Cat Changes in Autumn: What to Watch Out For? A Must-Read for Cat Owners!
Autumn, a season full of poetry, is also a season of change. For cat owners, autumn is a time to pay extra attention to your cat's changes. As temperatures gradually drop, your cat's body functions will also undergo some subtle adjustments. These changes directly affect their health and well-being. Today we'll talk about the changes your cat will experience in autumn, and how you, as a cat owner, can cope.
1. Shedding: Farewell to Summer Coat, Hello Winter Fleece
Autumn is the season for cats to shed their fur, which is a major headache for many cat owners. Cats will start to shed their thin summer fur and grow thicker, denser fleece to ward off the cold. This not only means your house will be full of cat hair, but you also need to carefully care for your cat to ensure they smoothly transition through this shedding period.
During shedding season, your cat may experience the following changes:
Hair loss: You'll notice more hair falling from your cat, and even see some areas where the fur is noticeably thinner.
Sensitive skin: When new fur grows in, your cat's skin will become more sensitive, prone to itching, redness, and other issues.
Decreased appetite: Due to the energy needed for new fur growth, your cat's appetite may decrease, but it may also increase as your cat begins to "fatten up" for winter.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Frequent brushing: Brush your cat every day to effectively remove shed fur, reduce fur balls in your cat, and promote new fur growth.
Keep clean: Bathe your cat regularly to cleanse its skin. Use a gentle, pet-specific shampoo and avoid using human-grade bath products.
Supplement nutrition: You can give your cat some nutrient-rich foods like fish oil, meat, etc. You can also choose some pet supplements specifically designed for shedding season.
Pay attention to environmental hygiene: Keep the house well-ventilated and dry, frequently clean up to reduce dust and bacteria, and prevent your cat from developing skin diseases.
2. Increased Appetite: Fattening Up for Winter, But Control Weight
Autumn is a season of harvest, and also a season when cats' appetites increase. To ward off the cold, cats will start to "fatten up," storing energy for the winter. You'll notice your cat's food intake has increased significantly, and they may even develop a slight belly.
Reasons for increased cat appetite:
Increased energy needs: As temperatures drop in autumn, cats need more energy to maintain body temperature.
Faster metabolism: Autumn is the shedding season for cats, and new fur growth consumes more energy.
Instinctual drive: In the wild, cats would store fat in the fall in preparation for winter, an instinctive behavior.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Control food intake: Pay attention to controlling your cat's food intake and avoid overfeeding to prevent your cat from becoming obese.
Balanced nutrition: Choose nutritious cat food and supplement with protein-rich foods like meat and fish.
Avoid raw or cold food: Autumn is a time when it's easy to catch a cold. Do not feed your cat raw or cold foods to prevent digestive issues like diarrhea.
Plenty of water: When the weather gets colder, cats are more likely to drink less, which can lead to poor appetite and malnutrition. Ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. You can try different bowls, provide fresh water, and even add some cat treats to the water to encourage your cat to drink more.
3. Heat: Restlessness, Controlling Reproduction
Adult cats that haven't been neutered or spayed can experience heat any time of year, but it's more common in spring and fall. Female cats in heat will exhibit obvious symptoms like raising their tail, walking on their forepaws, rolling around, and meowing loudly. They may also have decreased appetite and become irritable. Male cats will meow loudly as they walk around, urinate all over the house, and exhibit a strong urge to leave the house.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Neuter/Spay: If you don't want your cat to reproduce, consider neutering or spaying your cat to effectively control their heat.
Pay attention to safety: If your cat has not been neutered or spayed, make sure all doors and windows are closed to prevent your cat from getting lost while in heat, and to prevent outside cats from entering your home.
Isolate: If your cat is pregnant, keep her in a quiet place and away from other cats. Carefully observe her for any abnormalities, and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
Get prepared: A cat's pregnancy is approximately 65 days. Cat owners should calculate the date of their cat's due date in advance and get ready accordingly.
4. Decreased Immunity: Stay Warm, Prevent Disease
Autumn is a season when bacteria and viruses are active, and cats' immune systems also weaken as temperatures drop. This is especially true for weak cats, purebred cats, and senior cats, who are more susceptible to respiratory diseases and skin diseases. Autumn is also a peak season for feline distemper, and even indoor cats that have not been vaccinated may be infected by the highly active virus.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Stay warm: Provide a warm bed for your cat, and you can place soft blankets or plush toys inside.
Pay attention to hygiene: Clean your cat's environment regularly, keep the house well-ventilated and dry, and disinfect your cat's toys, food bowls, and water bowls with pet-specific disinfectants.
Avoid contact: Try to avoid letting your cat come into contact with strange animals outside, especially stray cats.
Regular checkups: Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups to detect and treat any potential illnesses.
Vaccinations: Vaccinate your cat against feline distemper and other diseases to effectively prevent illness.
Autumn Cat Care Tips
Autumn is a season of change for cats, and cat owners need to be more observant of their cat's behavior, adjusting their care practices accordingly to help their cats stay healthy throughout the season.
Here are some tips for cat care during autumn:
Frequent brushing, keeping clean: Regularly brush your cat's fur and clean its skin to help it smoothly transition through shedding season.
Control food intake, balanced nutrition: Don't overfeed your cat, choose nutritious food, and ensure your cat is getting the nutrients it needs.
Keep warm, avoid chills: Provide a warm bed for your cat and avoid letting it get cold. Also, pay attention to disinfecting your cat's environment.
Regular checkups, disease prevention: Vaccinate your cat in a timely manner and take it to the veterinarian for regular checkups.
1. Shedding: Farewell to Summer Coat, Hello Winter Fleece
Autumn is the season for cats to shed their fur, which is a major headache for many cat owners. Cats will start to shed their thin summer fur and grow thicker, denser fleece to ward off the cold. This not only means your house will be full of cat hair, but you also need to carefully care for your cat to ensure they smoothly transition through this shedding period.
During shedding season, your cat may experience the following changes:
Hair loss: You'll notice more hair falling from your cat, and even see some areas where the fur is noticeably thinner.
Sensitive skin: When new fur grows in, your cat's skin will become more sensitive, prone to itching, redness, and other issues.
Decreased appetite: Due to the energy needed for new fur growth, your cat's appetite may decrease, but it may also increase as your cat begins to "fatten up" for winter.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Frequent brushing: Brush your cat every day to effectively remove shed fur, reduce fur balls in your cat, and promote new fur growth.
Keep clean: Bathe your cat regularly to cleanse its skin. Use a gentle, pet-specific shampoo and avoid using human-grade bath products.
Supplement nutrition: You can give your cat some nutrient-rich foods like fish oil, meat, etc. You can also choose some pet supplements specifically designed for shedding season.
Pay attention to environmental hygiene: Keep the house well-ventilated and dry, frequently clean up to reduce dust and bacteria, and prevent your cat from developing skin diseases.
2. Increased Appetite: Fattening Up for Winter, But Control Weight
Autumn is a season of harvest, and also a season when cats' appetites increase. To ward off the cold, cats will start to "fatten up," storing energy for the winter. You'll notice your cat's food intake has increased significantly, and they may even develop a slight belly.
Reasons for increased cat appetite:
Increased energy needs: As temperatures drop in autumn, cats need more energy to maintain body temperature.
Faster metabolism: Autumn is the shedding season for cats, and new fur growth consumes more energy.
Instinctual drive: In the wild, cats would store fat in the fall in preparation for winter, an instinctive behavior.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Control food intake: Pay attention to controlling your cat's food intake and avoid overfeeding to prevent your cat from becoming obese.
Balanced nutrition: Choose nutritious cat food and supplement with protein-rich foods like meat and fish.
Avoid raw or cold food: Autumn is a time when it's easy to catch a cold. Do not feed your cat raw or cold foods to prevent digestive issues like diarrhea.
Plenty of water: When the weather gets colder, cats are more likely to drink less, which can lead to poor appetite and malnutrition. Ensure your cat has access to plenty of fresh water. You can try different bowls, provide fresh water, and even add some cat treats to the water to encourage your cat to drink more.
3. Heat: Restlessness, Controlling Reproduction
Adult cats that haven't been neutered or spayed can experience heat any time of year, but it's more common in spring and fall. Female cats in heat will exhibit obvious symptoms like raising their tail, walking on their forepaws, rolling around, and meowing loudly. They may also have decreased appetite and become irritable. Male cats will meow loudly as they walk around, urinate all over the house, and exhibit a strong urge to leave the house.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Neuter/Spay: If you don't want your cat to reproduce, consider neutering or spaying your cat to effectively control their heat.
Pay attention to safety: If your cat has not been neutered or spayed, make sure all doors and windows are closed to prevent your cat from getting lost while in heat, and to prevent outside cats from entering your home.
Isolate: If your cat is pregnant, keep her in a quiet place and away from other cats. Carefully observe her for any abnormalities, and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
Get prepared: A cat's pregnancy is approximately 65 days. Cat owners should calculate the date of their cat's due date in advance and get ready accordingly.
4. Decreased Immunity: Stay Warm, Prevent Disease
Autumn is a season when bacteria and viruses are active, and cats' immune systems also weaken as temperatures drop. This is especially true for weak cats, purebred cats, and senior cats, who are more susceptible to respiratory diseases and skin diseases. Autumn is also a peak season for feline distemper, and even indoor cats that have not been vaccinated may be infected by the highly active virus.
Cat owner countermeasures:
Stay warm: Provide a warm bed for your cat, and you can place soft blankets or plush toys inside.
Pay attention to hygiene: Clean your cat's environment regularly, keep the house well-ventilated and dry, and disinfect your cat's toys, food bowls, and water bowls with pet-specific disinfectants.
Avoid contact: Try to avoid letting your cat come into contact with strange animals outside, especially stray cats.
Regular checkups: Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups to detect and treat any potential illnesses.
Vaccinations: Vaccinate your cat against feline distemper and other diseases to effectively prevent illness.
Autumn Cat Care Tips
Autumn is a season of change for cats, and cat owners need to be more observant of their cat's behavior, adjusting their care practices accordingly to help their cats stay healthy throughout the season.
Here are some tips for cat care during autumn:
Frequent brushing, keeping clean: Regularly brush your cat's fur and clean its skin to help it smoothly transition through shedding season.
Control food intake, balanced nutrition: Don't overfeed your cat, choose nutritious food, and ensure your cat is getting the nutrients it needs.
Keep warm, avoid chills: Provide a warm bed for your cat and avoid letting it get cold. Also, pay attention to disinfecting your cat's environment.
Regular checkups, disease prevention: Vaccinate your cat in a timely manner and take it to the veterinarian for regular checkups.
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