Now that we are truly into the depths of winter, it is time to make sure that your tortoiseshell cat has everything that she needs to stay warm and healthy during the cold and dark winter months.
If your tortie enjoys exploring outside, then there is no reason that you should not continue to let her outside the house during the winter. Although it may be tempting to keep her locked inside so that she can snuggle up in her warm and cosy bed, it is important to expose her to the changing weather conditions so that her body can adapt. The colder weather will allow her to grow a thicker coat to keep her warm and also to build up her winter immunities.
However, it is probably a good idea to keep your cat inside for longer, especially during the cold and dark nights. Cats are much more likely to come across dangers and hazards during the hours of darkness, and it can get extremely cold during the night at this time of the year.
Another good tip is to make sure that your cat always has access to some clean drinking water inside the house. If she relies on an outside water source, then this could freeze over if it gets very cold. Also make sure that the cat flap does not get frozen shut!
Snow
Although snow can be a real novelty and very exciting for younger members of the family, it can be dangerous for tortoiseshell cats. If their fur gets too wet from the snow, then they can be more susceptible to illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite as their fur will chill them rather than keeping them warm.
It may be good idea to accompany your tortie in the garden if she is seeing snow for the first time, and make sure to wipe off any grit that may stick to her fur.
These are just some of our tips for looking after your tortoiseshell cat in winter. It is also more important than ever to make sure that your cat has a warm and comfortable bed, plenty of food and drink and somewhere warm and cosy to snuggle up and she is likely to be spending a lot more time in the house at this time of the year!
Let us know how you look after your tortie during the winter months. Do you let her out of the house?
I always give my ‘naughty’ tortie cat, Mitzy, a rub down with a warm towel when she comes in from the cold &rain and she loves it! She rolls all over the floor, purring as i get her dry & actually it’s the most affection she accepts (Mitzy isn’t a ‘lap cat’ & will bite ur fingers off if u try n stroke her for longer than a second! Much to the disappointment of friends when they come over n try & giv her fuss). Anyway, warm towell off the radiator ready4 cold wet cat 🙂