Cat Behavior
Greater Cat Winter Care: Non -Cold Old | Cat wisdom 101 Layla Morgan Wilde
Greater cat care: old non -cold
After many years of caring for the older cats and listening to thousands of cats of cats in Cat Wisdom 101, I have learned that winter presents unique challenges for our old feline friends.
Cats become officially older at age 8.
Today, let’s explore how to keep your cat older not only surviving but thriving during the cold months.
Curious fact: The ancestors of the cats originated in the desert, it is not surprising that Mittens give you the stinky eye when you open the door to a country of winter wonders!
Think of your older cat as the wise old man who are: they know what they want, but their bodies may not cooperate as they used to do it. Just as we feel winter in our most acutely bones as we age, so do our cats.
Winter survival guide of the arthritic cat
Those crispy joints become more bad when the temperature falls. Be attentive to the subtle signals that your cat feels uncomfortable: they can be slower climbing stairs, doubt before jumping or finding new points to sleep closer to heat sources.
Did you know? Cats have an average body temperature of 102 ° F, which explains why grandfather CAT has claimed its laptop as its personal heating pad!
While you can’t stop winter, you can make it more comfortable:
– Create high sleep stains on sunny windows (with easy access steps)
– Place orthopedic beds near heat ventilations (but not too close)
-Mantenga your favorite places without draft
– Consider a bed or a pad designed for major cats
A word of caution: always verify the heated products and never use human heating pads. Our older adults deserve warmth, but security is first.
The inner bath dilemma
Many larger cats become more particular about their sandbox habits in winter. The cold floors of the basement or the cold garage locations that were fine in summer can become deterrent.
Bigotes wisdom: Cat mustaches can detect temperature changes of less than one degree, which makes them original smart thermostats!
Some practical solutions that I have seen work over and over again:
Move the garbage boxes to warmer places during the winter months. Yes, you may not have a sand box in your vital space, but your older cat will thank you. Consider it short -term accommodation for comfort.
Add additional sandboxes on each floor: those arthritic joints may not want to board the stairs so often. Remember, we want to prevent accidents before they occur.
Hydration: The winter challenge
Major cats are prone to dehydration, and dry winter air does not help. This is what works:
– Place water bowls in multiple locations (away from food)
– Use shallow bowls – Aged cats often prefer them
– Try a normal glass (Otto loves them)
– Consider a source with a soft flow
– Add moisture to your food
– Nearly monitor water intake
Curious fact: The tongue of a cat is so efficient to drink that it can go around the water at a speed of four laps per second. However, major cats often prefer to take it easy: they are more turtle to make these days.
The toilet continues
Winter brings dry skin and the challenges of tangled skin. Many major cats become less annoying about cleaning, especially if they have arthritis. Help them with:
– Regular soft brushing (make it a union routine)
– Pet wipe without perfume for areas that could be lost
– Be attentive to dandruff – You can indicate skin or dry health problems
– Keep the humidified air
Smart solutions for winter access
Otto and Odin love their new cat door, but Odin has a touch of arthritis and needs an additional step to help him jump.
After years of observing major cats, I have noticed that many fight with the traditional doors of cats in winter. The fins become more difficult to push, and arthritic cats often doubt on the threshold.
Did you know? The modern cat gate was not invented by Isaac Newton, as Urban Legend states. However, we like to think that he was inspired by a major cat who was tired of waiting at the door.
This is what works:
– Install magnetic cat doors that open more easily
– Consider the microchip doors that do the job for them
– Add night lights near the door for better visibility
– Create a gradual ramp or platform on both sides
-Panar the weather around the door frame for the prevention of Draft.
Otto and Odin’s cat door is only open during the day and is strictly monitored. They still like to leave even in the coldest days, but only for a few minutes.
They wear their GPS necklaces during the day. Although Otto has a luxurious cost, there is less than Odin who ventured by the cliff to visit his girlfriend today.
Hitting the winter blade
Even cats like Odin and Otto who have extraordinary freedom and outdoor enrichment are more easily bored.
Winter confinement can be especially hard for cats greater than once spent hours seeing outdoor activities or enjoying the garden.
Window of the window:
– Configure window hangers with bird observation
– Install window boxes to attract winter birds
-Use feeders for suction cup birds for foreground entertainment
– Keep the curtains open during the premiums of wildlife
Curious fact: cats do not really get bored of watching birds: studies show that their brain activity remains compromised even after bird television hours. Talk about the observation of bingers!
Sensory enrichment:
– Catting cat in the interior (many older people love this)
– Use catnip or silver came moderately for soft stimulation
-Reproducting sounds or specific cat videos
– Create texture stations with different surfaces for exploration
Food fun:
– Hide small portions of sweet toys in puzzle toys
– Use outbreaks with dry food (ideal for arthritic cats)
– Serve meals in different places
– Try to heat wet food slightly to improve the aroma. 10 seconds in the microwave.
The welfare clock
Winter requires additional surveillance with larger cats. Be attentive to:
– Changes in appetite
– Difficulty moving after sleep
– Increased vocalization
– Changes in sleep patterns
– Mardlyness or unusual isolation
Trust your instincts: You know your cat better. Do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if something seems off.
Final Bigotes of Wisdom
Remember, aging is not a disease, but it requires adjustments. Each senior cat is unique, bringing its own personality and needs to its golden years. Observe, adjust and, most importantly, appreciate these beautiful winter days with your aging partner.
Truth of cat’s wisdom: the secret to keeping the older cats happy in winter is not just about heat, it is about creating a world in which they feel as capable and safe as they did in their younger years.
You can also enjoy our 10 ways to overcome feline winter blues
Holitos of happiness to survive winter with cats
Do you have a advice to share? Please leave it in a comment.