Fall is a beautiful time of year: the changing temperatures, chilly breezes, and seasonal scents, flavors, and decorations all have a charming and cozy feel. Many of our feline friends also seem to enjoy this time of year. Fluffy looks adorable posing with leaves and pumpkins!
Brush Your Cat Regularly
Autumn is a peak time for shedding. As Fluffy swaps out her summer clothes for a winter wardrobe, you may find that she is leaving fur all over, well, everything. Brushing her can be very helpful here. For one thing, the more fur you capture with a brush, the less you will find all over your clothes and furniture. Your feline pal will also get less hairballs, which will be a relief for you both.
Provide Lots Of Comfy Beds
Did you know that kitties somehow manage to sleep even more than usual in dreary weather? Fluffy is pretty good about making sure that she is getting enough sleep no matter what the weather is like, but she does get extra tired when it’s cold or rainy. There is a reason for this: kitties naturally start to conserve energy as colder weather approaches. (Rainy fall days are great for snuggling up with a purring cat.)
Set out lots of comfy spots for your feline pal to doze off in. Your pet won’t turn her cute nose up at store-bought beds, but she also likes sleeping on soft folded blankets, which you can put on sofas, chairs, and ottomans. You can also put them in wicker baskets or boxes. (Fluffy may also sleep on your shoes or laptop, or in your laundry basket, but that’s another topic.)
Cats also love finding warm napping spots. This is a holdover from Fluffy’s kittenhood. Baby cats can’t really regulate their temperature until they are about a month old. At first, they get their body heat from their siblings and mother. Our feline pals really never outgrow the urge to seek out cozy spots to curl up in. As it gets colder, you may also want to offer your pet some extra warmth. Put one of her beds near a heating vent, or get her a thermal bed.
Taking Care Of Older Cats
As mentioned above, older cats often have a hard time in cold, damp weather. Arthritis is quite common with kitties, as it is with people. Supplements may be helpful to some cats. Fluffy may also benefit from massage or laser therapy. Ask your vet for more information.
Litterbox
Fluffy isn’t a big fan of chilly bathrooms, and who can blame her? Make sure that her purrsonal powder room isn’t in a drafty area.
Allergies
Did you know that kitties can get allergies, just as people can? If your feline pal is susceptible to them, this could be a difficult time of year for her. Itching, watery eyes, dull fur, and skin irritation are signs of allergic reactions. Contact your vet if you see any of these.
Don’t Skip Parasite Control
You may think that fleas and ticks become less of an issue in fall, but this actually isn’t the case. They will be trying to come in out of the cold, and can become quite problematic. Keep up with your pet’s preventative care.
Be Aware Of Outdoor Hazards
We always recommend keeping cats safe and sound indoors, and with good reason. There are just far too many hazards out there for a curious little kitty!
Here are a few of the things to be concerned about:
- Wild Animals: In some areas, wild animals such as bears, snakes, and others will be on the lookout for places to hibernate. They may be more aggressive than usual.
- Mushrooms: While fortunately most mushrooms aren’t poisonous, those that are tend to be very, very poisonous.
- Toxic Plants: Many late-blooming plants, such as dahlias and chrysanthemums, are toxic to our feline pals.
- Mold: Fluffy could get sick by eating or having contact with moldy leaves.
- Chemicals: Many people treat their lawns and gardens in fall. These chemicals can be very dangerous to kitties. Fluffy only needs to walk through a spot that was recently treated to get some on her fur or paws. She could then ingest it the next time she grooms herself. If you put any sort of chemical or fertilizer down, water that spot after so the chemicals leach into the soil.
- Pesticides: As the weather cools, mice, rats, and other vermin will be trying to get inside. Be careful with things like rodenticides and pesticides. These are also toxic to kitties!
Be Careful With Fire
Fires, firepits, and candles can all make for a cozy autumn night. However, be careful with these things if you have a kitty. Fluffy’s thick fur can easily get singed by sparks. She’s also been known to accidentally stick her tail into candles.
Keep candles in thick holders or sconces, and put them in high spots that are well away from paws’ reach. Don’t leave Fluffy unattended near open flames.
Keep Your Kitty Comfy
Our feline buddies are all about comfort. We’ve already covered providing lots of napping spots. However, that isn’t the only way to keep Fluffy purring. One thing to bear in mind is that, with autumn moving in, the days will get shorter. If your feline pal stays home alone while you go to work, turn a light or radio on for her before you leave. That way, your kitty won’t be stuck sitting alone in a dark, quiet house. Also, make sure the house stays at a comfortable temperature.
Be Careful With Decorations
Many people love to decorate for fall. If you have a super-frisky kitty—or even a semi-frisky kitty—keep your playful pet in mind. Anything small or sharp is a potential risk. Items with ropes or cords are also unsafe. That includes things like light strands, garlands, and tinsel, as well as ribbons and those fake spiderwebs that come with many decorations. Plastic bags, wrappers, and ties are also unsafe. Ask your vet for more information.
Be Careful Around Halloween
Halloween is getting a bit bigger each year. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty dangerous holiday for cats, particularly black ones. Back in medieval times, black cats were unfairly associated with witchcraft. There is no truth or rational foundation behind that superstition, but the bad PR has followed Fluffy to this day. Sadly, cats are more likely to be stolen or hurt on this day than any other time of the year. In fact, some shelters pause adoptions of black cats because of this.
Mischief isn’t the only issue. There will also be more traffic than usual on a holiday weekend. This is another reason to keep your feline friend safe and sound indoors.
Get That Motor Going
No matter what season it is, it’s important for you to spend quality time with your feline pal and keep that little motor going. Fall is a purrfect time to curl up with your kitty, a cozy beverage, and your favorite horror movies! It’s also a great chance for getting some adorable seasonal photos of your cute pet!
Make An Appointment At Our Animal Clinic
Is your feline buddy due for a visit? Please feel free to contact us at any time! As your local pet hospital, we are dedicated to offering great care.
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