, the elements can be rough on cats. Keep your kitty nice and comfortable outdoors, even in the winter with these simple steps.
Things You'll Need
- Cat or small dog sweater
- Small dog house
- Four small dog booties
- Doggy door to the garage or basement
Instructions
Put a sweater on your kitty during the winter. Although your cat will be able to conserve some body heat in his or her fur, it's always a better idea to keep warm. At your local pet store, you can purchase a small dog coat or sweater that will be snug enough to keep your cat warm in cold weather, but not so tight that your cat will have trouble walking, jumping or climbing.
if your cat is particularly obiedient, try booties on all four feet. Most cats and dogs will shake these booties off, but nonetheless, they can be purchased at your local pet store. With booties on all four of your cat's feet, you don't have to worry about your cat romping around in the snow all day. Although booties can be a good barrier against the cold, your cat will not be able to have full use of its claws, which can be dangerous if a stray animal or cat gets into your yard. Your cat should be able to protect itself at all times while outdoors.
Try to create a shelter for your cat to go if it begins to rain, snow or get too cold. One option is a small dog house with blankets where your cat can warm up and feel cozy. If your cat is unsafe, cold or wet, he or she can take refuge in the house until they are ready to go outside and play again.
Another shelter option for your cat is to install a doggy door (or kitty door) leading into the basement or garage of your home. This way you can give your cat the opportunity to enter a few areas of your home, which may be a little warmer than the great outdoors.
If your cat looks particularly cold or it is a very stormy day outside, you may want to consider bringing your cat inside. Statistically, indoor cats live far longer than outdoor cats and you can prevent your cat from getting injuries and diseases by bringing it inside.