What to do to help your cat in the winter months?

Being so close to the Central West and Riverina means we often get mild to hot summers with cold, frosty and windy winters! Even this month, winter feels like it has come earlier with record level low temperature and frosts! It is a good things Russian Blue’s have a soft, double coat, as this aims to protect them from the elements and keep them incredibly warm!

During autumn and into early spring, you may see your Russian have a malt, which is where we recommend daily brushing to remove any loose undercoat. This has also been useful for those with allergies as it helps to reduce the caught dust and particles that this coat can have. This can be useful to also stop dander and other build ups in the home.

Having a warm, cosy bed with good morning sun is a great way to help Russians beat the winter blues. Positioning this (and ideally a second post for the afternoon) in the morning sun can be a great way to let them laze around and absorb the much needed and loved heat is a great way to keep your Russian warm and happy!

Ensuring bedding is cosy as the winter months roll in is also important. We usually provide a summer and winter bed, one that can breathe and another that helps them avoid the heat and snuggle away! This is where having cuddle times with your Russian can also help, as they are fantastic companions to support keeping everyone warm and cosy, plus the never-ending purrs!

If you take your Russian outside on a harness and leash (the only way we recommend outdoor exploration, aside from an enclosure) finding a harness with thick padding can both keep them secure so they can less readily slip this, as well as provide some extra layers of warmth, and they can even wear these around the house once they adjust to them!

Ensuring regular feeding and hydration is just as important during winter as is summer. We make it a part of routine to change waters every day, so it is fresh and our cats remain hydrated. Ensuring that vaccines are also important during this time, as spring comes, so is flea and tic treatment! As things begin to slowly warm at the end of winter, fleas, tics and other pests awaken, as they often like damp, cooler conditions, as well as when it is muggy and humid. Ensuring you are keeping everything on cue ensure they are ahead before the season starts!