Fall & Winter Cat Health: Essential Disease Prevention

It's that time of year again—the relentless shedding season is upon us! As the chilly autumn and winter approach, our feline friends will begin to don their thick winter coats, marking the start of their "dandelion" season (though some may never seem to stop...)

Brushing and deshedding are yearround tasks for pet parents. While cats are naturally clean and enjoy grooming themselves, the increased shedding during this season calls for daily brushing. This not only helps reduce the amount of fur they ingest but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet!

Besides regular brushing, assisting your cat in eliminating the fur they've ingested is crucial!

Cats can naturally expel fur from their bodies. Sometimes, I notice my cat, Lulu, has fur in her feces. However, to ensure that cats can more effectively expel internal fur during shedding, it's common to use deshedding products. These products come in two forms: cat grass and deshedding paste. Many people wonder: which is better, cat grass or deshedding paste?

In my opinion, if your cat is willing to eat it, that's the best choice!

Cat grass is rich in fiber, which can help promote gut motility in cats, allowing them to naturally expel excess fur. You can either let your cat freely graze on the long cat grass or mix it into their food or canned food. However, not every cat will be a fan of this healthy snack...

For cats that don't like cat grass, deshedding paste or deshedding wafers can be a lifesaver. These products, with the help of oils or fibers, can help your cat expel excess fur. However, be cautious as some deshedding pastes contain mineral oil, which can irritate a cat's digestive system. It's better to opt for deshedding products made with plant oils.

With the big temperature changes and strong winds, it's important to keep your cat cozy during the transition to fall.

The temperature drops significantly during the autumn, especially for nocturnal cats like ours, who are also prone to the cold. It's crucial to pay attention to temperature changes. While keeping your home wellventilated is important, during this transition period, it's essential to prioritize your cat's warmth. Remember to close the windows slightly during windy days to prevent your cat from catching a cold, allowing just a small gap for air to flow.

Additionally, during the autumn and winter, it's best to reduce the frequency of bathing your cat. If you need to bathe them before the season change, make sure to keep them warm afterward. After all, cats are more susceptible to immune system vulnerabilities when they're damp.

When bathing, opt for a shower or a basin bath to avoid the water temperature dropping too much. After washing, use a towel to dry them as much as possible, maintain a warm indoor temperature, and avoid ventilation. Make sure to dry your cat thoroughly, as leaving them to airdry can be detrimental.

Keep it simple with their diet to protect their digestive system.

The autumn and winter are peak seasons for gastrointestinal issues in cats. Changes in appetite are normal, whether they eat more or less. Just keep an eye on their food intake and energy levels, and don't worry too much.

Some parents notice that their cats have a poor appetite and start mixing different types of food, like cat food, canned food, supplements, and freezedried treats, hoping to stimulate their appetite. But trust me, this can actually lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in cats.

Some cats may eat voraciously during the transition to autumn and winter, causing digestive issues. Cases like these are not uncommon (my cat Lulu experienced one last year...)

During the autumn and winter transition, it's best to simplify your cat's diet. Provide them with a single type of food per meal to protect their digestive system. There's no need for an elaborate meal; simplicity is key.

As temperatures drop, cats are more likely to forget to drink water. This is partly due to a lack of "thirst" sensation and partly because the water might feel too cold to them. Increasing your cat's water intake is something that requires some effort from pet parents.

Get cozy with winter essentials!

Prepare catfriendly items like cardboard boxes, cozy blankets, and plush cat beds. Even though we might not see our cats lounging around during the day, these will be excellent choices for keeping them warm during the night.

Each cat has its preferences. Some like fluffy, others prefer sleek, some enjoy a semienclosed, secure space, and some cats just love their human's bed. Choose or prepare items based on your cat's preferences to avoid wasting money on items they won't use.

Animal communication can be a great tool to understand your cat's likes and dislikes. Through animal communication, a communication specialist can help you create a living environment that caters to your pet's preferences, reducing problem behaviors and strengthening the bond between you and your cat.