Autumn is officially here. This is a beautiful time of year: the air is crisp and clean, the leaves are changing, and seasonal trappings and flavors are everywhere. Many of our feline buddies really enjoy this time of year. However, you’ll have to take some precautions to keep your kitty happy, healthy, and safe. A Champaign, IL veterinarian goes over some of them in this article.
Decorate Carefully
Do you set out seasonal decorations? Keep Fluffy’s safety in mind. Anything small or sharp is a potential danger. Your kitty would be at risk of choking and/or serious internal injuries if she were to try to swallow something like that! Anything with wires or cords, such as garlands or fake spiderwebs could entangle your furry friend, while many seasonal plants are toxic. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Offer Napping Spots
Here’s a fun fact about kitties: they actually sleep even more than usual when it’s cloudy or dreary out. Set out lots of comfy beds. Older cats may get a bit chilly on cold days, so you may want to offer Fluffy some things that will keep her warm, like an enclosed bed or thermal blankets.
Offer A Spot For Watching The Leaves
We can’t overstate how much safer your cat will be if she stays indoors. There’s almost no end to the potential threats your furry little friend could face outside! These include cars, weather, chemicals, stray cats, and even some humans. Black cats, sadly, are particularly at risk at this time of year. Because of old (and unfounded) superstitions, kitties with black coats have unfairly been associated with witches and witchcraft. That puts them at high risk of cruel—and sometimes deadly—abuse around Halloween. Keep Fluffy indoors!
Be Cautious With Chemicals
Many people treat their yards and gardens at this time of year, ahead of the cold weather. They may fill their cars with antifreeze, and plant fall crops. Many of the products and chemicals used in these processes are poisonous to cats. Fluffy only needs to walk through a recently-treated patch to ingest dangerous toxins. Fertilizers, rodenticides, pesticides, and fungicides are just a few of the chemicals that can endanger your feline pal.
Keep Up With Preventative Care
Fluffy needs to be protected from parasites and disease, no matter what season it is. Keep up with your feline pal’s wellness care!
Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your local Champaign, IL animal clinic, today!
