Winterize Your Home for Senior Cats
The days are growing shorter and the nights are growing colder. And as many of us know that can mean more aches and pains. Not just for ourselves, but for our elderly feline companions as well. Fortunately, there are options that can help us make the chilly weather more comfortable for our dear ones. Supplements, including Canna Companion, that help your cat maintain both joint and overall health are just one of many ways you can ease their discomfort.
One of the most obvious options, clothing, also seems like it may be the least likely to work. After all, cats are notoriously fussy about what they will or will not tolerate. Believe it or not, there are some cats who have to wear sweaters year round in cooler climates. There are plenty of others who won’t mind, especially those snuggler cats who burrow under every blanket. Senior pets are often more slender and need that extra warmth the most. Choose soft material that won’t inhibit movement.
Another excellent option is to offer a heated cat bed. There are many different options here, but the most important thing is going to be taking your cat’s own preferences into account. If they like to hide themselves when they sleep, try to get something that has a cover so that they may do so. Always look for heating pads designed specifically for animals. There are a number of different varieties available from ones that go in the microwave to electric ones that only heat up when they have weight on them.
Additionally, even without a heat pad, there are ways to make their rest more comfortable. Elevate their beds so that they are away from cold floors, using stairs and ramps for older cats where needed so they can readily access favorite sleeping spots. Make sure they have access to what sunny spaces are still available. And double check their favorite perches to ensure that any nearby windows aren’t drafty. Doing this can also help your heating costs.
A few final precautions include keeping litter boxes out of cold basements or garages. In fact, there are a number of other good reasons to restrict access to garages. Antifreeze and deicers are both very toxic to cats. A little work and a lot of love can help your feline friend have a safe and comfortable winter.
