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It makes cats cold very easily. How Do Stray Cats Survive Winter? The Cold Truth & Tips on How - Hepper The same is true in reverse. They find places where they can be warm, and find steady sources of food and water so they never run out of them for the following months. Why My Cats Live Outdoors but Yours Should Stay In, At-Home Pet Dangers to Be Aware of Over the Winter Holidays, Does Your Dog Hate Winter Walks? I do not think they have straw super fine, which might end up being more like hay than straw, and thus a bad idea. Spray insulation foam into the underside of plastic feeding dishes and water bowls to help prevent food and water from freezing as quickly. Animals, including cats andkittens,sometimesclimbup underneathcarsor insideenginesto seek warmth. Insulate cat shelters with strawnot hay. Cats have remarkable survival skills. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Antifreeze is deadly to cats and dogs. If you own a cat, you might be wondering if they easily get cold. Here are a few tips to help you keep your cat's food warm so they can enjoy their meals even when the temperature drops. Unlike hay and blankets, which soaks it up, which can then freeze in winter. Deep bowls will not freeze as fast as wide bowls. How To Keep Cats Warm Without Electricity? The downside is they are considerably more expensive, and they are not always easy to clean. This will not only prevent more cats from ending up on the streets, but itll also improve the health of the cats youre already helping. How to Help Outdoor Cats Stay Warm and Safe in Winter Weather Insulate the shelter with straw to repel moisture. Learn more. Outdoor Cat Care in Winter: Cold Weather Cat Safety Tips - Tractive So actually, regarding a small entry. With the change in seasons, your neighborhood may not frequent your doorstep as much as it used to. Stray cats need access to food and water to survive the winter, especially if it is very cold or snowy. It can take your cat a few days to catch on, but if you dont push too hard or make a big fuss, there is a good chance your cat will be making use of the blanket in a few days. Cats can find their own shelter, but you can also provide additional options where they can sleep, relax, warm up, and stay safe. - Keep things dry and block the wind, of course, but consider the direction the morning sun shines and make sure it reaches the container, preferably the opening. If you can provide a heated mat underneath the bedding, the shelter will stay quite warm and the cat will love it. One of the ways outdoor cats survive winter is by having a thicker coat of fur that helps keep them warm. If your cats don't get wet because they're in the barn whenever it's snowing or you all don't get snow, then blankets are fine, as long as they're switched out regularly. Providing shelter, food and water may be the first steps in getting at least one cat used to your presence, laying the groundwork for eventual trap, neuter, release and in some cases, adoption andtaming. Join the fastest-growing email membership in pet care! If we have helped you make your pet more comfortable, please share this guide to keeping cats warm in winter on Facebook and Twitter. You can build cat shelters out of anything! Prepare ahead of time for inclement weather. As a species, cats have always lived outside and thrived in all varieties of locations, weather conditions, and climates. But how do the feral and stray cats manage to withstand the cold while spending all of their time outdoors during winter? It feels just as good for cats to eat something warm and it takes less energy to digest than frozen wet food or dry food. If you can safely provide water in aheated water dish, by all means, do so. You can even get creative and connect several boxes together to create a palace or tower that your cat can use to play in while its keeping warm. Wet food in addition or instead of the dry food as wet food has more nutrients and is easier to digest. It may be more difficult to help protect the paws of feral cats, due to their shy nature. There are multiple steps you can take to keep cats warm and safe in their outdoor homes where they belong. How to Keep a Cat Warm Outside in the Winter - K&H Pet Do not use human hair products or skin products on your cat because human products are too harsh for sensitive cat skin. Now, you may think that cats are tough creatures and can handle anything, but the reality is, winter can be brutal! Let me know in the comments below! 1 Asked By: Anjelica Lott Date created: Fri, Sep 2, 2022 20:10 PM Date updated: Sat, Jun 3, 2023 10:21 AM Content Video answer: How To Keep Outside Cats Warm During Winter - Life Saving Tips Best answers to the question How do cats stay warm in the winter? FAQ. 2023 Alley Cat Allies. A favoritehomemade shelterof some cat rescue organizations is made usingRubbermaid bins with lids. Whether its barn cats, a feral cat colony, neighborhood community cats, or the stray cat youve found, you may want to consider helping our outdoor felines stay warm in winter. A feral cat may roam over a two-square-mile area, while an outdoor pet cat may roam only about four acres. - If you use a container with a small entry the cat may be warmer but also becomes more vulnerable. For cats in general, a temperature under 45 degrees Fahrenheit is classified as dangerous but stray cats manage to pass even worse or they dont so finding a temperature that can be termed as safe for all the cats is not possible. Straw. Just imagine if you were hungry and it was freezing outside, wouldnt you appreciate someone leaving a bowl of food for you? They sell oat straw on Amazon, specifically for feral cat bedding, so maybe start there? The most important thing is giving an outdoor cat access to a place where they can get warmer, like a garage, says Sharpe. Network She lives with her husband, daughter, three cats, one dog, and a pet dove. While Dr. Sharpe does not recommend a particular temperature at which you should keep your house, the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests keeping rooms above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), and below 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius), for both dogs and cats. There is no specific temperature at which stray cats can survive, as it depends on factors such as fur, bone density, and weight. Stray cats hide in warm places to keep themselves warm. But if you adopted an indoor-outdoor cat or adopted a feral that refuses to stay indoors all the time, then please bring them inside. Your outdoor cat probably has strategies for staying warm and dry when outside in the winter - a secret nook to stay out of the weather, a neighbor that leaves pet food outdoors, or a lucky spot for hunting rodents. Cat caves also usually provide built-in cushioning that stays in place better than a towel, and they are more attractive than a cardboard box. Youre improving the life of the cats youre helping, and youre helping to control the population of stray cats. These groups of cats huddle together for warmth and protection. Elizabeth is an American journalist currently based in Belgium. Use bowls that are deep rather than wide and place them in sunny areas to keep water from freezing. If the cat is near a residential community they find shelters in peoples backyards or garages where is it warmer and drier than it is outside. How Stray Cats Survive the Winter Months? Foxes I know can be a concern for chickens too, but if the doors are small enough that should prevent foxes. Make sure the shelter is in an out-of-the-way place and not near busy roads or placed in areas with lots of foot traffic. Dr. Sharpe suggests making sure your cat has a good amount of space so he or she can move around and self-regulate their body heat. You can help protect your outdoor cats paws from ice and harsh de-icing chemicals by using a little petroleum jelly or even chapstick on the paw pads before she goes outside. So, grab some supplies and get to work! A heating pad should not cover the entire area your cat will sit on. Microchips & Scanners Dr. Cathy Barnette is a small animal veterinarian with 13 years of clinical experience. They are very adaptive and manage to survive in harsh conditions. How To Keep a Cat Warm Outside: Outdoor Cat Shelter A cat shelter is the best way to keep cats warm in winter - and there are many different kinds of shelters to choose from. Exchange Policy Include a . Pet Disaster Donation Terms, Press Releases and News Heres a video of one of the easiest DIY cat shelters you can build. Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ. Wet bedding doesnt help cats stay warm. Kittens and old cats are at risk of hypothermia or frostbite, and sick cats could also lose their lives if they dont find shelter and food/water. Consider switching to an antifreeze with propylene glycol as it is less toxic, but it is STILL dangerous. Building a feeding station is the best way to feed community cats during the cold months. Dont use Chemical Deicers on Sidewalks or Driveways. If they look healthy and aren't harming anything there's no need to call a shelter where they may be deemed non-adoptable and put down. According to Texas A&M University, the temperature that's too cold for your feline will depend on several factors, including the thickness of your cat's fur and his body mass. Providing mainly dry food, which will not freeze, works for frigid temperatures, too. These unowned cats have to search harder to find food to create the (body) heat that they need to survive. was reported by Diana Yates, life sciences editor at Illinois news bureau. They also share food and resources, which is a huge help when the winter is harsh. Give your cat a cozy place to sleep by putting a soft blanket in a warm area of the house, like in a sunny window or by a heater. From desert plains to wild forests, rural backwoods to urban centers, they seem to find a way. Raccoons can fit through dog doors and often do, but if it's cat-sized, it should discourage an adult raccoon. Dont worry, building your own outdoor cat shelter can be easy, affordable, and fun! Your site is very good, and the info is as well, and thank you for that. In winter, cats use up a lot more calories staying warm than they do during the summer. The super-tough Kitty Tube is insulated with foam and straw and its waterproof shell . You can also add a lot of things in addition to their regular meals. Moisture from the cat will drip to the bottom of the shelter and not be soaked into the bedding if you use straw. Blankets or other types of bedding aren't a great idea either unless we're talking about when you can change them out daily. They might even hunt small animals like mice and voles. They have to adapt to changing circumstances, whether its finding food or avoiding danger.. There are a few other important ways to keep your cat colony safe during the winter and not just by ensuring they are warm. You can then fill the container with straw so that the cat has a nice cozy and water-resistant bed to curl up in. December 19, 2022 by Alexa If you have an outside cat, you know that one of the challenges can be keeping their food warm, especially during the winter months. If they stay in the warehouse or barn most of the time, you can put what you want in the little houses or boxes they prefer sleeping in. Heating pads are likely the most effective way to warm up your cat without increasing the heat in your home, but they are also the most dangerous and require the most consideration and supervision. What do they do all these winter months? All Rights Reserved 2022. they soak up moisture like a sponge and make the shelter wet and cold. Straw repels moisture, unlike hay. Hence in areas where it snows many shelters are set up so they can reach out and provide better living situations to these stray cats. Some may be able to stay overnight without any warmth but some may be exposed to the risk of hypothermia or frostbite so there is no fixed amount of time they can stay outside. When she's not working or caring for animals, she can be found enjoying the outdoors or reading a good book. Give Your Cat the Perfect Day Get the Ebook! I dont believe theyll make great bedding though, so you could line the shelter with mylar blankets and put straw on top of it. I mean, who wants to be outside when the temperature drops to single digits and the wind is howling? Instagram Weve racked our brains, asked all of our cat-owning friends, and conducted our own research for as many creative ways to keep your cat warm as we could find, and we are going to list them for you here. Do notstoreantifreeze in areas easily accessible by cats and refrain from using salt and chemicals to melt snow. Its like a human drinking hot tea, coffee or cocoa during winter months after coming inside from the cold. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. Exposing Cruelty at Berkeley County Animal Control in West Virginia, Cat-alyst Society Monthly Giving Program, Forget-Me-Not Legacy Society: Planned Giving, Tribute Cards and Plaques to Support Feline Rescue, Check out some bowls tested by caregivers, Check out our list of outdoor cat house options, Learn what to look for in a good cat house, Learn the difference between straw and hay. Not only are these items dangerous to cats, but the costs associated with veterinary care should they encounter any of these items can be expensive for owners. You can help make your pet cat more comfortable by feeding wet food which helps them moisturize from the inside out. It also cools naturally, so there is no need to worry about turning it off. Putting a door flap over the entry way also keeps out cold air and potential predators. I'd love to allow them to move into the coop in the lower part of the barn with the warm chickens and the heated water dish, but I'm afraid that if the cats have access, so will mink, and raccoons. Our Find A Vet service connects you with leading veterinarians in your area. Put slightly warmed canned food out at regular times each day the cat will learn to arrive then and eat before the food gets cold. Here are some tips on how to keep outdoor cats warm: Make sure kittens, senior cats, or sick cats are never kept outside if the temperature is below 45F (8C) 1. Because Read More, Hey, cat lovers! As winter approaches, stray cats have to find somewhere to hide from the elements. If YOU think it's cold, your cat will probably think it's cold, too. The harsh weather poses a risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Just be sure to check the bedding regularly to see if it is getting wet. Clean, fresh water will tempt your cat to drink more. It doesnt have to be fancy, just a simple box with a roof and some insulation will do. However, hot food will freeze faster than cold food, so dont leave it out! The downside to bed warmers is that either the warmth of the pad or the smell causes some cats to chew on them. How To Keep A Cat Warm Outside. - Cat Veteran This is more likely a more stable option as nobody would drive them out of such places which could be a probable outcome in all the places listed above. Another reason for feeding schedules that is useful in winter is that because the cats will come to eat on a schedule. Yet, cats handle low temperatures pretty well, says Dr. Kristopher Sharpe, a veterinary staff internist and the medical director at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They adapt quickly and actively work to make arrangements for the season. If cats still arent using the outdoor shelters, try to find where they are sleeping and then do what you can there to upgrade the spot, such as adding straw. Without knowing exactly what the setup is, I can only give general suggestions on trying to keep wildlife out at the same time as allowing cats to come and go. Tweety's story is Read More, Feral and community cats face a lot of danger living their lives outside. In winter stray cats focus more on finding warm places where they can stay for the nights as the temperature drops. 5 Expert Tips to Make Outings Easier. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Your email address will not be published. - If you feed them keep the same schedule every day. Here are some tips: To stay warm in winter, outdoor cats will sometimes crawl into the engine compartment of vehicles or sleep under them. Hypothermia in cats is a condition characterized by unusually low body temperatures. They find shelters preferably with walls so that they can be safe from strong winds or snowfall. What if money isnt a problem? That's why it's the most recommended product in feral cat houses (unless you can maintain a heated house, of course). Great Pet Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To make an outdoor winter cat shelter, cut an entry hole for the cat in one short side of a large Rubbermaid bin. Where Do Stray Cats Go During The Winter? Don't forget; in the winter, cats need more calories just to keep warm. Yes, cats do get cold, and most of them don't like the cold temperature all that much. These bushes also provide them a good camouflage which helps them hunt their prey and have steady meals during times like these. This WILL include car engines, wheel wells, and even under your car. However, he stresses the importance of making sure theres a blanket between the cat and heating element for safety reasons, as well as checking cords regularly for signs of wear that could pose an electrocution risk. You can also use a water fountain or water bowl with a fountain feature. She currently splits her time between part-time clinical practice and freelance writing, as well as serving on her county Board of Health. If they survive the engine starting, they could fall off your car as you are driving and be injured. Wet bedding will also freeze, which is definitely NOT warm. Cats have remarkable survival skills. But you can avoid using harsh chemicals on your own property. If it does spill, clean it up. These devices can deliver more heat than a cat can create, like the heating pad, but without the dangers that come with it. Cats can tell when its feeding time. Once you can head out again, take time to clear snow away from areas cats frequent, especially around the cats shelters and feeding stations. You can try to use door flaps on DIY cat shelters by building one into it or you can buy a shelter with the flap, but I would recommend removing it if it seems your cats dont use it. Theyll also give stray cats a place to hide from predators and other dangers. If you think your cat has hypothermia, you should wrap them up in a towel or blanket. Did you know there are 17 plants that are dangerous for felines?! Or, you can put a microwavable heating pad, like a. Cats with thicker fur are better equipped to handle the cold, while those with thin fur may struggle. But the rest of the advice is very good. One easy thing to do is usepet-safe salt on driveways and sidewalks. Shelters dont need to be big or complicated. How long it would take to develop frostbite is hard to say because it would be dependent on the severity of the cold temperature and direct exposure.. Stray cats can survive winter by finding shelter, often in abandoned houses and other buildings, under porches, in thick grass, or even under your car. Build or Buy a Cat Shelter. However, there are many ways you can provide some extra support. You want straw. Provide more than just one type of shelter. Do Cats Get Cold Outside? Follow These Tips to Keep Him Warm - PawTracks Learn what to look for in a good cat house. Invest in a self-heating cat bed 4. Its work but dont mind it, and because have 4 rescue cat as well that I keep in the houses all the time. Depending upon where you live, you may need to only provide a small shelter from the coldest days. Before driving,check underthe hood of your car. I'm not very familiar with minks, so I don't know how often minks navigate cat flaps, though. Chemicals can be more problematic to cat paws than the snow and ice. Theyre experts at finding cozy spots where they can huddle together for warmth. It's not going to matter which type of straw is used. Refund Policy car engines are one of those places. Rubbermaid bins are preferred because they are a good size and they will not crack in the frozen temperatures. Stray cats have to be very resourceful to survive, says Dr. Sarah Smith, a veterinarian who specializes in feline health. Heated blankets and beds are very useful to outdoor cats, says Sharpe. Thats why they often resort to scavenging in dumpsters and garbage cans. If you need to use anextension cord, make sure it is one that is made for outdoor use. If your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, make sure she has access to a shelter at all times in case she does not come inside some cold winter night. The thick foliage of trees and bushes protects them against biting cold winds and also provides great camouflage to hunt their prey. She is an avid reader, coffee addict, gamer, and a writer (as Selenity Jade). Usually, dumpsters are tucked into small corners and these are excellent sources of food for stray animals so they hide near those to protect themselves in winter. Many of our cats have a specific spot they like to stay, often a chair or at the bottom of a bed. With a wealth of knowledge and experience under his belt, he is a respected voice in the cat care community and has helped countless cat owners provide the best possible lives for their pets. Your email address will not be published. Stick to a Feeding Schedule Don't Put Food Near the Cat Shelters Check Your Shelters Regularly! They are well adapted to their environmentsand know where to find food and shelter from the elements. Cardboard boxes are also biodegradable and will not harm the environment. Serve wet food in plastic containers. Pet cats should be indoors, not wandering the streets like strays and ferals. Just be sure it doesnt freeze! If so, your cat might be grooming excessively. - One shelter is usually not going to work with multiple outdoor or semi-feral cats because they are territorial when not closely related. Plastic bowls instead of metal as metal bowls will freeze faster. Consider using some duct tape to keep the lid from blowing off in windy conditions and to help insulate the shelter further. They will show up on time to get their nummies. An outdoor kitty shelter gives them a warm place out of the wind to rest, protects them from drafts, and helps keep them safe and dry. And finally, outdoor cats sometimes move around less during winter so that they don't use up too much energy . 2 These shelters should ideally be placed in a covered area, like on a porch or in a carport, and not where they'll potentially get soaked by standing water. Adopt a K9 Cop by It is supposed to warm up only when in use by the dog/cat. Dont put hot or warm water outside for the cats. Cat fur is not made to get wet. Bringing cats and kittens to shelters where they could be killed is not in their best interesteven when the weather is cold. Due to the friction and movement on roads even the tires of such vehicles are warm and they sleep near the tires too thats why many fatal accidents occur around these. You can line these makeshift shelters with things like Reflectix or foam sheets from a home improvement store or layer a container within a container and fill the walls with straw or foam insulation sheets. There are many options to choose from and what you should purchase will depend upon where you live, what you like, where you want to put the cat shelter, and the cats themselves. Featured Image Credit: Angela Kotsell, Shutterstock. We see it on the paw pads and ear tips, he says. Today more than 800,000 people look to Alley Cat Allies for leadership on saving cats lives, developing communities that safeguard cats, and helping shelters embrace feline-friendly policies. I wouldnt recommend this for a feral cat colony living in the woods, but for working cats its perfect! One of the easiest and least expensive ways to help your cat stay warm is to use an ordinary cardboard box. Use a water-resistant insulator. Cats do not see the dangers in places like car engines, they only see that the places are warm enough and hence they often die in places like these. Most cats deal with cold, cooler temperatures quite well, particularly if they have time to acclimate to what theyre in and their surroundings, says Sharpe. Bone density, the thickness of fur, weight, etc are other factors that help in determining the chances of survival in extreme conditions. Stray cats may require more food during the winter because they require more energy to stay warm. Ricky Clarke is a proud cat dad and a passionate advocate for feline care and training. Jeff Horn, a former graduate student in the department of natural resources and environmental sciences, and colleagues collaborated on a two-year study of owned and unowned cats outdoors and observed that. Yes, their thickened winter coats help feral and stray cats weather winter's chill, but they still need warm, dry, well-insulated and appropriate-sized shelters. An outdoor pet cat, on the other hand, may have its basic survival needs to be taken care of by its human, but a pet cat may not be physically conditioned to withstand even the briefest periods of extreme cold. When hes not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. What can be worrisome is when a cat is suddenly exposed to an environment they arent used to, says Dr. Sharpe. Surviving the winter outdoors is one thing - staying healthy and strong is another. Dr. Sharpe says that cats suffering from hypothermia would be acting very sick., They may be very quiet, they may be lethargic, they may not be very responsive, he says. All Rights Reserved. You might want to consider caulking any cracks and crevices cold air can get into the shelter as well or even wrap the whole thing in plastic bags, except for the entrance. That said, it does discourage a lot of wildlife, especially if you keep the opening small. If youre looking for a way to help stray cats this winter, one of the simplest things you can do is to provide food and water. How Do Outdoor Cats Survive Cold Winters? The Facts Wondering how to keep cats warm in cold weather? Lost Cat in Winter? Straw (not hay) is another great choice for insulation because it allows moisture to drain through it. There is no certain value that can be specified at which stray cats can survive. Learn the difference between straw and hay Outdoor Cats in Winter | Best Friends Animal Society Dry, enclosed shelters give cats a place to escape the rain, snow, and cold winds. Depending on your climate, you may need to insulate it. How to Keep Your Cat Warm This Winter Though cats are pretty adaptable animals, they can be susceptible to dangerous health conditions like hypothermia and frostbite if exposed to temps that dip too low. Related Post: What is the Best Food for Outdoor Cats? How Do Outdoor Cats Survive Winter? Fix It and Finish 8 Reasons for This Behavior, Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? Join thousands of pet parents and get vet-approved guidance, product reviews, exclusive deals, and more! March 31, 2022. Consistency is key when it comes to feeding stray cats, says Dr. Smith. How to care for outdoor cats in winter | The Humane Society of the Thanks so much for the compliment! Dr. Sharpe suggests making sure your cat has a good amount of space so he or she can move around and self-regulate their body heat. It is the dried stalks of these plants. Allison Shannon2022-12-29T11:26:42-05:00October 27th, 2022|0 Comments. So much good information! Dr. Marty Becker. How do cats stay warm in the winter? - Cat Visitor Canned or wet food takes the least amount of energy to digest, meaning more energy can be spent on fighting the chill. Even better, add a layer of straw between the container and styrofoam for extra insulation, and add another layer on the floor. Cats often experience dry itchy skin in the winter. This allows the shelter to better trap and hold the cats body heat. 7 Methods to Keep Your Cat Warm 1. Cat food will attract wildlife like raccoons and cats will rarely sleep near where they eat, especially if there is leftover food to attract critters. Another way they stay warm is by finding cozy places to hide, such as in a box, under a porch, or inside a car. If you see multiple cats but provide one shelter you are providing the dominant cat some warmth, not the likely most needy cat.