Winter in North Bay, Ontario, ushers in snow, wind, and frigid temperatures. While cats are good at finding warm and cozy spaces to curl up and get warm in, they still need our help staying safe. 

Here at Parkside Animal Hospital, we know a thing or two about helping cats stay warm. That’s why we’re offering a few tips for winter cat care. 

3 Tips for Feline Wellness in Winter

1. Create a Warm and Safe Environment

The first thing a cat needs for winter survival is shelter. If you have any outdoor cats that visit your home regularly or live with you when they’re not exploring the world, the first order of business is creating a cat-friendly shelter outside. 

Set up a sturdy, insulated shelter and line it with fresh straw, which doesn’t hold onto moisture like towels or blankets do. Stock the shelter with clean water and a bit of food to help attract and nourish the kitties who visit. 

Always check under your car hood before you start your vehicle—cats are known to curl up on warm engines for heat. Hopefully with a cat shelter, local kitties can avoid this option!

Indoors, make sure your cat has soft, clean bedding positioned away from any drafty areas like windows or doors. 

2. Maintain Proper Nutrition and Hydration

During the winter, your outdoor cat may need a diet adjustment to help maintain the best energy levels and body warmth. An indoor cat, on the other hand, might need a little bit less energy to avoid obesity. 

Your veterinary clinic team can help you figure out the best diet and eating schedule for both indoor and outdoor cats. 

Hydration can also be tricky during the colder months. Many cats drink less water when it’s chilly out. That said, hydration needs don’t decrease during the winter! Too many cats suffer from urinary tract infections during the winter due in part to reduced fluid intake. 

Make sure you encourage healthy hydration in your feline family members. Use a cat fountain or put out fresh, unfrozen water multiple times a day. 

3. Schedule A Winter Wellness Check 

The post-holiday winter season is a prime time to schedule a wellness appointment for your cat. The business of the holidays is over, but spring and summer haven’t arrived yet. 

Annual visits are crucial for preventive health in cats, and they can help detect and treat issues early. Especially issues that affect cats in winter, like dry skin, UTIs, or reduced mobility. 

If you need to schedule a winter wellness visit for your North Bay cat, our caring team at Parkside Animal Hospital can help. Call us at (705) 223-3404 to schedule your appointment today.