Autumn Cat Care

Fall has officially fallen: the temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and people are already wondering about winter forecasts. Fluffy may not be too concerned with any of those things, but she will notice the cooler temperatures. She may also soon be getting into some seasonal mischief that pet owners should be aware of. This can be a dangerous time of year for our feline pals! A Washington DC vet goes over some autumn cat care tips in this article.

Keep Kitty In

Halloween can be a dangerous time for Fluffy. Black cats are at particular risk. Because of old myths associating them with witchcraft, they’re prime targets for cruel pranks. Keep your cat in, especially around the autumn holiday.

Weather

It can get cold fast at this time of year. Make sure your furry friend has lots of warm, comfy spots to snuggle up in for all those naps. Fluffy may also appreciate a thermal blanket or a heated pet bed. As mentioned above, we recommend keeping cats inside. However, if you do let your pet go outdoors, make sure she has an emergency shelter. 

Chemicals

People often treat their lawns and gardens with fertilizer, fungicides, and herbicides at this time of year. These products are all highly toxic to cats. Fluffy could get sick just by walking through—or rolling around in—an area that has recently been treated to ingest these toxins. Any residue she gets on her coat will be ingested when she cleans herself. Antifreeze is another hazard. It’s extremely poisonous to pets, but unfortunately has a taste many kitties love. Opt for a pet-friendly brand. If you aren’t sure if yours is safe or not, err on the side of caution. Clean up any spills immediately, and cover any damp spots with sand or cat litter. 

Be Careful With Decorations

Do you decorate your home for autumn? Keep small items in spots where Fluffy can’t get to them. Anything with strings or cords is a danger: cats often can’t resist these types of objects. These can cause serious—and potentially fatal—internal injuries if ingested.

Shedding

Many of our feline buddies will start growing thicker coats in fall. That means more shedding. Brushing Fluffy daily will help cut down on the amount of fur you find stuck to, well, everything. This will also help reduce or prevent hairballs. 

Please contact us, your Washington DC pet hospital, with any questions or concerns about your cat’s care. We’re here for you!