What extra care does my cat need in the spring and summer months?

• Any cat can suffer from heat stress. However, animals that are particularly susceptible are very young or old cats, overweight cats, and cats with a pre-existing heart or breathing problem.
  
  Some signs of heat stress are excessive panting or drooling, staring with an anxious expression, warm dry skin, high fever, rapid heartbeat, or weakness and collapse. Help prevent heat stress by making sure your cat always has fresh water available, providing shade, keeping your cat indoors on the very hot days, and never leaving your cat in a parked car, even with the windows rolled down.



• Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes (which can spread heartworm disease), are prevalent in the warmer months. These insects present potential problems for your pet as they can transmit a variety of diseases. There are many different products available today to help protect your cat from these parasites and/or the diseases they carry. Check with your veterinarian to find out about the best products for your cat’s needs.



• Unusual swellings or soreness (especially around the face or mouth) may be the result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see this.



• During the summer months, you may be planning to take a vacation trip. Before you leave, you will need to decide what to do about your cat’s care while you are gone. Whether you take your cat with you, leave her/him in a boarding facility or have someone check in on her/him at your home will depend on your pet’s personality, where you are going, and how long you are going to be gone. Consider these factors carefully before choosing the form of care for your cat while you are away.



• Plants and flowers are abundant in the summer months and many of them may be toxic or irritating to your cat. If you suspect your cat has eaten or been exposed to plant or flower material, call your veterinarian for advice.

What Extra Care does my Cat need in the Winter Months?

• Outdoor cats and kittens often nap on car engines for warmth. This can lead to them being injured from moving engine parts when the car is started. If there are a lot of outdoor kitties in your neighborhood knock on the hood and/or honk the horn before starting the car.



• Remove ice, salt and caked mud and snow from your cat’s paws and coat as soon as they come in from outdoors. These substances can irritate and cause skin infections in sensitive areas.



• Contact your veterinarian at once if you suspect your cat may have frostbite. Frostbitten skin may look reddish, white or gray, and it may appear scaly.



• Keep holiday plants, decorations, tinsel, and ribbons up and out of kitty’s reach. These things seem like fun new toys to cats and kittens, and they love to chew on and play with them. However, they can cause serious health problems like intestinal blockages and poisoning.



• Keep an eye out for toxic substances. Believe it or not, antifreeze smells and tastes good to cats and even a tiny amount can kill them. Be careful that any spilled antifreeze is cleaned up immediately. Even strictly indoor cats can be at risk as you can step in a spill and bring it into the house on your shoes.



• As the weather turns colder, rodents may try to get into your home. Be careful to put any traps or rodenticides out of your cat’s reach. Also rodents carry some parasites that your cat can pick up from eating them. If you suspect that your cat has eaten a mouse, contact your veterinarian to find out what to do.



• Dry air inside in the winter can mean increased water needs for your cat. Make sure your cat has plenty of water available and if you leave water outside for your outdoor cat, check it several times daily to make sure it hasn’t frozen.



• Dry air can also cause itchy, dry skin that can irritate your cat. Check with your veterinarian if your pet seems to be scratching more during the cold months. There are some specific dietary supplements that can help control dry skin