Cat Care Across the Seasons

Even if your kitty stays indoors full-time, which is our top recommendation, changing seasons can have an impact on his comfort and even health! From temperature concerns to holiday décor, here are some top considerations for seasonal cat care to keep your faithful friend in top form year-round, indoors or out. Let's take it by season!

Summer

Sunny summer days mean lots of extra heat. You've surely noticed your cat probably loves to sprawl out in the sunniest patches he can find, but that doesn't mean you don't need to take some extra health precautions this time of year. Cats can easily become dehydrated in hot weather, so it's crucial to provide plenty of fresh water at all times. Consider placing multiple water bowls around your home, and ensure they are kept clean and filled, even if you never see your cat drinking from them. And if you are positive your kitty is not drinking, it's important to provide wet food during this season for hydration, and you can even add a tiny bit of water to the bowl during each meal. 

Your cat also needs shaded areas to lounge comfortably, even indoors. Keeping your gorgeous cat trees by the window is still a great idea, but make sure some other inviting spaces are less sunny for much-needed respite. Outdoor cats should be able to come back indoors whenever they want in summer, but creating shaded outdoor spaces for escape is also essential. And if you're traveling with your cat—from vet visits to road trips—never, ever leave your cat in the car unattended, even with the air on. If anything does go wrong, interior temps can quickly rise, resulting in serious injury and even death. And keep all cats indoors on July 4th, as fireworks can scare cats and cause them to run, just like dogs.

Fall

Fall doesn't present too many new risks for your cat outdoors, other than a few new plants and flowers blooming, but fall décor is another story. Halloween decorations and treats can be hazardous to kitties, including the jack o'lantern. Raw pumpkin flesh and pumpkin seeds can cause digestive issues. Even aside from the holiday, fall décor, in general, is often filled with lit candles, electrical cords, and small decorations that can cause accidental injury, especially if ingested. If you have an especially curious or playful cat, you may need to keep your fall vibes to a minimum or at least very clearly out of reach of your feline friends.

Cold is more of a daily concern than heat for cats, but fall temperatures should not pose too significant of a threat to kitties in most areas. Still, be mindful of drafts, and encourage outdoor cats to sleep indoors as temperatures drop to freezing on chillier autumn nights. 

Winter

In the coldest season, temperatures are, unsurprisingly, the number one concern. Even indoor cats may seek out warm places to cozy up, such as near radiators, heaters, or fireplaces, so ensure those areas are safe and free from hazards like hot surfaces or accessible flames. Outdoor cats, even indoor-outdoor hybrids, need a sheltered and insulated area where they can escape the cold and wind when outside. They may be locked out accidentally or just not want to come in against their better judgment, so they need safer outdoor options, too.

For Christmas revelers, the holiday season is the other major winter concern. Tinsel, ribbons, and small ornaments can pose choking hazards (and worse) if ingested, while holiday plants like poinsettias and mistletoe are toxic to cats. Securely anchor your Christmas tree to prevent it from toppling over, and keep electrical cords from lights and other décor hidden and out of your cat's reach. Never leave an unattended tree lit, even if it's artificial. It's equally important to keep party foods away from your cat, as some of these are toxic, and nearly all are unhealthy for your kitty. Even outdoor cats should be kept indoors on New Year's Eve to protect them from loud fireworks and potential hazards associated with celebratory gatherings. Indoors, create a quiet and comfortable space where they can retreat if they still become stressed or anxious from the commotion. 

Spring

Spring is an exciting time outdoors, with plants blooming and flowers popping up, but not all of these are safe for your cat, so be careful when bringing them indoors for bouquets or holiday decorating. Some common garden plants like lilies, daffodils, and azaleas can be toxic to cats if ingested. Don't bring these inside, and if your kitty does go into your garden, make sure you're not growing anything dangerous. The ASPCA provides an extensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants for cats, so you can double-check anything.

Don't forget that pests like fleas and ticks become more active as the weather warms up, too. Your vet can provide prevention meds (even for indoor cats), and regular grooming also helps you spot and remove any intruders before they become a problem. Plus, it's a great bonding activity most cats love.

Finally, if you celebrate Easter, consider the serious dangers of stringy, plastic Easter grass and other dangerous basket goodies like chocolate. Keep these items out of your cat's reach, and consider opting for pet-friendlier decorations like paper grass instead.