When temperatures drop, our feline friends require a little extra care to keep them safe.

• Keep your cats indoors. Pet cats should always be kept safely indoors, but this is especially important when a blizzard is on the way. Cats can become disoriented in a storm and wander away.

• Make sure your cats have ID. In bad weather well-intentioned people are more likely to scoop up cats found outside. ID increases the chances of a successful reunion. Make sure your contact information is up to date with the microchip company and vet clinic.

• Caring for a stray cat? Make a plan to get them indoors. Regina Cat Rescue gets inundated with requests for help when bad weather hits, and we aren’t always able to help. We hope that everyone can do their part to ensure cats are not left to suffer in the cold. Provide food, water, shelter, and if possible, bring the cat indoors (a garage, spare room or bathroom work great) when the weather is most severe.

• Support community cats. Consider getting a heated water bowl and making an insulated shelter outdoors. Don’t forget to provide food daily too.

• Slippery sidewalks? Make sure your ‘ice melt’ is pet friendly. Some kinds are toxic to cats, dogs and other critters.

• Bang the hood and honk the horn before starting your vehicle. This should scare away any cats who maybe seeking heat from your engine block.

• Using anti-freeze? Be sure to clean up any spills. It’s very enticing to kitties and can be deadly if ingested.

• Make sure your emergency kit includes supplies for your pets. This means extra water, extra food and a supply of their medications. Don’t forget a photo of your cat too in case you need to make a lost poster.