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5 Ways to Keep Your Cat Healthy All Winter Long

Winters can be long, cold, and miserable, so we’re especially grateful for our furry friends who keep us company when we’re stuck indoors! After all, is there any better feeling than curling up on the couch with your cat by your side?
Unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games (or fun and relaxing) at this time of year. This season, with its freezing temperatures and bad weather, can actually be quite dangerous for our pets. Here are some winter health tips for cats, so you can better prepare to keep your kitty safe during the coldest months of the year.

Make Hydration a Priority

You should make sure your furry friend is drinking enough water year round—but pay particularly close attention during the winter. Frigid temperatures and dry heat indoors can leave your cat (and you!) dehydrated. Familiarize yourself with how often your cat drinks water the rest of the year. If the frequency drops when winter rolls around, you may need to consult your vet to make sure your feline isn’t getting dehydrated. Your vet may suggest some changes that could lead her to drink more water, such as changing out her water more frequently or moving her bowl elsewhere.
Outdoor cats can also suffer from a lack of available water as temperatures drop. If your feline loves to roam, ensure that she has access to clean, fresh water daily. Depending on how cold it is outside, your cat could return to his bowl to find a block of ice! Be sure to check back often and switch out the water if it’s frozen, or consider getting a heated bowl that can prevent the problem.

Provide Shelter for Outdoor Cats

Bad weather presents a significant danger to outdoor cats. Your kitty might be the smartest, most independent pet you’ve ever had, but that won’t keep him safe from a sudden blizzard or freezing temperatures. Falling snow can easily confuse cats on the prowl, and he might have trouble finding his way home if a blizzard hits while he’s away from your house. When the thermometer begins to dip too low for comfort, consider keeping your cat indoors with you.
For a cat that absolutely has to stay outside, provide a proper shelter that can protect him from the elements. Include water, food, and a blanket, so he’ll have less of a reason to wander off and get lost as the weather worsens. Additionally, make sure to check under the hood of your car before starting it up after a cold night—a cat might be sheltering underneath!

Invest in a Heated Cat Bed

If your house is constantly chilly and you notice your cat frequenting warm spots like the radiator or your lap, consider purchasing a heated cat bed, so she can have her own reliably warm spot. These specialty pillows and cozy forts come in a variety of designs, so you can find something that complements your decor while keeping your cat nice and toasty. Cat beds typically come with low-wattage heating technology, so your cat won’t be in danger of getting too warm. And while she’s napping comfortably in her new bed, you won’t have to worry about her getting too close to the fireplace and singeing her fur!

Support Natural Functions with a Feline Supplement

Winter brings with it a whole host of potential dangers, from toxic rock salt spread over sidewalks to dangerously icy conditions that could lead to a fall. Though we wish we could protect pets from everything, accidents do happen—so it’s best to be prepared. Consider introducing a supplement into your kitty’s diet to help support her bodily functions. Wapiti offers natural supplements specially formulated to help manage a variety of issues, from allergies to tissue damage. By keeping her in tip-top shape, she’ll be better prepared to handle or bounce back from injuries and other discomforts.

Keep Cats Active

Who wants to get out of a warm, toasty bed when the floor is cold and a snowstorm is all that awaits outside? Nobody. But there’s work to do, errands to run, and maybe even a trip to the gym to be made, to fight off the winter slump. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, remember to take the time to play with your feline, particularly if he’s usually an outdoor cat that you’re keeping inside for the winter. Some people think of cats as aloof and self-sufficient, but they rely on us to provide stimulation and attention. Schedule regular indoor playtime during the winter, to help your cat avoid getting sluggish or gaining weight.

Keep Cats Happy and Healthy with Wapiti

With the right diet, exercise, and care, your furry feline can live for decades—and we want to be there every step of the way. We’re proud to offer supplements made with a blend of natural ingredients, such as elk velvet antler and traditional herbs. Wondering where you can get your hands on our products? Order from our website, use the code BLOG for Free shipping on your order!

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