10 ways :how to keep cat warm in winter
When I let the cats out first thing this morning, the temperature was 14 degrees Fahrenheit. By the time we went for our morning walk, the temperature had risen to just above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. So it occurred to me that now might be a good time to suggest some ways to keep cat warm in winter, especially since the weather outside is so cold.
1. When the temperature drops, don't leave cats outside.
Just because your cat is dressed in a fur coat doesn't mean he's immune to the elements!
A husky will obviously fare better in the cold than a chihuahua, but keep in mind that animals, like people, need time to adjust to temperature changes. A husky from the tropical climes of south Florida will not be as resistant to the freezing temperatures of Alaska as a native hound.
I'm not just talking about cats in the house. If you have a goat, a pig, a horse, or a bunny that lives outside, make sure they have enough shelter. It should be dry, draft-free, and have plenty of clean bedding*, as well as the ability to heat it safely.
By the way, leaving your cat in a car without heat when the temperature is below freezing is just as cruel and dangerous as leaving him in the sun. It doesn't take long for your car to cool down to the outside temperature, so no matter how much Fido wants to go for a ride, it's best to leave him at home.
*Be cautious when using blankets as bedding. Fido may play in the snow before laying down on his blanket, but a wet blanket can freeze, leaving Fido cold. Straw or hay are preferable because they allow moisture to evaporate, retain heat, and are biodegradable. It's available at farm stores; make sure it smells fresh and sweet, like freshly mown grass.
2. Select a cat that is appropriate for the climate.
Of course, this isn't always an option, but it's something to consider if you're currently looking for a cat. The majority of snakes, for example, are found in tropical or sub-tropical environments. So, if you live in the far north, where sub-zero temperatures are common and winter freezes cause power outages, be prepared! You can't just take a parka out of the closet and wrap it around your reptile. You'll need to have an alternative heating source on hand.
3. Take into account haute couture.
Normally, I don't advocate for cats being dressed up; I prefer a "au naturel" approach. Extreme weather, on the other hand, necessitates appropriate precautions, so I'm not opposed to donning a warm jacket when necessary.
4. Don't forget about the cat paws.
Salt and other chemicals used to thaw roads and walkways can cause cracking and soreness in the pads. And, if consumed, these chemicals can be extremely harmful. Boots are one solution, but most cats dislike wearing them, and you'll have a hard time getting them on your cat! Instead, make sure your cat's paws are clean before he has a chance to lick them.
Before going outside, rub a little baby oil on and between the pads to prevent ice build-up. The pads will be more pliable and less prone to ice formation. Keep the hair between Fido's toes well-clipped and his nails short so that snow does not cling and form ice balls, which can be extremely painful for your cat.
5. Water and food
Cats who spend a lot of time outside in the cold will burn a lot of calories to stay warm, so adding a little extra to the old feedbag is a good idea. However, Kitty may be spending more time at home in front of the fireplace these days, or Rover's walks may be shorter than during the warmer months, so be careful not to overfeed.
Also, don't count on your brave hunter to find enough food to get through the winter. Cats that live exclusively outside and are generally self-sufficient will require additional nutrition to get through the colder months.Rodents and birds, which are their natural prey, will be scarce, and as it turns out, a well-fed cat is a healthier cat, and thus a better hunter. (I'm a firm believer in keeping cats indoors at all times.)
When it comes to water, dry winter weather makes your pet more prone to dehydration, so keep fresh water on hand at all times. Use a heavy plastic dish to keep outside water from freezing because it loses heat more slowly than metal. A deeper dish will freeze more slowly; keep the dish out of direct sunlight or, better yet, invest in a bird bath de-icer.
6. Make sure your cats are dry
I mentioned it before in relation to bedding, but if Rover, Mouser, or Trigger get wet, it's also a good idea to give them a thorough rub-down before bringing them inside. A wet cat, like you, will quickly cool down.
7. Make a horn horn
Cats (and other small animals) have a nasty habit of crawling into the warm engine of your car. To scare any animals away, honk your horn or bang on the hood before starting your car.
8.Frostbite
Frostbite is tissue damage caused by exposure to cold. It usually affects the extremities. If the temperature is low enough and the exposure is long enough, the tissue can die. Because of the hair cover, it's not easy to spot in animals, but check the ears, paws, tail, and scrotum in particular to see if the skin is pale and very cold to the touch.
Frostbite can be treated by gently warming the affected areas. You should not rub or massage the frostbitten tissue because you risk infection. Warm cloths, heat pads, or heat lamps should be used instead.The tissue will need to be monitored as it warms up, and your veterinarian will most likely prescribe painkillers. To avoid life-threatening conditions like gangrene, severely damaged tissue may require amputation.
9.Hypothermia:
This refers to a drop in core body temperature. Shivering is the first sign of hypothermia, which can lead to respiratory distress, paralysis, and cardiac arrest if heat loss continues. The body is rapidly warmed during treatment. Keep a cat heating pad, hot water bottles, heat lamps, hair dryers, and blankets on hand for mild cases. A warm bath can also help, but always follow up with a doctor's visit to rule out any lingering issues. Severe hypothermia necessitates immediate veterinary assistance.
10. A pound of cure is worth a pound of prevention
The first and best defense against the winter cold and any ailments it may bring is a healthy cat. Of course, the young and the elderly are always at greater risk, so be vigilant and prepared, and please keep a closer eye out for stray animals at this time. Attempt to get them to a safe location, or at the very least, provide food and a shelter so that they have a chance to survive.
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