Mary Allen
Winter is here! But some cat owners ask themselves (not only) during the cold season: Does my cat get cold? How do I know if my cat is freezing?
Are Cats Freezing Outside in the Open Air?
If you take your indoor cat into the inner courtyard to show it the beautiful snow, you needn’t be surprised: Your velvet paw will freeze quickly. She is not used to the large temperature differences. In addition, there is thinner fur.
Indoor Cats vs. Outdoor Cats
It is true that indoor cats, like outdoor cats, go through a coat change in autumn. But the winter fur is usually much thinner than that of animals that are in the fresh air every day all year round. Healthy outdoor animals are hardened and equipped with natural winter fur with a thick undercoat: They can cope well with the cold in winter.
When Do Cats Freeze?
Ideally, the cat can decide for itself via the cat flap when the outside temperature is too cold for it. Because: Many cats get along well with the cold. But they still prefer a cozy place on the sofa to snow and ice.
At How Many Degrees Do Cats Get Cold?
Velvet paws who cannot go into the house on request or who are purely outdoors should be given protection from the cold. It is true that healthy animals with dry fur can withstand temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees without suffering. But if there is high humidity (fog) or the cat gets wet from snow and freezing rain, it can freeze much earlier.
Protect Cats From the Cold
An accessible shed, a barn, or a small wooden house helps the permanent outdoor walkers to survive the cold season in good health. Of course, many companies also offer a cozy domicile for the rest of the year, which most of the outdoors are happy to accept. Because:
Even at temperatures in the plus range, cats can be cold – for example from rain.
Which Cats Are Particularly Cold in Winter?
Healthy, fit cats defy temperatures without being harmed. Caution is advised with young cats up to six months old, highly pregnant cats, and with seniors. Your body does not tolerate the cold and large changes in temperature.
Chronic Illnesses
Problems such as mild osteoarthritis can worsen if the cat is cold. Even cats with chronic diseases such as leukosis should not be outside too long when the temperature is below zero.
Thin Fur
Are there any breeds of cats that are quick to freeze? Most cat lovers already suspect it: If the velvet paw has a thin fur, it freezes faster. Accordingly, Sphynx cats or other cats without fur freeze faster. Some oriental velvet paws with thin fur can also tend to freeze more quickly.
How Can I Tell That a Cat is Cold?
We now know: yes, cats can freeze – but most of them get along just fine with the cold. If you are wondering whether your own cat suffers from cooler temperatures, you should watch it closely. The following symptoms indicate that the cat is freezing:
- The cat is trembling.
- The cat crouches and puffs up its fur.
- For outdoor enthusiasts: After a few minutes, the velvet paw asks to be let in again.
What to Do If the Cat is Cold
Elderly cats or sick cats can also freeze quickly in the home. If you like to have it fresh at home in winter, make sure that the cat has a warm place to sleep that is protected from drafts.
Heating Pads for Cats
Electric heating pads for cats are a good source of heat. With little power consumption, modern and inexpensive heating pads provide a warm and cozy place in a flash. Cherry pit pillows for cats that can be heated in the microwave are a good alternative. There are heat cushions made especially for pets, such as the “Snugglesafe”, which keep you warm for a few hours. These can also be used outside.
Warm Retreat
If the velvet paw cannot go into the protected four walls, you should provide it with a place of retreat. A wooden house lined with styrofoam with a couple of cozy blankets and a warming pillow inserted in the morning becomes a warm resting place for the outdoors in winter.