The Solar Patch Sciences department and the Campus Safety Office prepared this guide together. It shows seasons as they occur in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, please reverse them. In the Outer Orbit, the seasons are determined by the Chancellor.
The lists are general and not exhaustive. If you are worried about your cat, please contact a veterinarian. See also Health and safety.
Autumn
Days are shorter, the Atrium closes earlier in effect, and students spend more time indoors. Convocation and the Table Edge Symposium fall in this season.
- Fireworks and loud celebrations. Keep cats indoors, close curtains, and provide a quiet hiding place. Background music or a radio can help mask the noise.
- Halloween. Keep sweets, especially chocolate, out of reach. Watch for candles, cords and small decorations. Doorbells and costumes can be stressful, and doors should be secure so nobody slips out.
- Pest control. Rodents move indoors as the weather cools. Use pest control methods that are safe around pets, and keep any bait out of reach. Cats can also be poisoned by eating a poisoned rodent.
- Mushrooms and outdoor plants. Some are toxic. Supervise outdoor time, and ask a vet if your cat has eaten something you cannot identify.
Winter
The Winter Solstice Sunbeam Vigil is held on the shortest day. Students queue for the best patches, and heating becomes a subject of great interest.
- Warmth. Provide a warm, draught-free resting place. Follow the instructions carefully with any pet heating pad, and keep cats away from unguarded fires and hot surfaces.
- Antifreeze. It tastes sweet, is highly poisonous to cats, and should be stored securely with spills cleaned up promptly. If a cat may have swallowed any, contact a vet immediately.
- Cold engines. Outdoor cats sometimes shelter under cars. Tapping on the hood before starting the engine gives a cat time to leave.
- Holiday hazards. Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause dangerous blockages. Lilies in bouquets are highly toxic, and chocolate is harmful. Secure the Christmas tree, and keep cords, ornaments and tree water out of reach.
Spring
Solar Patch Sciences reports the return of long patches, Open Day planning begins, and the Library undertakes its annual reshelving. It is also the season in which the campus first hears the sound of a screen being pushed open.
- Lilies. Spring bouquets, including Easter arrangements, often contain lilies. They are extremely toxic to cats, so keep them out of the home.
- Windows. Open windows are appealing and dangerous. Make sure screens are secure.
- Parasites. Fleas and ticks become active as the weather warms. Ask your vet about prevention.
- Shedding. Cats often shed more in spring. Regular brushing helps, and reduces hairballs.
- Kitten season. Many kittens are born in spring and summer, and shelters are busy. Neutering pets helps to reduce unwanted litters, and adopting from a shelter is a great option.
- Garden products. Slug pellets, fertilisers and weed killers can be toxic to cats. Store them securely and follow label instructions.
Summer
Atrium hours are reduced due to an excess of sunbeams. Box Amnesty Week takes place in late summer, and students are advised to find shade.
- Heat. Never leave a cat in a parked car. Provide shade, cool places and fresh water. Panting, drooling, vomiting and lethargy can be signs of heatstroke, and need urgent veterinary care.
- Sunburn. White or pale cats can burn on the ears and nose. Ask your vet if your cat spends long hours in strong sun.
- Windows and balconies. Cats can fall from open windows. Keep screens secure and balconies safe.
- Barbecues. Skewers, bones, charcoal and fatty leftovers are hazardous. Keep cats away from food and grills.
- Storms. Thunderstorms and fireworks can frighten cats. Provide a quiet, enclosed hiding place.