Mary Allen
Cats are protected from freezing temperatures by their fur, but only to a certain extent. Hypothermia is more common in cats than you might think. We will tell you here how you can recognize them, what to do if you have hypothermia and whether cats can also freeze to death.
Small animals like cats cannot necessarily withstand freezing temperatures. Snow and cold can affect them despite their fur. The four-legged friends are basically very warm. Hypothermia can have far-reaching consequences for them.
Hypothermia in Cats: These are the Signs
When a cat suffers from hypothermia, not only does it tremble excessively, it also has cold extremities. Owners should therefore pay particular attention to body parts such as paws, ears, nose, and tail.
Ideally, cats have a body temperature of 38 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. Anything below 37.5 degrees Celsius requires action. Otherwise, in extreme cases, a cat can even get a cold shock.
Can Cats Freeze to Death?
When cats are exposed to freezing temperatures and are unable to warm up, they are at risk of frostbite. A distinction is made between the following three stages:
● First-degree frostbite: When the cat has warmed up again, the hypothermic skin area reddens. It can also swell, itch, and hurt. However, the symptoms subside after a while.
● Second-degree frostbite: If, in addition to redness and swelling, there are also blisters on the hypothermic area, this is referred to as second-degree frostbite. This also remains without consequential damage.
● Third-degree frostbite: The cold parts of the body die off, ie they turn black and look dried out. Scars as a result of open skin wounds can also occur.
What Causes Hypothermia in Cats?
Hypothermia occurs when animals are exposed to extreme cold without protection. Newborn kittens in particular are prone to this. The same goes for cats who have been involved in accidents and are then in shock. Cats should therefore always be covered in emergencies.
Hypothermia in Cats: What To Do?
If a cat has hypothermia, it is important to provide first aid. This consists of slowly rewarming the animal. To do this, first, bring the cat to a warm place. Cover her up. A hot water bottle can also be helpful at this point. But be careful: Since there is a risk of burns, the hot water bottle should not be too hot and should not be placed directly on the little four-legged friend. It is best to wrap them in a towel first.
Infrared lamps can also provide warmth to a hypothermic cat. Lukewarm water, on the other hand, warms the animal up from the inside. It is also advisable to hold the extremities under warm, but not hot water and then to massage paws and the like extensively.
If, on the other hand, the cat has a noticeably high heart rate and only shallow breathing, there is a risk of cold shock. Then without hesitation, it’s time to go to the vet!
Prevent Hypothermia & Frostbite in Cats
Hardly any cat will voluntarily want to go outside on cold, rainy, or snowy days. However, if your cat is an outdoor cat through and through, then this is generally harmless for young, healthy animals. Just make sure that your four-legged friend can always return to the warm apartment.
If this is not the case, for example, because you are working, then it is advisable to set up a small shelter outside so that your cat can shelter from wind, rain, or snow. A small heat hut is ideal for this.