Winter also brings some changes for a cat. If you want to make sure your cats have everything they need on cold days, you should definitely do this answers to the most important questions about keeping cats in winter know.
1. Do cats freeze in winter?
Yes, even cats can be freer. But the connective and fatty tissue protect the paws from the cold and if your cat is outdoors, he has a thick winter coat that keeps him warm. Depending on the breed and the individual, cats can do this down to minus 20 degrees resist.
But be careful: Every cat freezes in winter in freezing temperatures or at the latest when it gets very wet. Detecting dangerous hypothermia early can save lives.
Furthermore: Kittens under the age of six months are never allowed on the snow – The warming undercoat and water-repellent insulation of the fur blanket are still missing.
2. Can cats get colds?
Yes, cats can catch colds too. Air currents, viruses or bacteria are possible triggers. Cats with a cold are not allowed is should be examined by a veterinarian want. It is important to recognize cold symptoms in cats.
3. Should cats be allowed to run less outdoors in winter?
No, it doesn’t have to be. Cats usually get along well with the cold, provided you have plenty of opportunities to do so to warm up in the middle. Your cat knows best if he wants to go out in the winter or if he prefers to curl up at home. Don’t force them to go out in the cold.
4. Do cats sleep more in winter?
Yes, cats show winter fatigue. Cats usually need sleep up to 16 hours a day. In winter yes even 22 hours his. So that the muscles don’t break down and the fat layer doesn’t grow, you can stimulate your cat to get more exercise with exciting play ideas.
5. How do cat owners heat and ventilate adequately in winter?
If there is a lot of heating, the air is very dry then Dandruff develops in the fur can he. Brush your cat more frequently in the winter to stimulate blood flow to the skin. Vegetable oil in the feed it can also help.
It is also important to ensure sufficient humidity during the heating period. Distributed bowls of water or damp towels will help. Every two hours they should open the windows fully. Never leave windows open – here’s where higher risk of injury for your cat!
6. Do domestic cats also get Winterfell?
Yes, but to a lesser extent. Outdoor cat fur adjusts to temperatures so the cat doesn’t freeze in the winter and sweat in the summer. The change and formation of coat in domestic cats is not strong because theirs Always warm environment is. However, unlike people outdoors, they lose their hair all year round.
7. Can cats sleep outside in the winter?
Yes it is that even at sub-zero temperatures. You can keep your cat outside though hot biscuit set up so that he has a warm retreat when he doesn’t want to enter the apartment in the evening.
A little warm retreat with one cozy blanket or drinking straw offers the cat adequate protection from the cold on frozen nights.
8. Is it dangerous if the cat eats snow?
No it is not. However, it can become painful inflammation of the stomach lining (Gastritis) comes when the cat too much snow he eats. If there is salt in the snow, this can also be dangerous for the cat.
Outdoor cats can also consume street salt when grooming themselves. The consequences can be vomiting or diarrhea.
9. Do cats need to be warmed up after being outdoors?
Yes, you should keep your cat’s paws outside in the winter with warm waterrinse. This also removes the residual salt. Vaseline or milking fat for the care of stressed cat paws.
Drying is not a must – Your cat can do it himself. It can be supported with a soft towel, provided your cat allows it.
10. Can cat fur be trimmed in winter?
In the case of a longhaired cat who lives exclusively in the apartment, the fur can be shortened want. If you remove too much fur, the cat will freeze. For outdoor hikers it should completely dispensed from the shear in winter want.
Some cat breeds also have “Snow shoes“That is, tufts of fur between the fingers that prevent you from sinking into the powdery snow. These include the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest Cat and Hissingr.
11. Can cats orient themselves in the snow?
Yup, even if there is a lot of snow, cats can still orient themselves. Familiar noises, familiar houses or trees help them with this. Even the cat’s thin nose takes the urinary signs continued to be true through the snow.
If the snow isn’t too deep, cats can get away with it even in winter move silently and hunt successfully. Provided there are still enough prey nearby that they won’t hibernate.
12. Can cats get burned in winter?
Yes sure reflective snow can cause sunburn to your cat. Cats with a light coat color, light ears and bridge of the nose are particularly affected. Sunburn is that most common cause of skin cancer in cats. A cat-friendly sunscreen with high UV protection can protect your cat from sunburn.
In winter, many things simply work differently than in other seasons. But if you take these tips into consideration, you and your cat will be prepared for freezing temperatures.
