Keep your cat safe in cold weather

Winter has arrived in Central New York, and it has settled in for the long haul. It is important to take special care of pets of all species, and there are some specific steps we can take to make sure our pet cats - as well as stray and feral cats - stay safe during these cold months.

Keep your cat(s) inside. Some people think this is cruel to keep cats indoors, but the threats from vehicles, disease, other animals and twisted humans are far worse. As long as you keep up with cleaning and make sure your cat has plenty of toys and attention, she will live a fulfilling feline life.
Cats that are outdoors - be they stray, feral or owned - will seek warm shelter in this weather. Too often, that shelter is under the hood of a vehicle. Many an unsuspecting driver has turned their ignition and seriously injured a cat that has sought comfort. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood a couple of times to rouse any animal that might have sought shelter there and give it a chance to escape.
Beware of salt an other ice melting substances and antifreeze. Clean up spills immediately and thoroughly, and clean off your shoes well. These substances are toxic to our feline friends and can, at best, cause illness and, at worst, cause death.
If you look after feral or very skittish stray cats, you can build or purchase winter shelters for them. As the weather gets warmer, keep Spring Farm CARES feral trap/neuter/vaccinate/return program in mind.
Pets left in cars get the most attention during the warmer months, but remember that vehicles quickly become frigid in these temperatures so never leave cats - or any other pet - unattended in a motor vehicle.
When celebrating the winter holidays, be sure that kitty does not get in trouble with candles, plants or the Christmas tree. Also, be wary of giving your cat treats of "people food." Foods such as chocolate and alcohol can be dangerous, while milk and garlic can cause great discomfort.
With our cats, the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" certainly rings true. Common sense and attention to details will help you keep your cat happy and healthy year round.