Can cats survive the cold? The answer is Yes.
Knowing what to do to protect your cat from the cold weather is essential whether you have an indoor cat who enjoys cuddling or an outdoor cat who enjoys chasing after prey through the snow.
It is accepted scientifically that when the average daily temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, indoor pets that have not experienced cold weather should not be left outside.
Cats need constant access to warm shelters, particularly if they are accustomed to living outside. Never leave sick, elderly, or kitten cats outside when it’s below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most cats can handle cold weather reasonably well. Cats that have spent a lot of time outside are aware of when it is time to enter.
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Can Cats Handle Or Endure Extreme Cold?
The average daily temperature of 50–60 degrees Fahrenheit (10–15 degrees Celsius) is manageable for most cats, despite the fact that most cats can tolerate low temperatures very well.
Cats’ ability to survive in the cold typically depends on a number of variables, including age, breed, fur, health, and body mass.
Anything below 45 degrees Fahrenheit is generally regarded as being too cold for your cats.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has recommended that the ideal temperature for sheltered pets be maintained between 80 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, cats are extremely resilient and can endure extremely cold weather outside.
So the most important question that comes to mind for any cat owner is “how cold can a cat survive?”
In general, outdoor cats can handle colder temperatures better than indoor cats can; cats cannot tolerate temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and they struggle to survive in such conditions.
Can Cats Survive Cold Weather For A Long Time?
In comparison to older cats or animals afflicted with illness or arthritis, younger cats may be able to tolerate cooler temperatures. It will also depend on how much food the cat has access to.
They’ll need more calories if they’re going to be outside in the cold. The cat’s access to the outdoors on a regular basis or whether it only lives indoors also affects the outcome.
Outside cats are more likely to be familiar with the area and to know where the best shelter is. Indoor cats won’t possess this knowledge, making them more likely to experience fear if made to go outside.
Frostbite and hypothermia are most likely caused by temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius, though your cat could still feel uncomfortable in higher temperatures. The cat in question must be considered.
Some people believe that long-haired cats can withstand colder temperatures. True, some cat breeds have coats that help keep them a little warmer in cold weather, but they are still prone to hypothermia and frostbite.
When the body temperature falls below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius), hypothermia sets in. Depending on the breed, a cat’s normal body temperature ranges from 102°F (38.9°C) to 103°F (38.8°C).
Any body part that spends a significant amount of time in the cold can develop frostbite. The most typical areas to be impacted are the paw pads, tail, and ears.
It might take a few days before you notice the first signs of frostbite, which means that the condition could worsen. Frostbite and hypothermia must both be treated by your pet’s veterinarian.
Most people are aware that they shouldn’t leave their cat, or any pet, in the car on a hot day, but many think they will be okay in the car in the winter.
In actuality, a cold car is just as dangerous as a hot one. Cats can quickly develop hypothermia in these circumstances because it effectively transforms into a refrigerator.
It’s not a good idea to keep your cat in the garage during the winter, despite what it might seem like. Most garages have unreported risks.
Although they are dangerous to cats, ice melting chemicals, chemical cleaners, and antifreeze are all kept in the garage. Antifreeze can even be harmful when sucked off of their fur.
Some people keep their cars in their garages. Always check to make sure your cat hasn’t climbed into the engine or wheel well for a nap before starting the engine because cars can seem like a comfortable place to sleep.
Despite spending the entire year outdoors, feral cats may still need assistance. Styrofoam, rubber tubs, and straws can be used to either furnish or build a shelter.
Check to see if they have access to food and water. Keep an eye out for any signs of ice on the water. The water can be kept liquid with the help of insulated bowls.
Can Cats Die From Cold?
According to an early experiment, cats can die if their body temperature falls below 16°C (60°F), though it should typically be around 38°C (100°F).
Older or malnourished shorthaired cats are more vulnerable to the cold than healthy longhaired cats. Keep in mind that temperatures could drop even further due to the wind chill effect.
It’s most likely too cold for your cat to be outside for extended periods of time if it’s too cold for you.
Check underneath your car before you start driving away because cats often seek refuge from the cold inside car engines where there is still some heat left over from the last time the car was driven.
During the winter, anyone feeding a colony of feral cats outdoors should make sure the cats have access to fresh water, a warm place to sleep, and plenty of food to keep them warm.
Make sure your cat has a quiet refuge to retreat to away from the crowds and somewhere dark to hide if you’re hosting a party or having guests over.
Since they could cause problems in your cat’s intestines if ingested, tinsel, ornamental wrapping ribbons, and elastic bands should be cleaned up as well as thrown away.
It’s okay to give your pet a taste of salmon or turkey, but don’t overdo it. Veterinarians frequently see sick animals around this time of year that have overindulged or struggled to handle new foods.
Poinsettias, amaryllis, berries from mistletoe, holly, and lilies are all poisonous to cats. Keep them out of your cat’s reach if you have them in your home; find out more about cat-poisonous plants.
As with prescription food, be sure you have plenty on hand for the holidays if your pet needs medication. Make a mental note of the closest veterinary hospital that handles after-hours/holiday emergencies for your regular practice, just in case.
How Long Before A Cat Dies From Freezing To Death?
A cat can survive in extremely cold temperatures for up to 3–4 days before eventually succumbing to the cold.
The greatest risk that cats face during cold weather is hypothermia. When a person’s body temperature falls to dangerously low levels, hypothermia, a potentially fatal disorder, develops.
Hypothermia is likely to happen if a cat is exposed to subfreezing temperatures or if its fur gets wet in a chilly environment. The risk of coma, renal failure, heart attacks, and even death rises when the body temperature falls below a certain point, which also causes the pulse rate and respiration to slow down.
A cat’s thick coat serves as protection from the cold, but that doesn’t make them impervious to it.
While some cat breeds, like the Siamese, do better in colder climates than others,, long-haired types like the Any cat can develop frostbite or hypothermia if exposed to freezing temperatures, including the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Siberian.
If you’ve ever pondered whether a cat might freeze to death or want to learn more about how to keep your cat safe during the winter, read on for the information you need.
Outdoor Cats Might Be Able To Survive Cold Better
Cats who work on farms or spend the majority of the year outside are accustomed to the cold, but that doesn’t mean they can withstand the extreme cold that some regions of the world experience. They still need to locate warm places to spend the night and have access to fresh water that isn’t frozen.
About 45°F, or 7°C, is the maximum daily temperature that cats can tolerate. They will need to find a warmer place to stay if it drops much lower than that over night. As it does in humans, frostbite or hypothermia strikes quickly in cats. They experience colder temperatures more quickly than humans because they don’t have as much body fat.
Even though they may be more adapted to colder climates, they still require care when the weather is extremely cold.
Indoor Cats Might Have More Troubles In Cold Temperatures
Because indoor cats are not accustomed to these extreme temperatures, they should stay inside when the temperature drops that low. The purpose of letting their cats outside from time to time is to give them access to sunshine and fresh air. But they shouldn’t go outside when it’s too cold. Indoor cats may have more trouble keeping warm outdoors, even when it’s a little warmer than the temperature limits.
This is due to the fact that, unlike outdoor cats, they are not accustomed to and have not grown accustomed to cooler temperatures. Your cat might occasionally enjoy some fresh air if the temperature is above freezing, and that is fine. When they’ve had enough fresh air, remember to let them back inside.
You could also install a pet door on your front door so they can come and go as they please. You might want to refrain from doing that if cats are not welcome in your neighborhood.
If It’s Too Cold For You, It’s Too Cold For The Cat
Like you, cats are mammals and require a more temperate climate. When it is colder outside, they struggle to stay warm. Despite having fur, they might not stay warm outside in the winter despite having fur.
The central nervous system of a cat slows down and has trouble pumping blood to the extremities when the temperature drops below freezing. The cat is unable to reach safety once this occurs because hypothermia has already set in and frostbite has already developed.
Both you and the rest of humans experience the aforementioned process. Therefore, if it’s too cold for you, it’s also too cold for your cat.
Cats Have Fur, But They Still Can Freeze To Death
There is a common misconception that because cats have fur, they can survive outside in subfreezing temperatures. Although a cat does have fur and can stay warm in some climates, consider their fur to be what people would consider clothing. Even though a warm coat can keep you warm in the cold, it won’t make you feel comfortable.
When cats are outside in cold weather, they need to have a warm place to go if they get cold. Farms often have barns where outdoor cats can enter and sleep on cows. They could also take a nap in the hay. They will be able to maintain their body heat if you place a box with a blanket inside it outside in the barn or shed.
How Can I Keep My Stray Cat Warm In The Winter?
What can you do, then, to ensure that the neighborhood cats are safe during this chilly season?
Acquire An Outdoor Shelter
Feral cats can endure the harsh winters, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a warm place to curl up and rest in a secure location. Our outdoor cat shelters are ideal for one cat (or several cats) and can be placed in your garden or in locations where you’ve noticed stray animals. We have shelters to suit every budget. Ask a few good-hearted neighbors if they’d be willing to contribute money to help purchase a shelter if price is an issue.
Set Up The Shelter
A shelter is great, but you still need to make it comfortable. Straw is always a good choice because it allows cats to burrow in and stay warm. If you can’t find any straw, you could also put some shredded newspaper in the shelter. As alluring as it may be, avoid using towels, hay, or folded newspaper to insulate the shelter because these materials absorb body heat, making occupants feel the cold even more.
Use Self-heating Pads
To keep homeless moggies warm when the weather turns chilly, we stock self-heating outdoor shelters and self-heating pads. There is no possibility of electrical accidents or budget-busting electric bills because they are warmed by the cat’s body heat. They are also a superior choice to microwaveable pads that require reheating after a few hours.
Insure There Is Plenty Of Food
Since they expend more energy to stay warm in the winter, cats that are trying to survive outdoors need more food. People who care for stray animals frequently choose dry food because it doesn’t freeze or dry out and most cats will eat it. They can conserve more energy by eating wet food instead of dry food because it is easier and quicker to digest.
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You might want to think about constructing a feeding station rather than leaving the food outside. Making one is simple, and it won’t cost a lot of money either.
Location Is Key
Once your feeding station is prepared, it’s crucial that you locate the ideal location for it. In a perfect world, you would place it away from busy areas and noisy areas. The best location for the feeding station is a calm area because anxious cats won’t use it.
Make sure it’s not too close to the shelter if at all possible. If both are outside and not in your carport or garage, it’s also crucial to avoid placing your feeding station too close to your cat shelter. This might encourage rivalry and result in cat fights over dominance, leaving less aggressive cats on their own.
Maintain The Feeding Station
It’s crucial that you regularly check the feeding station. This will allow you to adjust the amount of food you are leaving out for the number of cats you are feeding. You might need to replenish food bowls more frequently as the weather gets colder, or you might need to put out less food because it’s going to waste (although this is extremely unlikely).
The feeding station needs regular cleaning. Insect repellent and disease-prevention measures will be helped by this. A spotless, well-kept eating area will also tempt stray animals to return for more food, which is even more important.
Make Sure The Cats Have Access To Fresh Water
Generally speaking, cats don’t drink a lot of water, so let’s get this out of the way. You should still give them access to it, though. You could place the drinking bowls in your feeding station because there is a good chance of the water freezing, especially overnight. Or, twice daily, preferably at the same time, put fresh drinking water outside. Due to their habitual nature, cats will quickly learn your routine and their own.
Be Stray Cat Savvy
When it’s particularly cold, stray or feral cats will look for a place to stay warm. Before leaving in the morning, tap your car’s bonnet to make sure no cats are hiding underneath it, in the wheel wells, or behind the tires.
Never Use Antifreeze
One of the most frequent causes of poisoning in the UK is antifreeze, which is toxic to cats (and other pets). Unfortunately, cats enjoy the taste and smell of this household product, and even a small amount can cause kidney damage or even death. Additionally, bad ideas are chemicals and salts. These can harm cats’ delicate paw pads in addition to being deadly if consumed.
Use the following methods to de-ice your car instead of using these products:
- use an ice scraper;
- cover your car at night, or park it in a garage;
- use warm (not boiling) water to defrost pathways and windscreens; and
- use the heat from your car’s engine, defroster and heater to remove ice from the front, back, and side windows
Spay Strays
If you’re caring for feral cats in your neighborhood, especially during the winter, kudos to you. But remember that prevention is frequently preferable. We advise spaying and neutering outdoor cats in the summer so they’ll be better prepared to withstand the cold. On TNR programs, as well as pre-and post-surgery care, your local cat shelter can offer advice.
In the coming months, we hope you will find this article to be helpful and feel more prepared to assist any feral or outdoor cats in your neighborhood. Perhaps you can add something or have first-hand knowledge of taking care of neighborhood cats. If so, please contact us.
Conclusion
can cats survive the cold? Yes, cats can survive the cold.
As soon as the temperature drops below 32°F, cats are more susceptible to the fatal hypothermia and frostbite symptoms that can both occur. Hypothermia occurs when your cat’s body temperature falls dangerously low.