The temperatures are gradually dropping again, the days are getting shorter and so we take a look at outdoor cats in winter. If your four-legged friend generally likes to venture outside, he will want to do so in the cold season too. However, there are some particular dangers lurking for outdoor cats in winter. Ice, snow, fog, darkness and cold can surprise house cats, so good preparation is important.
The main focus of the preparations is food. To ensure that your outdoor cat gets enough energy in winter, increased amounts of food are recommended. Simply put a little more BARF in the bowl as soon as winter makes itself felt with colder temperatures. You can use protein-rich meat, which you can find in raw poultry for cats or in various types of fish (tuna, salmon, etc.). At the same time, you should continue to pay attention to the weight: a small weight gain is fine, but your cat should not become fat.
Warm places for outdoor cats in winter
As temperatures drop, cats' fur gets a little thicker - a natural process to protect the animals from the cold. You can also create small places for your outdoor cats in winter that will give them warmth and where they can find peace. This can be a shelter in the garage or shed with blankets, or you can build a small hut in the garden. This is placed slightly higher and insulated from the inside with cork or cardboard so that as little cold as possible is forced in by the wind and from the ground.
It is also helpful if you allow your outdoor cat access to your house in winter (and beyond). For example, have a small cat flap installed so that your pet can decide freely when to stay at home or explore the world. Speaking of exploring the world, how far does a cat actually go when it goes outside? Some house cats sometimes go up to a whole kilometer away from their home!
Preventing Dangers
You've probably experienced this yourself as a driver or passenger in a vehicle: out of nowhere, a cat jumps in front of the car and an accident can only be avoided at the last moment. Outdoor cats are particularly likely to face this danger in winter, as the nights are longer and fog often impairs visibility. Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution for this situation. Reflective cat collars do help you to be seen better, but at the same time, these same collars can lead to injuries if your cat gets caught on a bush, for example. Here you can weigh up the pros and cons yourself, taking factors such as traffic volume into account.
