Cat owner in stitches after pet’s reaction to seeing snow
Snowy escapades are a delight for children and adults alike, and it seems our furry friends share this sentiment. The UK has been grappling with a cocktail of snow, rain, and robust winds as Storm Goretti made landfall on Thursday (8th January).
Amber Met Office warnings for snow were still in effect in the Midlands, Wales, and the South West on Friday (9th January) morning, while Scotland was under a yellow snow warning, and the rest of England faced yellow rain warnings.
While frolicking in the snow can be a joy, especially when schools are shut, it’s recommended to avoid venturing outdoors unless absolutely necessary due to the hazardous winds and icy road conditions. It’s equally crucial to ensure pets’ safety during these times and refrain from letting animals like cats roam freely in the freezing weather.
However, introducing your pets to the chilly climate responsibly can be an amusing experience, as demonstrated by one American cat owner on Instagram. She posted a video of her black cat, Mercy, encountering snow for the first time, resulting in a hilarious spectacle.
As she gently opened the door to her balcony, Mercy cautiously stepped onto the white blanket of snow that had accumulated on the wooden surface overnight. Emitting soft meows of bewilderment at the unfamiliar sight, she slowly approached the strange white substance.
However, it wasn’t long before Mercy fully embraced the snowy conditions, rolling around until her black fur was speckled with white flakes. Despite her evident enjoyment, the chill soon got the better of her and she retreated back indoors, leaving the frosty playground behind.
The feline’s owner captioned the video: “Mercy got to try a Vermont winter on for size. I think she liked it!”
Viewers were captivated by Mercy’s frolic in the snow, with many commenting on how “so happy” she seemed. Others commended the cat’s discipline for not attempting to leap from the balcony or venture into the deeper snow.
One viewer exclaimed: “Definitely a snow baby!”
Another quipped: “A husky in a cat body.”
A third declared: “This is the best video I’ve ever seen.”
Keeping cats safe in the snow
Cats Protection advises that if your cat is accustomed to going outdoors, they will likely still want to explore even when temperatures plummet. While this can be safe, it’s crucial to ensure they have unrestricted access back indoors via a cat flap to prevent them from being outside for extended periods.
During heavy snowfall or icy conditions, the cat flap may become blocked or freeze shut, so regular checks are necessary to ensure your pet can move freely. Additionally, always keep their indoor water supply replenished, as outdoor sources may freeze over.
Always ensure your cat returns home at night and secure the flap once they’re indoors, as temperatures can plummet further during the night and may pose a risk to your pet. Moreover, if the forecast predicts severe weather, keep your cat indoors to avoid frostbite or hypothermia.
Once your cat is indoors, be sure to wipe off any snow, road grit, salt, or other substances that may have adhered to their fur whilst they’ve been outside. Provide a litter tray so your cat doesn’t need to venture outdoors for the loo, and remember to block off any fireplaces that could pose a hazard to cats.
