Mary Allen
Whether it’s depression, dark streets or the cold: Autumn holds many dangers in store for cats. Here you can find out how your cat can get through the cold and wet season fit and healthy and what you urgently need to pay attention to.
Autumn can be exhausting for cats: when it is dark for longer and the temperature drops, both outdoor cats and indoor cats have to adapt. With these seven tips, you can arm your cat for all the dangers that the cold, wet season brings with it.
Autumn Fatigue and Depression
You should expect your cat to become calmer and sleep more. Because the so-called winter fatigue begins in some animals in the fall. Then it is completely normal for the cat to rest up to 22 hours a day.
But be careful: If the cat sleeps much more frequently and much longer than usual, this can also be a sign of autumn depression. This is also noticeable through the following symptoms:
- The cat eats less and does not accept its favorite food or treats.
- If you speak to the cat, it hardly reacts.
- The cat withdraws and wants to be left alone.
- The otherwise playful cat doesn’t care about the toy.
If you notice these symptoms in your cat, you should definitely visit the veterinarian. He can rule out other physical causes for this behavior and give you detailed advice on how to help your depressed cat.
Keeping Cats Fit in Autumn
Lazy cats can be kept fit by playing games together. The cat doesn’t have to move as much in the fall as it does in the summer. But if it just lies around, it’s unhealthy: the muscles break down and it gains weight.
In order for the cat to move, you should offer attractive games that best appeal to all of the senses. Let them chase the cat rod, offer their catnip pillow to bite into, or boxes to jump in and explore. So your cat stays fit even in autumn!
The laser pointer is not a good alternative to keep the cat busy: when chasing the red dot, it does not experience real hunting success, only frustration!
Autumn: More Food for the Cat?
It is true that many believe that cats need more food in autumn and winter. However, that is not true. This idea comes from the past: back then there were no heaters. Humans and animals had to build up a pad of fat in order not to freeze. Fortunately, that is no longer the case today.
Anyone who feeds the cat excessively in autumn is making a big mistake: the animal moves less in the cold season and therefore gains weight anyway. Even more, food can quickly lead to obesity in the cat.
Warmth is Important to Cats
In autumn the temperatures drop, the hot summer is over. Therefore you should make sure that your cat always has a warm place available. Self-heating cat blankets or cozy cat caves are just the things now.
Travel Safely in the Dark
In autumn it not only gets colder but also darker. The risk of accidents for outdoor cats is particularly high at this time of the year. Because the commuter traffic now takes place exactly at dawn and dusk. Cats like to be out and about at this time of day.
It, therefore, makes sense to only let the free-roaming cat outside when it is already light. A glowing cat collar could make the animal more visible. However, it must be ensured that the collar is really suitable for cats and that the animal does not get caught anywhere.
Be Careful With The Fireplace and Candles
In autumn, many put out candles or light the fireplace for the first time. But be careful: you should never leave your cat alone in the room with an open flame. Candles must be placed where the cat cannot reach them. This is the only way to protect your pet from burns.
Change of Fur in Autumn
As soon as it gets colder, indoor cats, as well as outdoor cats, get a thick winter coat. When your cat sheds its summer coat, you should brush it to encourage shedding. This will prevent her from choking on the thick fur balls.
As summer rolls around, there are many things for you as a cat owner to think about. But if you follow these seven simple tips, your cat will come through the fall fit and safe.