Keys to protect your cat from the cold

Now that winter is approaching, we have to keep in mind that animals also suffer from temperature changes and can catch a cold.

Cats are especially sensitive to low temperatures, so you may notice changes in their behavior in cold weather.

Among these behaviors, you may notice that they spend more time hiding, crawl under the blankets or inside the bed, and even look for warmer areas of the house.

The cold weather takes its toll on them and you should protect them so that they do not suffer at this time of the year.

What should we take into account?

Their coat

Your cat's main defense against the cold is its coat. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep it healthy and brushed. You will notice at this time of the year that its coat is more abundant and its loss is less.

It is advisable to brush your cat's coat frequently during the cold season, especially if it is long-haired. In this way, you will avoid tangling, hair loss or even the appearance of dermatitis.

Feeding

If the animal goes out of the house, it will require extra calories. You will have to give it food rich in fats, including vitamins to reinforce its defenses. These vitamins can only be given if your veterinarian consents and recommends it.

If, on the other hand, the cat does not go out of the house, it will not be necessary to modify the diet. They themselves tend to reduce their physical activity to maintain their high caloric load and in case of overfeeding them they could develop obesity.

Warm clothing

For cats it is of vital importance their own hygiene. So, no matter how cold it is, we should avoid putting any warm clothes on them. It is more advisable to prepare a warm blanket where he can lie down or even get under it as he likes.

If your cat's bed is on the floor, it is preferable to wedge it or elevate it to prevent the cold from penetrating. In case of extreme cold, you can also place a thermal blanket keeping an eye on the temperature, since excess heat can be counterproductive.

Cats with little or no hair

Within the aspect of the coat, it should be noted that there are some breeds of cats that are even more sensitive to low temperatures. Among this group would be hairless cats such as Sphynx cats. In this case it is advisable to equip them with warm clothing to help maintain their ideal body temperature.

Puppies and cats over 7 years old

Puppies need special care, as they have an underdeveloped immune system and are more vulnerable to cold than adult cats. So in addition to protecting them against the cold, you should pamper them a lot and give them a special diet. Of course, always consulting a trusted veterinarian.

In the case of cats older than 7 years (age at which their defenses begin to weaken) their ability to withstand the cold is much less, as this will be one of the derivatives of advanced age.

Cats with chronic diseases

Cats suffering from chronic diseases have lower defenses and are more susceptible to cold, which can lead to colds.

Articular and speech-related diseases, such as osteoarthritis and arthritis, may be accentuated by low temperatures.

Remember

Cats also get sick and we must help them to endure the winter.

And as always, we recommend, in case of noticing strange behaviors or other complications, to visit your trusted veterinarian. He will know better than anyone which are the best cares so that the cold is not a problem.