Outdoor Safety in Cooler Weather

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Outdoor Safety in Cooler Weather

by Central Cat Hospital

It’s feeling and looking like winter! Here are some reminders to keep your cat safe and warm this season.

The best way to keep cats out of trouble in winter and anytime is to keep them indoors
and out of the cold! Cats are susceptible to frostbite on their pawpads, face and ears.
Outdoor cats may shelter in the wheel well of cars or under a car hood for warmth. Watch out for them and give your hood a tap before starting the engine.
Road salt and antifreeze (ethylene glycol) are also hazardous to cats and other animals. Antifreeze is extremely poisonous and road salt can cause irritation, dryness and burns. Do not allow your pet to come into contact with these products. There are pet safe salt alternatives available commercially which contain magnesium chloride.
Make sure your cat has a cozy warm spot to curl up in if they are feeling cold. This is especially important for senior kitties as they often require extra warmth and cushioning. Check out our webstore for beds or hot packs you can purchase to keep kitty warm!
If possible, build a feral cat shelter or offer water in an insulated container to support homeless stray cats. You can also support your local shelter or animal rescue with donations as it is a very busy time of year for them. Animal rescues such as Animalert greatly appreciate foster homes as well. Fill out an application form here: https://www.animalert.ca/apply/cat-fosterhttps://www.animalert.ca/apply/cat-foster

More in this category: « The Scoop on Feline Veterinary Diets Special seniors need extra care! »

596 Adelaide Street North,
London, Ontario N6B 3J8
Canada
Fax: 519.660.0002
Email:

Telephone: 519-660-0300

Monday-Friday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM – 1:00PM
Sunday: Closed

After Hours Emergencies:

Due to covid-19, flu and cold viruses, we have implemented protocols to keep both our clients and staff safe. The veterinary profession has been under tremendous strain throughout the pandemic due to severe staff shortages, so we’ve taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of our hospital. Our staff is a very small group, some being immunocompromised and at a greater risk. If any of our staff did get sick, we would have to close our doors completely, and we would no longer be available for any sick cats or emergencies.

We are now inviting cat parents, with scheduled appointments, back into the hospital with your cat(s), with a maximum of 2 fur parents, please. We still require masks to be worn inside. Please call from your car in the parking lot, to let us know you have arrived and we will direct you accordingly.

Because of the small size of our hospital, we are remaining curbside for drop off and technician appointments. For technician and drop off appointments we ask that you bring the cat to the back door and ring the bell for a technician to assist you. Food and medication pickups are still curbside. If you have any cold, flu, or covid symptoms, we ask that you stay in your vehicle for the duration of the exam, in which case the veterinarian will communicate with you via telephone. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Drop off exams are for urgent or emergency issues. Your cat would be dropped off in the morning and the veterinarian would examine your cat in between the appointments that are already fully booked. The veterinarian would then give you a call to make up a treatment plan with you and then perform the agreed diagnostics and treatments. You would pick up your cat once treatment is complete.

Even though mask mandates have ended, we are still requiring masks to be worn inside the hospital.

We ask that everyone please remain respectful to our staff, and our hospital policies. We have a zero tolerance for any disrespectful behavior.

We thank you for your understanding and kindness during these difficult times.

Our Hours are Monday - Friday 8 am - 5pm
Saturday 9 am - 1 pm