Keeping Cats Safe

Staying Warm
Cats left outdoors for long periods in very cold temperatures are at risk of developing hypothermia or even frostbite, and for older cats subzero temperatures can even be fatal. Cats should not be shut out of the house for long periods of time and should always have access to warmth and shelter. If your pet answers the call of nature outside, please ensure
they can get can get back in again! Check your cat flap regularly to make sure it doesn’t get frozen shut by the snow.

Outdoor Cats
For cats who remain outside in cold weather, such as feral cats, please make sure there is some outside shelter, which is dry and waterproof. This could be a shed, garage or similar, with some warm and dry bedding to snuggle down in. At the very minimum, a dry, waterproof cardboard box, covered with a bin liner or some cling film can make all the difference. It will need to be weighted down or tucked under a bush for stability, and contain a thick layer of straw (or thick wollen jumpers / blanket etc. which will need changing regularly).

Antifreeze
Sheds and garages need to be checked for hazards where pets are likely to be seeking shelter: Don’t leave Antifreeze unattended in places where they can get to it, and take care to mop up any spillages. Less than a teaspoonful of Antifreeze can be fatal if ingested by cats, and usually causes death by kidney failure. So please take care when it’s cold out there!

Cats & Cars
The warmth of a cooling car engine is a very tempting refuge for cats. Before starting your engine on a cold morning, bang loudly on the bonnet to give cats a chance to get away if they are sheltering there.

Keep dogs away from frozen ponds and lakes, as the ice may break under their weight

Protecting Other Pets

Dogs
Your dog will still need routine and exercise, even in the winter months. It’s important to thoroughly wipe off your dog’s paws, legs and stomach when returning from a walk in from snowy or icy weather, to prevent paws becoming impacted with snow, which can cause them discomfort.This will also avoid your dog from ingesting rock salt and other potentially harmful ice melting chemicals when self grooming.

Guinea Pigs & Rabbits
Guinea pigs and rabbits need extra consideration at this time of year. They need extra bedding in their housings, and regular checks to ensure their water feeders aren't frozen. Be prepared to move them into a shed or unused garage for extra shelter whilst the weather is cold.

Horses
If horses and ponies are kept outside during the winter, they must have access to shelter at all times. Check that their source of fresh wather hasn't iced over, and supply them with extra food, as winter grazing provides very little nutrition. A rug will be needed to protect the animal against the cold and wet.

Help for Wildlife

Feathered Friends
Please remember the wildlife in your garden... In winter, birds have difficulty finding normal food supplies such as berries, insects, seeds, worms and fruit. Put out food regularly, specially in severe weather - twice daily if possible (in the morning and in the afternoon before it gets dark). Where cats are around, avoid putting food on the ground, and use a bird table, or hanging feeders where cats cannot reach.

Check bird baths and water feeders regularly. Providing birds with fresh, unfrozen water this time of the year is also important.

Pondlife
If you have a pond that has frozen over, melt a hole in the ice to allow the wildlife to drink. This also prevents toxic gases from building up in the water, which may harm fish or frogs that are hibernating at the bottom. To do this, carefully place a saucepan of hot water on the surface ice to gently melt a hole in it. Never tip boiling water straight onto the pond or break the ice with force, as this can be dangerous for any residing wildlife.