The seasons are changing and fall is upon us, which tends to conjure up images of sweaters, boots, and cozy snuggles by the fire, but this time of year can also prove to be dangerous for your feline friend. As the fall foliage begins to drop from the trees, it is important that you educate yourself about a few important cat care tips. As with any season, there are certain pests to be on the lookout for, as well as other potential hazards that can be avoided with a little work on your part.

October this year for us at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic is Cat Wellness Month, so what better time than now to start talking about a few important tips to keep your feline friend safe, happy, and healthy during the changing seasons? Today we are going to focus on ensuring your beloved feline makes the transition to fall without running into any potential health problems or other hazards.

Potential Fall Hazards for Cats

One of the most important things to keep in mind with the changing seasons is that the temperature is dropping, which can be quite dangerous for cats who spend time both indoors and outdoors. Indoor/outdoor cats do not develop as healthy a winter coat as those who spend the majority of their time outdoors, which is why it is recommended you keep your cat indoors as much as you can this time of year.

Here is a look at a few additional fall hazards you should be aware of during autumn:

Mold and Fungus. When the temperature drops, plant foliage begins to change their color, which is why this is a favorite season (especially for East Coasters!) for many. However, this also starts a process that could be quite dangerous to your cat. Decaying plant matter traps moisture, which in turn allows mold and fungus to develop, some of which can be quite dangerous to cats.
Pest Control Problems. Rodents and other pests tend to move indoors when the temperature drops, leading to many homeowners treating their property with rodenticides and other pest control products. While these products undoubtedly help with getting rid of rodents, they are just as poisonous to your cat as they are to rodents.
Car owners tend to top off their antifreeze in the fall to ensure their vehicle’s heater is in proper working order. Many do not realize this, but antifreeze is actually quite poisonous to cats, who just happen to be attracted to the sweet taste of its main ingredient, Ethylene Glycol.
Indoor Plants. Many homeowners bring their outdoor plants inside when the season changes, but this can be quite hazardous to your cat’s health, depending on the plant. Do your research and avoid bringing plants that could be deadly to your cat inside, or make sure they are well out of reach if you are going to keep them. Some common autumnal plants that are dangerous to your cat’s health include: holly, amaryllis, mistletoe, poinsettia, Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus, chrysanthemum, Christmas rose, autumn crocus, and burning brush.

These are just a few potential fall hazards that may put your cat’s health at risk. If you have any questions about the information above, please do not hesitate to contact Sykesville Vet Clinic today.

Pest Problems and Other Health Risks

In addition to the hazards mentioned above, there are a few additional things you should keep in mind during fall when it comes to your cat:

Just like with humans, cats can also experience fall allergies. If you notice your feline itching more than usual, you may want to contact your vet to see if they are allergic to something. We recommend keeping your grass cut short and your leaves raked during the fall months in order to avoid any irritation on your cat’s skin.
Arthritis. This is a major concern for older cats when the seasons change, as the chill in the air can make arthritic symptoms worse. If you notice your cat limping, moving slower, or having trouble with normal physical activities, he may be suffering from seasonal arthritis.
Fleas and Ticks. Fall is also the time of year where fleas and ticks are extremely common. If your cat does go outside this time of year, make sure you are checking him or her for fleas and any other unwanted guests before coming inside.
Depending on where you live, snakes are also quite common during the fall months as they prepare for hibernation. Make sure you are aware of any venomous or otherwise dangerous snakes in your region, and do not let your cat wander through long grass this time of year.

Remember, October is Cat Wellness Month at our veterinary clinic, so keep an eye out on more articles containing helpful advice on caring for your cat. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

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