With the days getting shorter, the Department of Solar Patch Sciences has prepared a short guide to staying warm on campus.
Warm places
- A soft bed or blanket in a draught-free spot is a good start. Many cats like a high or enclosed place.
- Sunny windowsills are always popular while the sun lasts. See our research on warm rectangles.
- Consider a heated pad designed for pets, and follow the instructions carefully.
Heater safety
Cats like to sit close to heat. Keep fireplaces guarded, and make sure that radiators and space heaters cannot burn a curious cat. Check that nobody can be shut in a warm spot such as a dryer or a cupboard.
Two hazards to know about
- Antifreeze. It tastes sweet and is highly poisonous to cats. Keep it sealed and clean up spills at once. If you think a cat has swallowed any, contact a vet immediately.
- Cold engines. Outdoor cats sometimes shelter under cars or in engine compartments in cold weather. Tapping on the hood before starting a car can give a cat time to leave.
Water
Keep water available and check that it has not frozen if it is kept outdoors.