i have a very steep drive and getting out of it in the ice and snow is almost impossibe without gritting it but until this year i hadnt realised the dangers to my cats, so now i grit only when absoloutly necessary and then keep the cats in, if they do go out we have a packet of wet wipes by the front door to clean their paws when they come in, same with the dogs

Yup, cats should never be allowed in garages or sheds, too dangerous. If you suspect a cat has had antifreeze, take it to the vets IMMEDIATELY for treatment, do not wait for an appointment or to see if the cat shows any symptoms as by then it's probably already too late.

I didn't know about the gritter salt. I have some highly slippery back steps which I salt, and then I take Theo for a walk daily... might start wiping his paws too.

I wipe the dogs feet after being out cos of the salt they put down as it irritates.

Feral cats have their boxes as I put them out away from the river and road its old fish boxes taped together. My own cat never ever goes out now. He was feral now an indoor cat. The garage is locked up big time so they cant get in there but the other kennels are. There is a litter box in there and fresh bedding too. I know I am a sucker for animals.

hehe a kitty hotel! Sounds quite nice actually! Even down to the most appropiate fishy scent!

I've covered the hutch with a carpet offcut so its better insulated. The old duvets are in the square bag the new ones came in, shoved into the space under the bed area of the hutch so that stops the snow getting underneath & the freezing air whipping about.
Not the only sucker Dolly....lol.

I didn't know that about cats, I don't have one but it's useful to know for future reference anyway