Autumn Cat Care Tips

Fall is finally here! The colorful foliage and crisp breezes are always a nice change after a long, hot summer. Our feline friends also enjoy autumn weather, but they do need some extra TLC at this time of year. If you have a cat, you may want to take some extra precautions to keep your furball happy, healthy, and purring this fall. Below, a local Lakeville, MN vet lists some great autumn care tips for kitties.

Shedding

Autumn is a peak shedding time for kitties. Brushing Fluffy daily will help remove that dead fur from her coat, so that it gets trapped in a brush instead of getting stuck to your clothes and furniture. These grooming sessions will also help reduce the number of hairballs your cat produces. Ask your vet to recommend a good hairball remedy.

Beds

Believe it or not, cats sleep even more than usual in cold, dreary weather. Make sure your drowsy pet has plenty of soft beds. Fluffy isn’t particularly picky about her napping spots: a box or wicker basket with soft pillows and blankets will do quite nicely.

Veterinary Care

Proper veterinary care is very important! Most cats should see the vet about once a year. Also, make sure Fluffy is current on her vaccines and parasite control products. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Senior Kitties

Older pets often get stiff and sore in cold weather. If Fluffy is a senior, she may benefit from pain management treatments or certain supplements. Ask your vet for more information.

Litterbox

Make sure your kitty’s powder room isn’t in a cold or drafty area. Cats hate chilly bathrooms!

Outdoor Hazards

Autumn can be very dangerous for outdoor cats. Since many people fill their vehicles with antifreeze and apply lawn and garden products at this time of year, your furball could easily ingest or be exposed to toxic chemicals. Wildlife is also an issue: many wild animals are particularly active—and extra cranky—in fall. Vegetation is another concern: Fluffy could get sick by eating or having contact with moldy leaves; poisonous mushrooms; or late-blooming toxic plants, such as dahlias and chrysanthemums. Weather and increased traffic can also endanger our feline friends. We recommend keeping kitties safe and sound indoors.

Please contact us, your local Lakeville, MN animal clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!