By Debbie Ray
 It's beginning to get cooler in many locations around the world and as such it is also time to plan for all your outside animals' safety. As with all mammals, the winter months pose a particular disadvantage - most especially to those outside pets many of us may already have.
Below, you'll find a few tips to help you get ready for the winter months in your area and to help you get your pet ready for the transition from fall to winter.
First, store all antifreeze type products safely out of the way of ANY animal. When using antifreeze, be careful concerning spills and wipe up any amounts quickly and completely. The sweet taste and smell is hard to pass up for any pet.
Next, keep all indoor pets in an area free of drafts. Elevating you pets favorite bedding area is just one way to help your pet stay warm.
Keep all your outdoor pets in an insulated type area, free of drafts, that is warm and dry and protects the pet from the wind. In extreme conditions,
bring the animal(s) indoors to protect it from the elements.
Very important: always maintain a good supply of clean, fresh, and unfrozen, drinking water for your pet. Remove ice, mud, salt and any other irritants from your pets coat as soon as you notice them. If you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian immediately.
You may not know it, but feeding requirements change drastically in the winter months for pets too - caloric needs increase to help keep the animal warm. If you're unsure you can always ask your veterinarian for further advice concerning caloric needs and winter feeding routines.
Also during the holiday season, be very careful to keep your pet away from any kinds of alcoholic beverages, chocolate, fish and poultry bones.
Many holiday plants are toxic to your pets too. Keep these out of the reach of your pet. Keep tinsel, glass ornaments and other holiday decorations out of your pets reach as well. You'd be surprised just what a curious pet may eat. Another thing, place all electrical cords in out of the way spots.
Remember too that cats and kittens or even your dogs may sleep underneath, or within your car, during the colder times of the year. Before leaving always knock on the hood, honk the horn lightly and wait a few minutes before starting the engine and look around and underneath the car before leaving for your destination. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Most pets can easily survive the colder weather without you but with your help, those that are older, very young, ill or injured can successfully make it through the winter months as well. Take a little extra time, plan ahead, provide for them as needed, think of their needs and they should do fine.
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Health
Identifying Problems With Your Cat's Health
By Lars Garrett
 If you realize your kitty is not feeling well it can be difficult because she isn't able to tell you her symptoms or precisely what she is feeling. Instead it's your responsibility to watch for any changes in routine or changes in behavior. This way you can be aware of any possible signs that your cat may be developing a feline illness.
It's important to know your cat's regular habits, things like regular eating and drinking habits, regular activity level, and regular litter box or "bathroom" habits. But it's good to keep in mind that with certain illnesses a cat might not show many symptoms; she might only have mild indications. This is why it's important to pay careful attention to your cat's regular behavior and be aware of even slight modifications. You may even want to take notes on the changes you notice.
Gathering this information about your cat's symptoms might also aid the veterinarian in diagnosing the cat illness. While sometimes the diagnosis for a cat health problem is determined quickly, other times it may be complicated and any additional information from you may be instrumental.
The more quickly you realize there may be something wrong the better. Starting treatment quickly can cut down on additional problems and provide a better success rate. Plus your kitty will start feeling better sooner. Another good reason to act fast is because certain feline illnesses can contribute to cat behavior problems like urinating or defecating outside of the litter box. This behavior can become an unpleasant cycle of problems so avoiding this behavior when at all possible is of course best for both you and your feline friend.
How do you know if your cat may have a feline health problem?
Sometimes it's more obvious than others, but as discussed earlier changes in your cat's normal behavior can be a good clue that something is wrong. There are also some specific symptoms to watch for:
- Urinating or defecating outside of the litter box
- Straining in the litter box
- Constipation (and lack of feces in the litter box)
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Increase in thirst
- Change in weight
- Changes in energy level
- Depression or lethargy
- Vomiting (other than hairballs)
- Excessive scratching
These are only a few potential indications, but watch for anything out of the ordinary and discuss it with your veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian if you think your cat has a feline illness -- don't try to self-diagnose. Feline illnesses can be complex and may require lab tests so you know how to treat it properly.
Preventing Feline Illness
As I'm sure you've heard before prevention is the best medicine. Naturally it is not possible to prevent all feline illness but you can at least help dilute the chances of it.
Diet is the foundation of your cat's health. Help keep your cat's immune system strong by feeding a nutritious, species-appropriate diet and make sure she always has access to fresh water. Cats need a lot of protein in their diet and it's best if their diet includes moist foods. In the long run feeding your cat a good quality cat food can actually save you money and headache.
Another way to cut the risk of feline illness is by keeping your cat inside. Indoor cats are less likely to contract a feline illness because they aren't as exposed to carriers of feline diseases or parasites.
And don't forget the routine vet visits.
Lars Garrett loves his cats and puts tremendous care into understanding their behavior and health. Please visit Cat Health Problems today to learn more about caring for your kitty.
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