Autumn is officially upon us. This can be a dangerous time of year for cats! As the weather changes, you’ll want to make a few seasonal adjustments to your kitty’s care regimen. A local Emerson, NJ vet offers some advice on spending fall with your feline friend in this article.

Hazards

Chemical ingestion is one big concern at this time of year. Many people will be prepping their yards and gardens for winter this month, and using chemical products, such as fertilizers and fungicides. These things can make cats very, very sick, and can even be deadly. Antifreeze is also a big danger, as it’s highly toxic to kitties. Wild animals are another concern: many animals get quite grumpy as they prepare to hibernate. Cold weather and increased traffic are also concerns. Keep Fluffy safe and sound indoors!

Grooming

Many kitties shed heavily in fall. Brushing Fluffy will remove dead fur and dander from her coat. This will help keep your cute pet warm and comfy. It will also reduce hairballs. Plus, it’s a ‘purrfect’ opportunity to casually inspect your feline pal’s body condition, and look for things like lumps, bumps, sensitive spots, or skin irritation. (Bonus: since most cats love being pampered, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll get that motor going, too!)

Decorations

Keep Fluffy in mind as you decorate for the season. This goes double if you have a kitten, as baby furballs tend to want to play with, well, everything. Anything small or sharp is a hazard, as are plastic wraps and ties. You’ll also need to be careful with any items that have threads or ropes, as cats can easily get entangled in them.

Alone Time

It’s already starting to get dark early. If your furry friend stays home by herself while you go to work, turn a light on for her before you go. Fluffy may also appreciate having a radio on for background noise.

Comforts

Did you know that cats somehow manage to sleep even more than they usually do when it’s cold or gloomy outside? Fluffy loves to snuggle up in warm beds on chilly days. Make sure that your feline buddy has lots of cozy places to curl up in. That means offering lap space sometimes as well! Do you have questions about your kitty’s health or care? Contact us, your local Emerson, NJ animal clinic, today.