Whiskers and Warmth

Even though cats are known for their independent nature, winters can be tough on them, especially if they like to venture outside. Winter care for cats involves a few extra steps, but each one makes a big difference in keeping your feline comfy, healthy, and happy.

As a responsible pet parent, you should also try and support stays and community cats. This will make a significant difference in their survival and quality of life.

Purr-fectly polished with good grooming

Cats may shed less in winter, but their fur can matt easily. Regular grooming for your pet is essential to help her stay comfortable and maintain a healthy coat. Use a cat-friendly brush or comb to gently groom your cat, especially if she has long fur. Regular grooming also helps reduce shedding indoors. Pay extra attention to areas like the belly, paws, and behind the ears.

Ditch the water dilemma

Bathing removes natural oils that help keep your feline friend’s coat warm so try and limit her baths in winter. If a bath is necessary use lukewarm water and dry her thoroughly. You can also take her to a professional groomer, as they would be able to dry her quickly.

Keep your cat covered when indoors and get her a few warm clothes, particularly for short-haired breeds, old cats, newborn kittens, and those with any health conditions.

Fuel for Felines – A nutrient-rich diet

Cats can burn more energy in winter to stay warm, so a nutritious diet will help your pet to maintain her energy levels and stay warm and healthy. Add wet food for additional moisture because wet food helps keep your pet hydrated. Warm the meals slightly so that it is at room temperature, making it easy to digest. Also, make sure that the water in her water bowl is not too cold.

Indoor bliss for your feline friend

Winters can make your cats less active and lethargic. To keep your feline friend active, make sure you include daily playtime in her routine. Interactive toys, cat scratch stations, or even a simple paper ball can keep her on her toes!

Winter can cause changes in routines that may affect your cat and may even cause seasonal depression. Watch for any signs of stress, lethargy, or discomfort and make adjustments accordingly. Try and keep the curtains open to let your cat bask in natural sunlight.

Vets and vitality

Winter can bring health issues, especially for older or chronically ill cats. A winter health check-up can catch early signs of arthritis, which can worsen in cold weather. Winter air can also dry out your cat’s skin, leading to itching, dandruff, or hair loss. Your vet can suggest supplements or dietary changes to improve your pet’s skin hydration and coat quality.

Paws of hope

Building a small shelter provides essential protection from the cold, and wind making it easier for cats to conserve body heat. Line the shelters with blankets or towels to keep it warm. During winter, outdoor cats need extra calories to stay warm. So, if possible, provide calorie-dense dry food for strays in your area. You can use heated water bowls or try and give them clean lukewarm water a few times throughout the day.

Feline Fun Zone with Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are necessary for keeping cats mentally and physically stimulated. Here are some of the best interactive toys you can get your pet –

• Heated Plush Toys: These toys provide warmth, mimicking the body heat of another animal.
• Laser Toys: They keep your pet active indoors, allowing her to chase and pounce, which satisfies her hunting instincts.
• Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toys: Puzzles engage your pet’s mind make her work for treats and keep her mentally and physically active.
• Ball Tracks with LED Lights: Ball tracks provide endless entertainment and allow your pet to exercise her paws and reflexes.

In the coldest months, taking extra steps to care for cats (whether indoor cats or community cats) is essential for their comfort and well-being. By focusing on warmth, nutrition, grooming, enrichment, and vet care, you can ensure that your feline friend is happy and healthy!

(Karishma Varma is the owner of The House of Wagging Tales, a state-of-the-art pet boarding facility in Mumbai, Maharashtra)