Keep Your Cat Warm This WInter!

Temperatures to approximately 20-25 degrees are pretty well tolerated by cats, however it is important to take into account wind chill, sleet, ice or snow when concerned with the safety of your pet. Even the most seasoned veterans of winter will require shelter during severe winter weather. Cats, like people, are susceptible to frostbite, most uaually ont heir ears and paws, and can also suffer from hypothermia. Our cat Sushi was adopted after having frostbite on both ears. She was found abandoned in the middle of a snowy field. Luckily there was no permanent damage to the ears, except for a slight misshapen look. Hypothermia can be fatal to a cat and will require emergency veterinary care. Seek help immediately if your cat seems lethargic or unresponsive and feels cold to the touch. Warm her up gradually and never all at once.

To prevent hypothermia and frostbite, outdoor cats should always have access to a dry shelter, out of the range of wind and snow. Never assume your cat will find shelter on his own when needed because more often than not, it won't happen. If you're using a cat door, make sure your cat understands how to use it and is comfortable in doing so before the winter months arrive.

Check your cat's water bowl at least twice a day to be sure that it has not frozen over. Cats cannot get water from a frozen block of ice and dehydration can become an issue.

Also, be sure your cat does not go near anti-freeze. This sweet tasting chemical may be desirable to the taste buds, but is fatal to your cat if ingested.

Finally, cats who use the outdoors year-round for elimination may balk in deep snow. For male cats in particular, retaining urine can lead to a urinary tract obstruction. It's not uncommon for veterinarians to be inundated with urinary tract blockage problems during the winter months just for this reason. Again, year-round access to an indoor litter box may assist with this issue.

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