Cat 101: Cats and Cold Weather

In today's video, we are going to talk about Cats and
cold weather.

Cold weather can be hard on cats, just like it can be
hard on people. When the thermometer dips below
freezing, it is important to protect your cats from the
cold spell. The most important is to keep your cat
indoors. Probably the best prescription for winter's
Woes is to keep your cat inside with you and your
family. Being outdoors, unattended does nothing to
improve the quality of your cat's life.

Cold weather problems.

they are. Some people will leave their cats outside for
extended periods of time, thinking that they will adapt
to life outdoors. This can, however, put pets in danger
of serious illness.

Hypothermia, or a body temperature that is below
normal, is a condition that occurs when the cats are
not able to keep their body temperature from falling
below normal. It happens when they spend too much
time in cold temperatures, or when cats with poor
health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild
cases, your cat will shiver and show signs of
depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition
progresses, her muscles will stiffen, her heart and
breathing rates will slow down, and she will stop
responding to stimuli. If you notice these symptoms,
you need to get your cat warm and take her to your

Another cold-related problem is frostbite. Sometimess
your cat may accidentally be left outside or become
lost during a heavy snowstorm. The result could be
frostbite. If this happens, remember- frozen tissue
should never be rubbed. This causes additional tissue
damage. Prompt veterinary treatment is needed. If
this is not possible, warm the affected area rapidly by
immersing in warnm, never hot, water or by using
warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. As
soon as the affected tissues become flushed,
discontinue warming. Gently dry the affected area and
lightly cover with a clean, dry, non-adhesive bandage.
If frostbite is in the later stages, gangrene may set in
and cause all kinds of infections. If you suspect your
cat has frostbite, take her to the veterinarian.

As winter weather really sets in, dont forget to help
keep your cats warm and safe. Help your cats remain
healthy during the colder months by following these
simple guidelines.

The winter season can be harsh on cats, so you
should fortify their coat. Supplementing their diet with
essential fatty acids will cause the coat to grow a bit
thicker for the cold months. Vegetable oils such as
canola oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, butter, and fish
oils are high in these fatty acids. They can be added
to the food. Cats do have a preference for fish oils!
Increase your cat's supply of food, particularly protein,
to keep her fur thick and healthy through the winter
months. So long as your cat does not have a weight
problem, give her extra food and treats during the
winter months to help her keep warm.

strengthen the tissues and make cats more resistant
to cold weather. Be careful, though, because providing
additional vitamins can actually cause imbalances in
diet and medical problems.
Be particularly gentle with elderly and arthritic cats
during the winter. The cold can leave their joints
extremely stiff and tender, and they may become
more awkward than usual. Stay directly below these
cats when they are climbing stairs or jumping onto
furniture. Consider modifying their environment to
make it easier for them to get around. Make sure they
have a thick, soft bed in a warm room for chilly nights
If you have to take your cat to the vet, put a hot water
bottle in the carrier. You can also put the cat's bed in
the dryer for a few minutes before putting it into the
carrier A cover or towel on the carrier is aood for
properly protect your pet from the cold.