Keeping Your Cat Safe as the Clocks Go Back: Antifreeze, Dark Evenings and Winter Care

On Sunday 25 October, the clocks go back an hour. For cat owners, that one change brings several winter risks into play at once: darker evenings, a higher risk on the roads after nightfall, antifreeze and road grit coming into use, and colder nights for cats who roam. Many of these risks can be reduced with a few simple habits, once you know what to look for.

This guide brings together current advice from UK vets and cat welfare charities on keeping your cat safe from late October through the winter, including what to look for in a collar if your cat wears one. If you are already looking, every design in our breakaway cat collars range is handmade in the UK and fitted with a safety breakaway buckle.

Why darker evenings matter for cats

The GOV.UK calendar confirms that in 2026 the clocks go back on 25 October, ending British Summer Time and the extra evening daylight that comes with it. From that point, early evening is dark.

That matters because of how cats see. According to Cats Protection, a cat's eyes do not adjust to sudden changes in light as quickly as ours, so bright headlights can dazzle and disorientate them. The charity notes an increased risk of road accidents after nightfall and recommends keeping cats indoors overnight. It also suggests that timing meals to coincide with rush hour may help to keep cats away from busy roads.

The same advice applies to fireworks season. Cats Protection recommends keeping cats indoors once it is dark around Bonfire Night, with a litter tray, food, water, toys and somewhere to hide, so they are less likely to stumble on a display and be frightened by sudden noise and light.

Antifreeze: a serious winter hazard

Antifreeze is a real danger to cats in the colder months. The RSPCA warns that eating even a small amount can cause kidney failure and death, especially in cats.

Exposure does not only come from a container left open. The BVA, the British Veterinary Association, points out that antifreeze is used in car radiators and de-icing products, and that some cases are thought to be linked to diluted antifreeze added to ornamental water features to protect the pumps. It also advises wiping your pet's paws after time outside, so they do not swallow toxins they may have walked through.

Signs of antifreeze poisoning

The RSPCA advises that signs can appear 30 minutes after a cat has swallowed antifreeze, although it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure become noticeable. Symptoms to watch for include:

• vomiting
• seeming depressed or sleepy
• appearing drunk and uncoordinated
• seizures
• difficulty breathing

If you suspect your cat has come into contact with antifreeze or leaking water coolant, the RSPCA's advice is clear: never watch and wait, contact a vet immediately. The sooner treatment starts, the better the chance of survival.

How to prevent it

The RSPCA recommends checking your car regularly for coolant leaks, keeping antifreeze in clearly labelled, robust, sealed containers away from pets, cleaning up spills immediately however small, and disposing of antifreeze and coolant responsibly, with advice from your local authority.

Rock salt and grit on paws

Gritted roads and pavements bring a second winter risk. The RSPCA explains that rock salt is a mixture of salt and grit, and that swallowing even a small amount of salt can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, with a risk of convulsions and kidney damage in severe cases. Most cases involve animals who walk through gritted snow and then lick or chew it off their paws.

After your cat has been out in icy weather, wipe their feet and tummy thoroughly. If they may have rock salt on their feet or fur, the RSPCA suggests washing the area with a mild, pet-safe shampoo and warm water, then drying them completely. If you think your cat has eaten rock salt, call your vet straight away and never try to make them sick yourself.

Warmth, shelter and a quick check before you drive

The BVA advises considering keeping older cats indoors during extreme cold snaps, and making sure even healthy young cats have easy access to shelter and warmth. Cats Protection adds that if your cat has outdoor access, you could leave a shed or outbuilding door wedged open or fit a cat flap, and check that outdoor water and your cat's usual toilet spot have not frozen over.

Cold weather also sends cats looking for warm hiding places. Cats Protection notes that some cats shelter under parked cars, and some have even nestled into a warm car engine. Before setting off, tap the bonnet or close the car door firmly, glance underneath, and give any cat time to leave before starting the engine. The charity also asks owners to check sheds and outbuildings before locking them.

Making sure your cat can be identified

Fireworks and unfamiliar winter conditions can send a frightened cat further from home than usual, so identification matters. Cats Protection recommends microchipping as the best way to identify your cat, and since 10 June 2024 it has been a legal requirement in England for cats to be microchipped before they reach 20 weeks old, with the owner's contact details kept up to date in an approved database. That last part is easy to forget, so check your details, especially if you have moved recently.

A collar can add a visible sign that your cat has a home, but only if it is the right kind. Cats Protection advises choosing a quick-release or snap-opening collar, which is more likely to pop open if it gets caught, and avoiding elasticated collars, which can trap a leg or jaw. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the collar, and any damaged collar should be replaced straight away.

Our handmade cat collars are made in the UK, and every one is fitted with a safety breakaway buckle as standard, including designs such as PEJU and TOMI, so the collar can release if it snags.

A short checklist for the darker months

As the clocks go back, a few small habits make a real difference: bring your cat in before dark, especially around Bonfire Night; store and use antifreeze carefully and clean up spills at once; wipe paws after time on icy or gritted ground; provide warm shelter; check under your car before driving; and make sure your cat's microchip details are current. If your cat wears a collar, choose a breakaway design that fits well, and browse our cat collar range if you need a new one. And if your cat shows any sign of poisoning, contact your vet immediately.