Fall is absolutely gorgeous here in Pennsylvania. With the beautiful foliage, cool temperatures, and seasonal trappings, it’s no wonder that this is many people’s absolute favorite time of year. Cats also enjoy the change of season. You may notice your kitty watching leaves fall, or perhaps getting a bit zoomy. There are a few things for people with cats to be aware of at this time of year. A local Bucks County, PA vet offers some autumn cat care tips in this article.
Offer Warm Spots
Our feline buddies love finding warm places to snuggle up in. Provide lots of soft beds. Older kitties will need things that are easy to get in and out of, while a shy cat may prefer something enclosed. Of course, Fluffy may also want some extra lap time, especially on cold, dreary days.
Keep Up With Grooming
Fall is a peak shedding time for many kitties. Fluffy may shed a bit more than usual as she’s changing into her winter wear. It’s a good idea to brush your pet regularly. This will capture that dead hair in a brush before it gets stuck to everything. It will also help prevent—or at least reduce—hairballs. If your feline friend has very thick or long fur, ask your vet about hairball preventatives.
Understand Seasonal Hazards
Every season brings its own set of hazards, and autumn is no exception. Be careful with any stringed decorations, such as fake spiderwebs, ribbons, or garlands. Cats often can’t resist batting at things that dangle. These items are choking and entanglement risks, and can cause very dangerous—and potentially fatal—internal injuries if ingested. You’ll also need to be careful with small or sharp objects, plastic bags and wrappers, and candles. Candies are dangerous as well, as they often contain things that are toxic to pets, such as chocolate and xylitol.
The biggest dangers are outside. Seasonal plants, weather, traffic, and chemicals all pose serious threats. Around Halloween, there’s also an elevated risk of harm from cruel pranksters, particularly for black cats. Keep Fluffy safe and sound indoors, especially around Halloween.
Don’t Skip Preventative Care
Fleas and ticks may not be as prevalent in autumn and winter as they are in warm weather, but they are year-round threats. Keep up with your feline pal’s vaccines and parasite control! Ask your vet for more information.
Do you have questions about your pet’s health? Is your cat due for an exam? Contact us, your local Bucks County, PA pet hospital, today!
