Help Kitty Beat the Winter Blues
by Pam, the Expert | Wednesday Jan 27, 2010 | filed under Behavior, Health, Play
Photo of Sprocket and Little Bit from Friskies Explorer SheriH
Brrrr, it’s cold outside. The sky outside my window is gray and the temperature isn’t expected to go above 20 degrees. As I sit here thinking about sitting by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book, I look over at my cats who have other plans for me. They want to play!
Playtime is beneficial for cats all year long but during the cold winter months it can be extra helpful in order to encourage kitty to stay active. Do some fun, age-appropriate interactive playtime with your cat on a daily basis. While napping in a warm, cozy spot is certainly great on a dreary winter day, it’s also very helpful for your cat to incorporate some fun activity. Base the level of playtime intensity on your cat’s physical condition and age. A senior cat may not race around like a rocket, doing awe-inspiring leaps, but it’ll feel good to trigger that play drive and spark his curiosity. With my 16-year-old cat who isn’t as active as my other kitties, I set up an open paper bag and she has fun peeking inside and pouncing on the feather toy. The fishing pole-type toy I use allows me to control how fast or slow the game will go.
Having a cozy place to nap is also important during these cold winter months. If your house is drafty or if you keep the thermostat low, make sure kitty has a warm place to sleep. For my senior kitty, who always looks for the warmest spot in the house, I use a heated pet bed. It’s shaped like a donut with high sides. You can find heated pet beds in your pet supply store or online. The pet beds use very little electricity (they’re usually 4-watts) and remain at a comfortable temperature for the cat. Don’t use heating pads meant for humans because you may set the temperature too high.
Grooming during winter months is important because the dry heat can create more shedding. Gently brush your cat regularly to remove the dead hair. Regular grooming also helps distribute the cat’s natural skin oils. If your cat enjoys being groomed, this time also serves as a wonderful opportunity for bonding. My cats usually end up stretched out asleep by the time the grooming session is finished. If your cat’s coat has a lot of static electricity, you may want to add a little more moisture to the air by setting up a humidifier.
I’ve got to run – the kitties are waiting for their playtime! What do you do to help your kitty beat the winter blues?
