Winter tips for your cat

With temperatures dipping, your cat will need a little special attention to stay warm, happy, healthy and safe in winter. Follow these helpful tips to keep your cat at her best during the cold months ahead.

• If your cat goes outdoors during the colder months, make sure he or she is acclimated and doesn't stay out too long, especially when the temperatures are below freezing.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. It's seen most often on ears, the tail and footpads, and look for pale, glossy or white skin. Better yet, prevent frostbite all together by limiting your cat's time outside.
• Feed your cat a nutritionally-complete food. And always keep plenty of fresh water available at all times. Nutrition and water are important because a well-nourished pet is better equipped to cope with harsh weather.
• Cats love curling up in a warm place for a nap. Prevent potential burns and fires by protecting your cat from open fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters. Warm engines are also a favorite place for outdoor cats, so honk the horn or bang on the hood before starting your car.
• Antifreeze has a sweet taste cats like but it's toxic enough to cause serious illness and even death. Make sure your car isn't leaking any fluids and keep containers safely locked away.
• Give your cat a cozy place to sleep by offering some bedding in a warm place, free from drafts. Raise the bed off the floor, too, cats love that jungle lair feeling.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice changes in your cat's behavior, such as energy-level or appetite-decrease.

Originally published by Hills Pet.