Dear Letters Editor
As temperatures plummet, we urge people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real.
In the past 12 months, Cats Protection has taken in more than 26,000 cats left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters.
Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re here for them until the tough times pass.
Our winter fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) aims to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats.
We have some simple tips to help all cats stay safe and warm this winter:
Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats.
Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped inside.
Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked.
Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out.
Keep your cat in at night – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out in the cold.
Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, we have tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter.
Yours faithfully
Daniel Warren-Cummings
Central Behaviour Officer
Cats Protection
