Tag Archives: winter

Cats, The Pet Professionals

Cats and the cold

As winter is fast approaching, we would like to take some time to talk about our cats’ relationship with the cold and the different ways that it can affect their comfort.
If we had to point out some of the most common features of our beloved domestic felines, we’d probably have “love warm spots to sleep on!” quite high on our list. This would be right next to purring and also their capacity to effortlessly charm us into forgiving them for tossing random things onto the floor.
Despite their luxurious coats, cats generally are not adapted as well to the cold climates as dogs. Most breeds lack the thick, insulating fur that makes freezing temperatures bearable for dogs like Huskies or Samoyeds, with the added issue that they are incapable of retaining body heat when their non-insulating coat is wet.

As temperatures continue to drop, how can we make sure we are well prepared to help our furry friends?

  • Make sure you don’t shut your cat out during the night or for long periods, especially when the weather is wet and cold;
  • Drafts make up for an awful sleeping experience, so position their beds in places that are far away from cold air currents;
  • Your pets will thank you if you add warmer bedding to the areas they usually sleep on;
  • If your cats seem to be restless or if they are starting to sleep in odd places like the inside of closets or on top of laptop vents, it might be a sign they are having difficulty keeping warm;
  • When fostering feral or semi-feral cats that live permanently outside, it’s very important to ensure there is an accessible, warm, dry shelter that is away from freezing wind so that they can protect themselves from the cold.

Not all pets experience the cold in the same way! Depending on their age and some health issues, some cats can be more sensitive to extremes of temperature than others.
Elderly and sick pets tend to be much more vulnerable to lower temperatures because they cannot adapt to them or retain enough heat in their bodies. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and hyperthyroidism will also require that you pay special attention to your pets’ needs during this winter time.

If your cats run away during bad weather and get stuck outside for several hours, time is of the essence! Bring them in as soon as possible, make sure that they are dry and keep them warm. Call your vet and tell them what has happened and ask for further advice, as your pets might need medical assistance due to issues like hypothermia and even frostbite.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

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Cats, The Pet Professionals

Winter, osteoarthritis and cats

With the cold weather settling in, we tend to see our pets enjoying longer naps and not seeming as interested in going outside for their exercise as usual. Even though the poor weather can be a significant contributor to this change in their disposition, it is important to make sure that your cats are happy and healthy.

Did you know that cats can also suffer from osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a progressive condition that affects the joints. As this disease causes mobility problems, it can have a significant impact on our pets’ daily routines and quality of life.

As a result, you may notice your cats are less willing to go outside or play, show less energy overall and spend more time napping. Also, you may see that they don’t spend much time on their favourite places anymore if it requires jumping or climbing. In more severe cases, cats can even have swollen joints, limp or have a stiff gait, and osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition.

As you are well aware, cats are experts at masking signs of disease, so there is no one better to detect early signs of discomfort than an attentive owner.

If you recognise any of the signs mentioned, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your vet. Even though there is no cure for osteoarthritis, this disease can be managed with medication, household modifications and complementary therapies.

There is no need for your cats to suffer in silence!

Also, keep in mind that, as for people, it is common for clinical signs to aggravate during the cold season. So, again, if you feel that something is not right, seek professional advice.

Don’t let the bad weather fool you – there is nothing better than a nap under the warm, cosy blankets, but make sure it is because your cats want to and not because they’re in pain!

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

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Horses, The Pet Professionals

Keeping your horse entertained during the colder months

Bad weather can be a real nuisance for horses as it usually means less time spent grazing, galloping and just simply enjoying being out in the field with their friends.
As a result, they can become bored and stressed, which can lead to negative repercussions in their behaviour and health.
The good news is there are some things you can do to make your horses’ days more fun!

#1 Novelty
Horses are very intelligent animals and always love to engage in a new challenge. Introducing your horses to new experiences, such as trying out a new discipline, can be a great way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

#2 Environmental enrichment
You wouldn’t enjoy being confined to a room with nothing to do all day, and neither do your horses.
Food-related entertainment, such as hanging treats and fine-mesh hay nets that increase the time spent foraging and nibbling, will probably be the most appealing. However, providing stable toys and scratching mats are also great to spark your horses’ inquisitive nature and keep them occupied. To keep things interesting, don’t forget to rotate toys and alternate treats every once in a while.
Some horses might also enjoy having music playing, and if your horse is stabled alone, consider having a mirror installed to mimic some company.

#3 Spending quality time together
Take advantage of the poor weather conditions and work on your bond with your horses. There are plenty of activities you can engage in confined spaces that you can enjoy together, such as:
• Grooming
• Massages
• Carrot stretches
• Clicker training
• Lunging
• Walking in hand

 

Try to take your horses out if you have the opportunity but keep in mind that if it’s miserable for you, it’s likely that they won’t be able to enjoy it very much as well.

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

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Frostbite

All of the major festivities have passed but as we take down the glittering ornaments and bright lights, Winter has just started. The gloom of the long nights and the freezing cold weather are here to stay for a while, so we feel this is a good time to remind our community that our pets might suffer from important injuries due to the cold.

Cats in particular might wander around and get stuck in cold sheds or get caught outside without shelter, which puts them at a slightly greater risk than other pets of getting frostbite.

Frostbite is caused by exposure to cold temperatures and the colder it is, the less time is needed for damage to happen. The skin reacts to extreme cold by constricting blood vessels as a way to keep core temperature stable, which works very well as a survival method! The problem with reducing blood circulation to limbs and other exposed areas is that these might freeze over.

When this happens, the cells are heavily damaged, causing tissue death and a lot of problems down the line. Limbs, ears and tail are the most common places where cats might suffer from frostbite.

Frozen tissues can be pale, grey or bluish in colour and brittle. As they thaw, redness, swelling and pain will set in. With time, dead tissues change to a black colour and they might become infected and fall off. Depending on the severity of the frostbite, your cat might require extensive treatment and even amputation of the affected area!

Cats with diseases like diabetes mellitus and heart disease, among other issues, will have reduced circulation and will be more at risk, so pay extra attention to the time they spend outside.

If you suspect your friendly feline might have frostbite, call your vet immediately but DO NOT rub or massage the affected area or try to warm it up with direct dry heat or hot water.

 
Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

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