The Cat Doctor Veterinary Hospital and Hotel

Baby, Its Cold Outside -Winter Care for Cats

Alexis Higdon, DVM

Those cold, windy winter months are here. Cats are very resilient and can survive just about any weather condition. However, many do suffer from the effects of very cold climate changes. If your cats spend time outdoors, especially during the really, really cold winter weather, providing them appropriate shelter is of primary importance.

Criteria used when planning winter shelter for outdoor cats are warmth, protection from the elements, and an easy get-away so the cat does not feel trapped or cornered. Something as simple as a sturdy cardboard box, laid on it side and covered with a blanket and waterproof tarp would do. Make sure the front of the box faces away from the wind and is partially covered with a blanket or towel to create a cozy interior. Elevate the box off the ground by placing it atop an old table on a covered area such as a patio. Select a box big enough to accommodate a cat bed and food and water dishes. An inexpensive circular, high-sided cat bed lined with a heating pad (set for low or medium and covered with a towel) would make most cats quite happy. Additional warmth can be obtained by suspending red (not clear) infrared heat lamps from the ceiling of a covered patio. Lower them to about three feet over the raised cat bed.

Last winter, I stacked my patio furniture up and covered it with a tarp. On my patio sofa, I placed a few old rugs and heating pad-lined cat beds. Over them, I suspended several heat lamps and was amazed that my cats often preferred to lie outside in their beds than come into my cozy house!

Check food and water dishes daily since both may freeze in the extreme cold. You can purchase a heated water dish from a local pet or feed store to insure drinkable water even in the coldest cold spell. Provide fresh food at all times as outdoors, cats need more calories to keep their bodies warm when the temperature drops, especially at night.

On another note, we don’t usually think of shiny, cheerful tinsel as a problem, but a cat may find it life-threatening. In the veterinary field, we call tinsel a “linear foreign body.” It can saw its way through the wall of a cat’s intestines if ingested. Protect your cat and do not use tinsel in your holiday decor.

Lastly, “stress” can be a major health factor especially for old or very young cats. Just like elderly or infant humans, a cat’s immune system and ability to adjust to drastic changes is limited by age. Consider keeping older and younger cats indoors where they do not have to fight the winter elements.
Winter is a wonderful time for cats to be outside playing and exploring. Most are clever survivors and manage to find unique places to curl up and keep warm and protected from the harsh elements. This winter, make it easy on your cats. Provide them with an easy to build shelter thereby insuring their safety as they endure winters harsh conditions.

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