Autumn Feline Safety

Fall is here, and with this change in season here are some ways to ensure that the furry felines in your family stay happy and healthy!

Antifreeze

As the temperature drops, many people increase their use of antifreeze, which is incredibly poisonous to our pets. Especially since pets are attracted to the sweet taste of the main ingredient, Ethylene Glycol. 1 to 2 teaspoons ingested can be fatal to cats. Some ways to help prevent fatal ingestion are:

1. Buy antifreeze made with propylene glycol. Most antifreeze is made from ethylene glycol, but propylene glycol, while also harmful, is not as lethal.
2. Keep both new and used antifreeze containers out of pets’ reach.
3. Make sure there are no leaks and wipe any excess from the bottles.
4. If you accidentally spill antifreeze or find it leaking from your car radiator, clean it up immediately and thoroughly.
5. Keep an eye on wandering and curious pets … antifreeze is also used in a number of other household items such as paint, snow globes, solar water heaters and the bases of free-standing basketball hoops.

Cooling Temperatures

Cats that alternate between the inside and outside do not typically develop the heavy winter coats that strictly outdoor cats do. Thus, it is recommended to keep your cat indoors as the temperatures drop.

Plant Foliage – Mold and Fungus

When the temperatures cool and plant foliage changes color and then falls, the decaying plant matter can trap moisture, causing mold and fungus to develop. Keep an eye on your property and other places your cat may wander to help prevent against mold and fungus issues.

Seasonal Allergies

Cats, like humans, can have seasonal allergies. Some symptoms are: biting, chewing, sneezing, scratching, coughing, hives/rashes, and watery eyes. There are treatment options, so talk with your vet if you think your cat might be suffering from seasonal allergies.

Mothballs

Many people use mothballs to protect their clothes; however, those same mothballs can be very poisonous for your pets, so ensure that you keep your pets away from any mothballs or look into more pet-friendly alternatives.

Arthritis

Just like humans, animals can suffer from arthritis. When the temperatures drop, the chill in the air can cause issues for any pet suffering from arthritis. If your cat seems to be moving slower than usual, limping, or otherwise having trouble with their normal movement, talk to your vet to see if your pet might be arthritic and what you can do to help.