Contrary to popular belief, a warm fur coat does not keep you (nor a cat) warm all through the wintertime. While cats are normally independent, they do need our help to get them through the cold of winter.Here's what to keep in mind so you can keep your favorite feline warm all thru the cold winter months -- Give Food DailyOutside cats need regular feeding on a daily basis. This is necessary for two very important reasons. The first reason is that well-fed cats are better hunters. Yes, yes...it sounds counter-productive, but in reality, a well-fed cat hunts better. A cat is only successful 2-3 times per 10 times that it hunts. (This is true whether you're talking about domestic cats or their larger cousins.) Cats need food on a daily basis so they can be strong enough to hunt. Not all cats have a strong urge or desire to hunt; let alone eat what they hunt and kill. Cats have different personalities, just like us humans do. Over the years, I've seen my own cats differing personalities - some were great mousers, some were great bird hunters, and some didn't really care to do much more than look outside the windows and be amused.

There are other factors you should keep in mind about daily feeding. Be aware of the fact that mice (and other rodents) can have: disease(s), parasites, worms and other things that are not beneficial to cats and/or humans. This fact alone is a major reason why I do regular, daily feeding of my outside cats. I certainly don't want my cats getting sick because they ate a mouse with a disease or parasites! Another reason a cat needs regular, daily feeding (and the extra calories the cat gets from the food) is because it takes more energy to keep warm and maintain their body temperature during those cold winter months. Speaking of "warm" - keep in mind dry cat food doesn't freeze. It's easier to feed dry cat food because it doesn't dry out, doesn't freeze, and most of the time, most cats will tolerate eating it. Gimme ShelterThe next way to keep your outside cat warm in winter is to have a safe place for the cat to sleep. A cat needs shelter during the long, cold winter nights - just big enough for a cat (or two), but not for a dog, raccoon, possum, skunk, or other outside creatures.

Personally, I have a couple of different places set up for my outside cats.In one spot, I have an outside "closet." (Actually this is where I've got my washer & dryer.) There's a small cat door for them to go in and out. The "closet" provides a good wind-break. Just cutting down the amount of wind (or completely eliminating the wind) makes a big difference in temperature and comfort of the cats.curtains amanzimtoti It Doesn't Have To Be A PalaceMy other shelter is an "igloo" type of shelter. curtain shop hyannis maO.K., it's really called a "dogloo," but I'm a cat person...what can I say? ikea pink flamingo shower curtainAnyway, the igloo is not very large, it's insulated (warmer in winter & cooler in summer) and has a small opening. curtains mcarthur glen

I've placed a sleeping bag inside. That way, the cats have a warm, soft something to snuggle into, plus the sleeping bag itself is insulated for winter weather.Where you place the "igloo" is important. I've set mine up in our carport - the car port itself provides some wind break. My car port has walls on all three sides. Even on the coldest of winter days, I've found it can be at least 5 degrees warmer just being in the car port. fire retardant curtains dormI haven't measured the temperature in my outside cat "closet," but I'm sure the difference in temps are similar because it's enclosed on all 4 walls (with only one door for me & the cats to get in and out).curtains tuamAlso, remember to set the outside "igloo" or cat shelter up a bit, off of the ground. made to measure curtains n8

Or at least put the igloo on a wood pallet or some other material. Not only do cats prefer to be up off the ground, it you set the shelter off the ground, it won't leech the cold from the ground (or from the cement if you set things up in your car port or garage). Heaters & Heating PadsDifferent types of heaters and heating pads - all different prices and styles.Heated Water BowlsSeveral different types of heated water bowls in different price ranges. Don't Forget TheseAnother option (depending upon your budget) is having one of those enclosed oil-filled radiator heaters in your cat "closet." Since they're fully enclosed, you don't run any risk of fires, and the cats enjoy the extra heat. They usually have a couple of buttons so you can regulate the amount of heat generated. The units are normally set up to turn on and off when a particular set temperature is reached. They usually cost under $100, and last for many years. Most home improvement stores (like Lowe's) carry them.Lastly, put out fresh water every day.

However, you need to be aware of how cold it's going to get overnight because water does freeze! (I'm ashamed to say how many mornings I've found frozen water in the bowls...although, I'm getting better at remembering).Try to place the water where it won't freeze, or invest in a heated bowl. If, for bugetary reasons, you can't see your way clear to buy a heated bowl, then you need to put out fresh, clean water in the same place and at the same time. The cats will learn your schedule an dwill come to drink the water at those times. Cats do like having routines.All, or most of the above said and done, you should have a warm, comfy and happier cat during the winter.HomeMailFlickrTumblrNewsSportsFinanceCelebrityAnswersGroupsMobileYahooSearchSign inMailS&P 500)Dow 30)Nasdaq)MarketwiredFebruary 9, 2015GOODLETTSVILLE, TN--(Marketwired - February 09, 2015) - Starting today, Dollar General (DG) is offering customers a week of in-store and online savings for home essentials and everything needed for a special Valentine's Day."

This is an especially exciting week of savings at Dollar General as we provide an even greater value on the quality and trend-right home items customers seek to begin their spring cleaning and decorating," said Dave D'Arezzo, Dollar General's executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. "Also this week, both in stores and online, Dollar General has all the essentials to celebrate a fun Valentine's Day with the ability to save even more with the new DG Digital Coupons."In order to receive the discount, customers may obtain the 50% off coupon in one of four ways including:Text "HOMEHALF" to 34898 to receive this and future offers sent directly to their mobile phone.Download the coupon on the Dollar General app, available on iPhone and Android smartphones. to print an at-home coupon. on your mobile device to see the coupon and savings in the DG mobile coupon center. The sale applies to kitchen appliances, non-disposable beverage ware, cookware/bakeware, storage containers, kitchen gadgets, hangers, trash cans, laundry hampers and plastic accessories, light bulbs, mops and brooms, reusable space bags, bath coordinates, bath towels, kitchen tablecloths, bed pillows, mattress pads, placemats, rugs, sewing notions, sheet sets, shower liners, tub mats, wastebaskets, soap dishes, shower hooks, shower curtain rods and window treatments. 

The offer excludes home décor, outdoor décor, candles, potpourri, clocks, lamps, lamp shades, blankets, throws, flowers, framed art, picture frames, disposable plates, paper products, plastic cutlery, As Seen on TV™ items, cleaning chemicals and disposable products. Other exclusions may apply.Valentine's Day Items Remember to visit Dollar General this week to save on Valentine's Day essentials while showing lots of love. Customers may take advantage of great deals and digital coupons to save even more this year. Beginning Feb. 10, most Dollar General stores will begin offering single-stem roses for only $2 each. Dollar General is also helping customers stretch their budget this year with everything from candy and gifts like gift cards and electronics to 50-cent and one dollar greeting cards, home décor and children's gifts for the classroom..About Dollar General Corporation Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time.