Ever wonder if you should be training a cat for severe weather? Yes, a cat can be trained for severe weather.
First, make sure that the cat has been to the vet for check-ups and vaccines. This first will protect them from illnesses that they pick up during some severe natural weather. You may be parted from your cat, and this is good protection that you can give them.
Make sure you train a cat to wear a collar. It is important too to have a collar that will tell what their name is and the address where they live. You can purchase the tags from your vet, pet stores, or most places that make tags. Do not get a large one, as it will irritate a cat and be uncomfortable for them. Small but informational is the best kind. Also, make sure you get a tag from the vet with the vaccines and any information that someone who finds your cat can. I deify your cat so that it can be returned to you.
There are many different collars for cats. Size, color, and even design ones. Which one would be appropriate for the cat is up to you and the cat? When purchasing one, make sure that it is not too snug on the cat’s neck and not too loose so that the cat can get it off.
You will need to train the cat to wear the collar. A couple of tips would be when you are at home, have the cat wear it for short periods until they are satisfied and comfortable with it. If the cat is a small kitten, that is the time to start with the collar. Spray the collar with catnip, too. Cats love the scent of catnip, which sprays can be purchased to help you with this training.
When severe weather comes, you could see your cat running for cover. Allow the cat to do this in safe places. If the cat is not in a good, safe place, take the cat to the place that would be safe for them. Make an environmentally safe area for the cat. To get the cat to go there, Put a snack there when severe weather approaches, make sure they have water, a small toy, and nearby a small cat litter that is only used for this purpose, or the cat will get mixed signs where they should go otherwise. Then, leave the cat alone.
Cats have a natural fear of severe weather and know how to take cover from it. Do not try to train the cat to get used to the severe weather. We have to allow cats to use some of the natural instincts that they are born with.
If the cat gets wild during severe weather, then maybe a locked kennel would be a great place to start out. To help them with this, when severe weather is approaching, put the cat in the kennel spray or put some catnip in the kennel. This will help. Lock the cat in and reassure the cat that everything is fine and they are safe. You will want to put the kennel in an area where, eventually, the cat will go on his own and be left out of the kennel in case of severe weather.
For weather that is severe enough that maybe you will be apart from your cat, make sure they are will be comfortable. Favorite toys, blankets, pillows, or things that you know will make them comfortable.
Leave a good amount of water and food for the cat. There are self-feeders that will hold water and dry cat food for the cat. This will allow them to eat and know that they can get to it.
In severe weather, if your cat will be outside, leave shade for hot days for a cat. You could put out an umbrella, a box that allows good airflow, or a small table so it can climb under for shade. In wintertime or cold days, if the cat is not able to get in where it is warm, provide some protection with rags, newspapers, or something that will help protect them. Remember, if a cat is used to being inside and is left outside, we need to protect them from the weather.
Training a cat for severe weather is crucial for their safety and well-being. By taking preventative measures such as regular vet check-ups and vaccinations and providing them with a collar and identification tags, we can protect them from illnesses and ensure they can be returned if they get lost. Choosing a collar that fits properly and gradually introducing it to the cat is important, using catnip spray if needed. During severe weather, it is important to allow the cat to seek safe places on their own or guide them to an environmentally safe area with essential supplies. It is essential to respect a cat’s natural instincts and not attempt to train them to become accustomed to severe weather.
If necessary, a locked kennel can provide a secure space for the cat during extreme weather events. When apart from the cat during severe weather, it is essential to ensure their comfort with familiar toys, blankets, and self-feeders. Additionally, providing shade and protection from the elements in hot and cold weather is crucial for outdoor cats. By following these guidelines, we can help ensure the safety and well-being of our cats during severe weather conditions.
