Spring, Summer, Fall, & Winter – just as our clothes and activities change with the season, there are seasonal cat safety risks that you need to address. 
Throughout the year, be aware that crowds of people festivities can frighten pets. If you plan to entertain, you must plan ahead and make sure your cat has a safe place where they can retreat. No matter what the season, parties always involve
food. Cats will beg and want to indulge as well. Be sure that you cat does not have access to cook bones especially chicken and keep the table scraps to a minimum to prevent upset stomachs.
Grilling hot dogs, swimming and heading to the beach are activities we enjoy in the sunshine. The heat and humidity of summer can take a toll on cats and can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Never let a cat stay in a car during hot weather even if only for a short time because temperatures can rise very quickly. Indoor cats are not as affected by the summer heat and humidity if kept in an air conditioned room or house. Outdoor cats can suffer from dehydration if they do not have a water source at all times.
Summertime especially for the Fourth of July and Labor Day, your cat may become upset with the fireworks noise. If your cat is afraid of loud noises, try to disguise the fireworks with music, TV, etc. Even if you have an outdoor cat, confining your cat in the house at least temporarily can help prevent your cat from running away to avoid the loud noises.
Halloween brings out all kinds of ghosts and goblins. These visiting trick-or-treaters can scare cats. With the extra candy in the house, be aware that large quantities of chocolate can be highly toxic and swallowed wrapper can cause intestinal blockages. Extra candy can also be available in the house for other holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas. Make sure that your indoor cat does not rush out of the house when you go to answer the door. If your cat does get out, ahead of time make sure they are micro chipped or are wearing a collar for identification.
The start of the holiday season starts early and so should the precautions to keep your cat
healthy. Be careful with holiday decorations. Common holiday plants such as mistletoe, ivy, lilies and holly berries can be poisonous, possibly even fatal. A Christmas tree should stand in a flat, wide base. Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts, so you might also want to anchor the tree with fishing line to something stable. Consider if you cat tends to chews and if so what types of ornaments you sue on the tree. Metal ornament hooks can get caught in curious mouths. Glass ornaments can shatter in an animal's mouth. Broken pieces can cut and be deadly if ingested. Tinsel and bows can cause intestinal obstruction and blockage if swallowed.
With winter, outdoor cats need to be observed for any sign that they are very cold such as shivering. Outdoor cats should be brought indoors.
Just as with kids, following these seasonal cat safety risks may not always prevent a problem. See a veterinarian as soon as possible if you cat is injured or suddenly becomes ill. Taking time to prevent seasonal cat safety risks could save your pets' life and make yours easier.
