Autumn Care for Cats

Fall is upon us! The leaves are changing, and the stores are filling up with pumpkin-flavored everything. This can be a fun time of year for our feline friends. You may notice your cute pet acting friskier and more playful as the weather cools. However, you will need to take some precautions to keep your kitty safe and healthy as the seasons change. A local Oconomowoc, WI vet discusses autumn care for kitties below. 

Beds

We all know that cats are, for some reason, collectively exhausted. Fluffy actually tends to sleep even more than usual when it’s cold or dreary out. Make sure your drowsy pet has plenty of comfy beds and napping spots to choose from. Kitties like variety, so offer a few different beds, and move them around regularly. 

Diet

Older cats often get stiff and sore when it’s cold and damp. If Fluffy seems to be moving more slowly than usual, have your vet examine her. This could be a sign of arthritis. While arthritis isn’t curable, there are treatments that can help. Your furry pal may also benefit from specific vitamins or nutrients. 

Parasite Control

Although fleas and ticks aren’t as prevalent in cold weather as they are in summer, they don’t entirely go away. In fact, many will try to come inside as the weather cools. Smaller critters, like mice, may also try to bunk with you. Keep up with Fluffy’s vaccines and parasite control products. If you do get mice, use humane, non-toxic methods to evict them. Pesticides and rodenticides are highly toxic to cats! 

Safety

While your furball may love exploring outdoors, she’s much safer staying in. Kitties that go outside face many serious risks, such as weather, traffic, wild animals, and chemicals. Autumn is particularly dangerous. Temperatures can plummet quickly, and the shorter daylight makes Fluffy vulnerable to cars and other dangers. Halloween is especially risky, especially for black cats. 

Decorations

Autumn decorations have a special cozy and whimsical feeling. Just keep your frisky feline in mind when setting these out. Candles and potpourri burners should be kept in high spots, well out of Fluffy’s reach. Playful pets can also choke on anything small or sharp, such as candies. Items with dangling threads or cords are also unsafe. 

Please contact us, your Oconomowoc, WI vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!