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8A Daily News – Saturday, November 24, 2012 healthPetsactivities & Caring for outdoor cats in winter Baby it's cold outside By Kathy Antoniotti Akron Beacon Journal (MCT) Let's take a look at what is necessary to get free- roaming outdoor cats ready for what is about to befall them: cold and wet winter weather. Forget about hungry predators, cars, diseases from other animals and fights with other felines, now outdoor cats will be at the mercy of cold weather and have to find warm, dry places to live. Although I still think it's inhumane to allow "owned" pets to roam, the reality is that some people will con- tinue the practice no matter what I, or their neighbors think. Then, there are the truly "feral" cat colonies full of animals that will suffer from exposure to the ele- ments. would view these "commu- nity" cats as having the same basic needs as our indoor pets. They need pro- tection from cold as well as food and water that is just as available in December as it is in June. A compassionate society If you have decided to feed a stray animal, you have also assumed the responsibility to help it comfortably survive out- doors during winter weath- er. Make no mistake, the animal became yours the first time you feed it, whether you brought it into your home or not. Frankly, a week never goes by that I don't get a call from someone imploring me to "come and get these cats," because they are tired of feeding them or they don't want them to freeze. I can't take your cats. I don't have a facility to house them. Show some compassion. Realize before you start feeding them what your role will be in their lives. Com- munity cats could be aban- doned, lost or put outdoors to stay each day until their owners return from work. Through no fault of their own, they are stuck out in the cold and could use a helping hand. Jonathan Harvey and Laurie Haven shared their story about cats they adopt- ed that either sprayed or uri- nated so frequently inside their Wooster, Ohio, home they had to replace two floors. After having tests run to make sure the prob- lems weren't medically related, they tried drugs, iso- lation and herbal remedies to no avail. Not wanting to have the cats euthanized, the couple looked for advice. "Our veterinarian in Wooster asked us if we con- sidered building a cat pen A Mane Attraction 10% Off Any Service Salon Accepting New Clients Walk-ins Welcome • ACRYLIC NAILS • MANICURES • PEDICURES 415 Main St., Red Bluff (530) 527-0550 • HAIR CUTS • HAIR COLOR • FACIALS • BODY & FACE WAXING and keep the cats outside. We looked into this and found that feline cat houses are very popular in the UK and Australia," Harvey said. Kits are available in those countries, he said, but shipping fees make it impractical. He had a friend create a modular feline pen that is detached from their home and includes a fenced-in completely mod- ular run. The house has a door, two windows and a cat door that goes to a garage kitty condo, shelving and a cat stand inside the house and a fenced-in area in the garage with a cat tube. "The entire project was less than $500 with which 60 percent of the building supplies (were) purchased from Habitat Store. It can be dismantled and moved as there are no screws, nails or hinges that are attached to our house," he said. The couple, who has three indoor cats, has been able to keep two cats safely and comfortably outside. "It has worked out very well and has allowed us to keep all of our felines with- out destroying our house or the cats," Harvey said. These tips, provided by the Pet Industry Joint Advi- sory Council, will also help you get your pets winter ready. paws and pads which need to be in good condition to take on winter sidewalks and ice. Look for any scrapes, bumps or marks. —Reduce an indoor —Check your pet's Winter is on the horizon and while you are putting on your warm coat and gloves, it is time to protect your ever-faithful furry companions from temperatures that dip below freezing, and the harsh environment that ensues. Even though they are equipped with fur coats, dogs and cats can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like humans. The best way to protect pets during the winter months is simply to bring them inside. Puppies, kittens, elderly animals, small animals, and any who might be vulnerable to the elements are definitely safer indoors. If keeping your dog and/or cat inside is not an option then consider providing a protected, insulated enclo- sure that will keep them safe from severe conditions. The structure should not be made of metal, since it is a poor insulator. Having it raised several inches off the ground and placed in a sunny area during the colder weather will assist in keeping the animal warmer. Pro- viding a flap over the entrance will aid in keeping out cold breezes. In addition, bedding should be a thick padding of straw, since blankets, rugs, etc. have a ten- dency to get wet and freeze. Keeping your pet well groomed and brushed regu- larly during the winter months will aid in keeping him warmer. Knotted or matted hair does not insulate prop- erly and puts the animal at risk. In addition, never shave your dog in winter, a longer coat will provide extra warmth needed. Shorthaired animals will benefit from a warm sweater or coat when going outside. In addi- tion, to protect paws from both snow and chemicals uti- lize booties. The holidays are not the only things approaching. pet's calorie intake if its walking and exercise regime is abbreviated. —Provide a shelter for outdoor dogs that is at least 6 inches off the ground and insulated with Styrofoam; know that your outdoor dog will also require more calo- ries to generate body heat during colder months. —Invest in a tip-proof, heated bowl for water — frozen water won't help your pet. snow from paw pads that can cause frostbite; always remove de-icer and salt from their paws before your pets can lick them off. —Bang on the hood of the car where cats often like to heat themselves on car engines — you don't have to own a cat to have one under your hood. —Remove ice balls and —Clean up anti-freeze; this sweet-smelling sub- stance is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. —Maintain medications such as flea and tick preven- tative. —With the exception of just a couple of breeds, dogs and cats all have fur coats. But not all fur coats are equal when it comes to keeping your pets warm outside. Short-haired dogs require more coverage than long-haired ones; cats that are outside risk exposure to their ears, tails and toes which are especially vulner- able to frostbite. Coats and booties help to keep animals warm while outside. FAMILY CAREGIVER CONFERENCE FREE EVENT! Laughter for the Health of It by Roberta Gold, R.T.C. The Incredible Brain! Dodging Diseases by Melissa Jourdain, MS November 28th 9:00 am – 3:00 p.m. (lunch included) Gaia Hotel in Anderson www.CaregiverConference2012.eventbrite.com *Pre-registration required* Mountain Caregiver Resource Center of Passages www.MountainCRC.org ~ 800-995-0878 If you are concerned about a true "feral" cat community in your neighborhood and want to do something for them, contact Alley Cat Allies, a national organi- zation that teaches Trap- Neuter-Return tech- niques, at www.alley- cat.org. Feral cats are not socialized to people and aren't good candidates for adoption. Nonethe- less, they are still pro- tected under state anti- cruelty laws. Check with your community regard- ing laws governing the care of feral colonies. Since puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, housebreaking may be difficult during these months. It might be advisable to paper-train the pups inside until the weather warms. If the dog is elderly or ill, again it is advisable that they only go outdoors for short potty break periods. In cold weather, cats often take refuge under car hoods to be near warm engines. Therefore, before start- ing your car, bang loudly on the hood or honk the horn, to give any cat a chance to escape and avoid serious or fatal injury. Most people know pets left alone in a car during the heat of summer can die. The same holds true during the cold of winter. Cars can get as cold as any refrigerator's freezer, and pets can easily perish. Dogs, when snow or ice is on the ground, may lose scent and become disoriented; therefore, it is advisable never to let your dog off leash, especially during snow- storms. More dogs are lost during the winter than dur- ing any other season, so make sure they always wear ID tags and are micro-chipped. Always be sure to clean off your pet's legs, feet, and stomach when they come in out of sleet, snow, or ice. When the pet cleans itself if it ingests salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals it will become sick. Antifreeze in any amount is a lethal poi- son for dogs and cats. Be sure to immediately clean up spills from your vehicle and buy antifreeze made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. Check dog's paws often while in snow. If the dog is lifting his feet a lot, or seems to be walking strangely, chances are his feet are probably too cold or ice may be forming between the pads, which can lead to frost- bite. Seasonal changes can mean dietary changes for your pet. In cold weather, animals burn more calories to keep warm. If your dog spends a lot of time outside, he may need to have his food supply increased, espe- cially protein portions. However, if your dog is indoors most of the time with decreased activity, then fewer calories are required. When in doubt, be sure to ask your vet about any dietary changes. Fresh water is always crucial, be sure it is readily available and check often that it does not freeze. Remember, pets cannot get enough water from licking ice or eating snow. If your pet suffers from cold exposure and exhibits such symptoms as violent shivering, listlessness, mus- cle stiffness, difficulty breathing, and lack of appetite, wrap him in a blanket and go to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not immerse him in warm water and please avoid heating pads, which can cause burns. Our pets can experience anything from mild dis- comfort to serious problems when the cold weather arrives. Taking a few precautions can help in making the winter months comfortable for all. Ronnie Casey is a volunteer with Providing Essentials for Tehama Shelter.You can read her blog, Mutts & Moggies, at redbluffdailynews.com. Oh Snap! The Daily News wants your photos Send pictures to editor@redbluffdai- lynews.com or drop off at 545 Diamond Ave. in Red Bluff. Include a caption. Former Holiday Market ALL FRESH WREATHS, ARRANGEMENTS & MORE CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE 616 CEDAR ST. RED BLUFF Red Bluff Garden Club SCHOLARSHIP Thursday-Friday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 & 8 Call 527-4578 or 526-4578 Proceeds go to For Custom Wreaths & Designs High School Scholarships