The drop in temperatures and the decrease in daylight hours can affect your cat in the same way they affect people. In addition, autumn is the time to get back into routines after the summer. Learn about the changes cats go through in autumn and how to take care of your feline friend during this season of the year.
What changes do cats go through in autumn?
It is normal that your cat experiences physical and mood changes in autumn. Most of these are natural and nothing to worry about. However, it is important to be aware of how the arrival of autumn influences your pet in order to detect possible abnormalities and take the necessary measures.
- Shedding. Cats begin to shed their fur during the autumn months. This is a normal process. Your cat renews its coat to cope with the lower temperatures of the upcoming winter.
- Mood. The decrease in daylight hours can influence your pet’s mood. You may notice that your cat seems more apathetic than usual. This is also a natural process and you should not be overly alarmed. However, keep in mind that in older cats these mood variations are more pronounced.
- Colds. The drop in temperatures makes your cat more vulnerable to colds. If your cat stays indoors, it won’t be affected by the weather. On the other hand, if it sleeps outdoors, it will be exposed to a weakened immune system and the risk of catching a cold, which may lead to respiratory complications.
- Arthritis. Cold and damp conditions can also affect your cat if it suffers from bone problems. Joint inflammation can become more pronounced with the seasonal change.
Care guide for cats in autumn
Discover the basic care tips to respond to your cat’s specific needs in autumn.
- Regular brushing. To manage your cat’s shedding, you should brush it more frequently. In fact, daily brushing will help speed up the shedding process.
- Diet. If the fur loss is very abundant, you can also reinforce its diet with certain nutrients. We recommend a diet rich in fatty acids and omega-3.
- Regular meals. Adapting to daily routines should be done gradually. To help your feline friend adjust to the new rhythm after the summer, we recommend maintaining a consistent and stable feeding schedule.
- Exercise. Physical activity will help combat your pet’s apathy. You can go for long walks or spend more time playing with your cat at home.
- Night shelters. If your cat sleeps outdoors, it is necessary to create a space where it can shelter from the cold. Prepare this area so that it stays warm and protected from the rain. Another option to prevent colds is to let your cat sleep indoors during the winter months.
- Visit your veterinarian. Consult your vet whenever you notice that the changes your pet is experiencing do not seem normal. You know your cat better than anyone. Trust your ability to detect whether a behavior is natural or seems unusual.
