"Of all possessions, a friend is the most precious."

- Heradotus

Snow, sleet, and freezing rain fall on Huskies and Chihuahuas alike. While some pets have more of an affinity for winter weather, extreme temperatures come with risks for all dogs and cats.

Before you and your companion head out into the frosty air, here are a few tips to help you enjoy the cold weather safely.

1. Be Aware of the Temperature

Owners with dogs in the Winter practicing pet safety

The saying “if you’re cold, they’re cold” is true — and then some.

Pets have a warmer healthier body temperature than humans (around 100.5-102.5°F for cats and 101-102.5°F for dogs). Despite their fur coats, mild hypothermia can begin to set in if their internal temperature dips below 99°F.

In general, pet parents should exercise caution anytime the forecast calls for temps below 45°F. There are many factors that can influence your pet’s individual cold tolerance, but be especially mindful of:

  • Small breeds
  • Pets with short hair
  • Older pets
  • Puppies and kittens
  • Pets with endocrine disorders, like diabetes

2. Bring Pets Inside

When the weather is harsh, pets belong inside

Raleigh, NC laws prohibit long-term tethering year-round, but the practice is especially dangerous in winter. Pets left to fend for themselves can suffer when their water bowl ices over or their bedding collects moisture and freezes overnight. Any night that you would consider too cold for camping is a night that your pets should spend indoors.

3. Protect Paws

Headed out for exercise or bathroom breaks? Much like you have to be mindful that sidewalks aren’t too hot for pets’ feet in the summer, cold temperatures can also cause injuries.

Snow, ice, and road salt can be very irritating to paws. Not all dogs will tolerate wearing booties, so it’s important to inspect feet for redness and open or flaky skin after walks. Trim the fur between your pet’s toes so that less snow and ice cling to their feet, and dry paws thoroughly when you get home to help them warm up.

4. Beware of Water on Winter Walks

It’s a pet parent’s worst nightmare: an excited dog runs out onto a frozen pond in pursuit of a bird or squirrel, and the ice can’t support their weight. Be cautious around bodies of water this winter, and keep pets leashed to prevent accidents.

 

Stray cats walking around in the snow in the Winter5. Check Your Vehicle Before Starting It

Outdoor cats in search of a warm place to sleep will sometimes crawl up into car engines. The results can be tragic when unsuspecting drivers turn the key.

Even if your cats are safely indoors, stray and feral animals may still be at risk. Knock on the hood or take a quick look inside before you head out for the day, and you may save a life.

 

6. Don’t Leave Pets Unattended in Cars

You’re probably well aware that it’s dangerous to leave pets in the car on hot days, but what about cold ones?

When temperatures are low, condensation inside your vehicle can cool rapidly, turning your car into a refrigerator. Though the interior may seem cozy at first, on freezing days, conditions are only a few minutes away from becoming dangerously cold.

7. Lock Up Antifreeze

Antifreeze is an important part of winter car maintenance, but even small amounts can be fatal to pets. An estimated 10,000-90,000 animals die from antifreeze poisoning each year.

Because it has a sweet taste, pets will seek out and consume antifreeze that isn’t properly stored. Lock it up or switch to nontoxic formulations.

Cats are naturally territorial creatures, so many pet parents assume their outdoor cat is hardwired to stick close to home. A recent GPS study that tracked the movements of 925 domestic outdoor cats revealed that our feline friends may be more adventurous than we thought, crossing busy streets with alarming frequency.

If you’re undecided on whether you feel comfortable letting your cat wander outside, check your local laws and ordinances. In Raleigh, North Carolina, “it is against the law for domesticated animals such as dogs and cats to run unrestrained within the City Limits.”

Roaming Cats in Raleigh, NCCat sitting in mulch in a park in Raleigh on a leash

Raleigh laws prohibit loose cats for the safety of the individual animal as well as the community and environment.

Wildlife Damage

Those unwanted “presents” of dead animals on your doorstep are more than just a nuisance. Each year, outdoor cats kill an estimated 1.3-4 billion birds and 6.3-22.3 billion small mammals. This level of predation in cats’ relatively small hunting territories can have severe impacts on local wildlife.

Domestic cats are not a natural part of these ecosystems and can devastate populations of songbirds, chipmunks, voles, and other small animals. Because of cats’ predatory instincts, sending them outdoors well-fed will not prevent them from hunting.

Health Risks

Every year, 5.4 million cats are hit by cars, and a devastating 97% of these accidents prove fatal. Outdoor cats have a much shorter life expectancy than their indoor-only counterparts. Aside from the risk of being struck by cars, these cats also face the possibility of:

  • Injuries from encounters with other outdoor cats, dogs, or wildlife
  • Parasite-born illnesses
  • Communicable diseases like FIV
  • Exposure to rabies

Overpopulation

Unwanted litters of kittens are a crisis in North Carolina, and shelters are often overwhelmed.

Even if you don’t let your pet out intentionally, unneutered male cats are more likely to seek out opportunities to escape the safety of your home. Getting your cat spayed or neutered doesn’t just prevent them from becoming lost or harmed while roaming the neighborhood — it’s a simple way to help protect your local cat community as a whole.

How to Find a Lost Cat

While it’s true that cats tend to wander within the (surprisingly large) area surrounding their home, a cat that is startled or frightened can easily venture too far and lose its way.

Microchipping is one of the best preventative measures pet parents can take to improve their odds of bringing their friend home if they go missing. If you suspect that your cat has slipped outside, try the following:

  1. Check around the outside of your home, looking under any porches, bushes, or other potential hiding spaces.
  2. Look in and around vehicles including the wheel wells and under the hood.
  3. Report your lost cat to your local shelter or humane society.
  4. Hang posters and alert your neighbors.
  5. Post on social media and neighborhood-based networking sites.
  6. Leave food and familiar toys and bedding outside your door — the scent can help guide a lost cat back home.

Check out wake.gov for more resources and tips on finding a lost cat in Raleigh.

Cat on a leash walking through grass in RaleighHow to Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors

If your cat is gazing longingly out the window, it doesn’t mean that they are being denied a fulfilling life indoors. Honor your cat’s natural instincts in a safe way by:

  • Engaging in play that simulates hunting
  • Providing places to climb and exercise claws
  • Offering window perches
  • Planting cat grass indoors
  • Ensuring that the litter box is clean and accessible
  • Try a leash and harness for outdoor walks

 

 

What About Feral Cats?

It’s important to keep your cat safe from cars and predators, but what about the thousands of feral cats facing these hazards every day?

Nonprofit organizations like Operation Catnip are working to aid Raleigh’s unhoused cat population through TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) programs that reduce unwanted litters and transmittable diseases.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities here!

Let’s face it: most trends are fleeting. All-denim suits? So 2001. But some fads stick around and if the last few years are any indication, then succulents (and lavish indoor gardens) are here to stay!

Not only are plants are an excellent way to brighten up a room, they can be fun for cats as well! But before you bring home that fiddle leaf fig (fashionable though it may be), take a look at our article, where a Raleigh, NC vet discusses which plants are safe for your feline friend!

Succulents

Let’s get down to business: the plants you’re probably most curious about are succulents. Lucky for you, some of the most stunning varieties are totally safe for cats! Not only that, they also happen to be some of the most widely available kinds: you’re likely to find Painted Lady, Echeveria, Hen-and-Chicks, and variegated Wax Plants at your local home improvement store!

cat safe garden in raleigh nc by falls village vet hospital

Herbs

When it comes to creating a cat-conscious garden, one herb stands out among the rest: catnip! You probably know catnip as the tasty treat that your kitty can’t get enough of. But did you know you can grow it yourself, from the comfort of your own home? This herb is something that cats and cat owners alike can enjoy! Other feline-friendly herbs include such kitchen staples as rosemary, thyme, mint, and parsley.

Flowers

Flowers are an excellent way to add texture and color to your indoor garden! Just be sure you choose non-toxic species, such as Zinnias, Marigolds, and African Violets. If you’re an orchid or lily aficionado, take extra care to select the right ones, as there are many not-so-safe varieties.

Grasses

In addition to catnip, wheatgrass is another plant that cats can’t resist! It can be grown in a range of vessels, be it a small cup, large planter, or even a flat mat! Your furry friend will throw fashion to the wind and munch on it regardless, so the container style is up to you! In the same vein, you can also consider adding lemongrass to the collection!

Potted Trees

Potted trees are an opportunity to add height to your indoor plant sanctuary, and also happen to be exceptionally popular decor accents. Palms tend to be safe for cats, particularly the Ponytail, Peace, Parlor, Golden Butterfly, Good Luck, and Areca varieties. The Money Tree plant is also a safe and stylish addition.

Others

There are plenty of plants that do not fall neatly into any of the above categories, but are no less safe or exciting. These include some types of ferns (such as Boston Ferns), Spider Plants, Cast Iron Plants, Cliff Brake, Chocolate Soldiers and more!

Garden and flowers safe for catsGeneral Safety Tips

Besides the abundant availability of cat-safe plants, there are also many species that you should not bring home to your feline friend. Unfortunately, this includes many of the trendy varieties enjoying the social media spotlight. As we mentioned earlier, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can be dangerous if ingested and should be avoided. The same goes for philodendrons and elephant ears, which are extremely popular as well.

If there’s a plant you’re thinking of buying, we recommend that you consult the ASPCA plant database before you decide. They provide a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants so you can garden with ease!