PSA: Baby, It's (Getting) Cold Outside.

As the days get shorter and the cold creeps in, please don't forget about your furry friends. Many feral cats become dependant on the food and water supplies their animal-loving humans leave out for them.

"Just like humans, cats can't survive without source of water", said Sandy Anderson, a vet tech we spoke with at a local animal hospital. "We are encouraging all friends of kitty cats to remember to dump a fair amount of antifreeze* in their outside watering dishes, to help your neighborhood critters during the winter."

It is also recommended that you keep the water source in a location where domesticated dogs and other animals are unable to get to it. "Dogs are selfish animals. If they see a food or water source available, they will consume it with no consideration of any other animals which may be dependant on these sources for survival", said Anderson. "Therefore, we recommend placing the food and water dishes in a location where dogs are not able to reach them; like inside the warm engine compartment of your car, minivan, or SUV*. This will ensure it is only the cats who have access to these sources of nutrition and hydration.

* Antifreeze is poisonous and engine compartments are not a safe place for kitties either. Please don't follow any of these recommendations.