It is common to assume that furry cats tolerate winter weather. Many furry cats are indeed hardy, particularly Siberians, Maine coons, and Norwegian Forest cats. However, indoor cats and many long-haired breeds that have not historically lived outdoors, such as Persians, are neither acclimated nor skilled to survive in cold weather.
In general, long-haired cats can safely spend a few hours outside in winter but cats of any breed are vulnerable to frostbite when it is colder than 0°C/ 32°F. Snow and rain reduce the insulating capacity of fur. Very young and old cats, as well as animals who live in mild climates or have health issues, are especially at risk for hypothermia and frostbite.
Individual characteristics are important to consider and there are measures to take to increase a cat’s tolerance to cold weather.
RISK FACTORS FOR HYPOTHERMIA IN CATS
Acclimation
Even if your cat is fluffy but spends little or no time outdoors, your pet could get chilly quickly. Cats who go outside often are more appropriately conditioned for low temperatures, although prolonged exposure to cold is hazardous to any animal.
Many long-haired cat breeds are not all that hardy, despite having long fur. A perfect example would be the Persian breed. Felines of this breed are generally really fragile and intolerant of low temperatures and other harsh conditions.
Age And Health Status
A healthy young cat is likely to tolerate a cold day much better than a kitten or an elderly, more fragile, animal.
An animal that has one or several health problems may be more vulnerable to temperature instability, both hypothermia and hyperthermia.
Any cardiac problem, in particular, could affect perfusion to the tissues and make frostbite more likely. A variety of other health conditions will make the cat more vulnerable too, and the health issue could be either acute or chronic.
Precipitation
Wind or any form of precipitation reduces the protective quality of your furry cat’s coat.
Fur repels moisture, up to a certain point. When it gets soaked, however, it no longer protects the cat well. Long hours outdoors without shelter put any animal at risk.
When your pet comes home, use a towel to dry your cat’s fur and clean the paws with a warm wet cloth. That way the kitty can warm up and get comfortable more quickly.
Long Time Without Shelter
Feral cats and dogs have no choice but to become conditioned to hazardous weather conditions. They still depend on having some shelter to protect themselves from snow, rain, wind, and cold air.
A cat that mostly lives indoors may not have the same stamina and might not be very skilled at finding shelter when needed. So, no matter how thick your cat’s fur is, an indoor cat cannot stay outside safely for more than a few hours.
HOW COLD IS TOO COLD FOR A FURRY CAT?
Depending on the breed, some long-haired cats can withstand very cold temperatures for some time.
Maine coons, Siberian, and Norwegian Forest cats are natural breeds that have survived in very cold climates historically. So, air as cold as -4 °F (-20 °C) might be tolerable for cats of some breeds but only provided that the animal has some shelter to retreat to when necessary.
Cats who live outside might be able to survive in cold weather longer because they are conditioned to survive in the cold and experience finding shelter. Indoor cats, however, even a Maine coon or a Siberian cat might have neither the acclimation nor the skills to survive outside.
Indoor pets may also not have the same changes in their fur to produce a winter coat because they do not respond to the changes in the availability of daylight as well as outdoor animals.
Signs That Your Cat Is Cold
A cat’s normal body temperature ranges from 101°F (38 °C) to 102.5°F (39.2 °C). If the cat’s temperature drops to 90°F (32 °C) – 95°F (35 °C), it is considered to be mild hypothermia. Anything below 84°F (28 °C) is severe hypothermia.
Some of the common signs of mild and moderate hypothermia include the following:
- Behavioral changes, for example, nervousness, pacing
- Picking up and holding up a paw
- Vocalizing in a way that communicates distress
- Pale skin
- Shivering
Some of the signs of progressing and dangerous hypothermia include the following:
- Weakness and lethargy
- Stiffness of paws and possibly the torso
- Slow or labored breathing
- Low heart rate
Frostbite
If a cat stays outside for too long when the air is colder than his body, the body prioritizes the torso to supply blood to keep warm. While it increases the chances of survival, it leaves the paws, tail, and ears especially vulnerable to frostbite. Other parts of the body could become affected, too.
Some signs of frostbite include:
- pale or gray skin
- coldness of the area
- the cat may appear in pain and guard the affected area
- inflammation of the tissue develops after a few days: redness, swelling, ulcers, blisters
- eventually, the area could become necrotic
- not only does necrosis lead to the loss of affected limbs, but a secondary infection could also develop at the site
- if not treated promptly, the animal could die as a result of frostbite, usually due to an infection.
There are some interventions to consider to prevent frostbite of the paws. If you think that your cat has frostbite, take him to a veterinarian for an evaluation, if at all possible.
How To Keep Your Cat Safe During The Cold Season
Several interventions improve a cat’s tolerance to cold weather and keep him warmer on a cold day.
- If you moved to a colder climate, allow your pet to acclimate, as he or she might not be used to cold weather. Avoid letting him spend long periods in the cold. Increase exposure to cold gradually, as tolerated.
- Make sure your pet eats well before going outside. A warm meal and water would be ideal on a cold day.
- It is important to regularly feed your cat high-quality food to promote general health and better tolerance to cold weather.
- Dry your cat’s wet fur as soon as you can, upon return home
- Protect the cat’s paws from frostbite by applying non-toxic paw wax, or paw balm. It creates a barrier and protects the paws from injury.
If your cat develops mild hypothermia, bundle your furry friend with blankets, and offer a warm meal and water.
Avoid using any hot items, such as heating pads or hot water bottles directly on his skin. They could feel too hot, even though the fur, and could cause further damage.
If your cat is so cold that he appears confused and lethargic and his paws and torso feel stiff, take your pet to the vet without delay. The vet may use some means to warm up your pet internally and even offer respiratory support while the animal is still fragile.
Related Question:
How To Keep A Cat’s Paws Safe In Winter
To protect your cat’s paws from the cold, use a barrier, such as a paw balm, a petroleum-based product, or booties. Clean your pet’s paws with a wet cloth and inspect for signs of injury. If you suspect frostbite, avoid massaging the area or applying anything hot to it, and take your cat to the vet.
