Do cats freeze outside in winter, at what temperature can they live outside, and how do they survive?

Many cat owners let their pets outside in winter without any fear, although there are many known cases where these animals froze to death in severe frosts. To prevent this, every owner of a cat that roams freely on the street should know when it is dangerous to let their four-legged pets out for a walk. At what temperature can cats survive outdoors? Do these animals freeze in winter? How to organize a shelter for your pet, leaving him to spend the winter at the dacha? How to understand that a cat is frozen, and what to do in this situation?

Winter is coming: how does a cat’s body prepare for the cold?

These animals prepare in advance for cold weather. To avoid freezing in the cold, they gain weight. Modern cats store fat for the winter, following the example of their wild ancestors, who were forced to survive in harsh conditions.

In addition to increasing body weight, cats' fur becomes thicker and longer in preparation for cold weather. Moreover, in winter they practically do not shed. With the approach of cold weather, these animals wash themselves less often than usual, because wet fur is not able to warm them when necessary.

But how then do street murks survive?

It's terrible, but not everyone survives. Even hereditary stray cats are not able to withstand frosts below 20°C for long. Pack dogs gather closer together, warming each other, and dig holes in the snow. Cats do not know how to dig holes, and do not flock together

If you doubt whether cats are cold in winter, pay attention to how few familiar faces you meet when going to work in the morning: in the summer there is a mug under every car and on every bench, in winter they all disappear somewhere.

Somewhere - these are, as a rule, basements and entrances. Although in recent years, many basements have been tightly sealed, and ordinary doors have been replaced with metal ones with an electronic lock. Of course, from a sanitation point of view, populating basements with stray cats is not the best solution, but for many cats this is the only chance to survive the winter.

Is it just the fur coat?

The temperature at which cats freeze depends not only on external factors and the thickness of their fur. For example, a cat that is accustomed to life on the street can tolerate the cold more easily than a pet that leaves a cozy apartment only for short trips. In addition, many cats are heat-loving from birth, and even if the owner does not spoil the sissy, they freeze at the slightest frost. Such pets, even when the room is well heated, always huddle close to the radiator or try to crawl under the blanket, sit with a ruff, sleep a lot and move little, dreaming of a warm summer. Of course, it is unlikely that cats are afraid of the cold in the same way as people, but the belief in nine lives and extreme resistance to any disasters is a clear delusion.

Animals, in particular cats, are not as sensitive to temperature changes as people, thanks to their fluffy and thick fur coat.

Many pets that their owners let out for walks ask to go outside in any weather, and a cold frosty winter is no exception. But, if in the warm season the owners do not worry about the health of their furry pets, then in the bitter cold they are a little afraid to let them outside.

Are there any grounds for such fears and what sub-zero temperatures can cats withstand without freezing or frostbiting their paws or ears?

Freezing at home?

Usually the temperature in the apartment does not drop so low that the cat can actually freeze. But many owners pamper their kittens by teaching them to sleep near the radiator or under a blanket. Growing up, the pet does not tolerate even a slight drop in temperature: it trembles, clings to the warmth, the cat has cold paws and ears, and loses interest in games. As mentioned above, some cats love warmth from birth, and manage to freeze at room temperature that is quite comfortable even for humans. Sick and aging cats are freezing, kittens and pregnant pets are looking for warmth.

Creating comfortable conditions is very simple. You need to purchase a couple of closed houses or sun loungers with high sides. Inside you can put an old woolen sweater, some kind of fur bag or a baby blanket. The cozy nest should be located near the radiator, but so that the sides of the “dwelling” do not touch it. And, of course, we must not forget about proper feeding, vitamins and monitoring the general condition of the pet.

Changing Animal Behavior

Sensing the imminent approach of winter, cats turn on energy saving mode. No matter how active and playful a pet is, with the onset of the first cold weather it turns into a couch potato, spending most of the day on a soft bed or near a warm radiator. This behavior is especially typical for four-legged dogs with short fur. They prefer to make themselves a cozy nest somewhere in the closet or crawl under the blanket.

With the approach of cold weather, cats' appetite increases, and even little ones with tails are not averse to once again enjoying the treat offered by their owners. As noted earlier, the increased interest in food in these animals is associated with the need to increase the layer of subcutaneous fat, which will help them survive in the most severe frosts. There is no need to worry about this, much less put your pet on a diet. When difficult times pass, his appetite will normalize, and his weight will gradually return to normal.

Possible complications and their elimination

Hyperthermia does not always end with just a trip to the doctor. Sometimes it is fraught with serious consequences, various types of organ disorders. Heatstroke in cats leads to gastrointestinal disorders, disruption of the functioning of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, urinary, and nervous systems.

Healthy adults are able to recover on their own, but older cats, small kittens and animals with chronic diseases cannot cope. They need a thorough veterinary examination and treatment.

Even if the cat is apparently healthy, do not take risks and see a veterinarian. The consequences of heatstroke in cats can be fatal!

Winter for domestic cats

Behavior

As sunlight decreases, cat activity also decreases. “Move less, eat and sleep more”

- that's their slogan for this time of year. Four-legged pets become calmer and lazier, preferring a secluded warm corner to games. With the arrival of winter, the ratings for warm blankets, shelves in the linen closet, radiators and heaters rise. To reduce heat loss, the cat curls up into a ball, wrapping itself in its fluffy tail.

Physiology
Nutrition.
One of the means to combat the coming cold is the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. Cats begin to eat more, but move less. And therefore, a caring owner must find a middle ground between natural requirements and reasonable necessity. After all, a four-legged couch potato hardly needs a thick layer of fat that protects from frost. So are the problems associated with obesity.

Wool.

Usually in the fall, cats actively shed in order to acquire high-quality wool with a thick undercoat for winter. But the human “heating season” blurs the molting picture, prolonging it... sometimes until the next molting. Therefore, your furry pet needs careful care for its coat - regular brushing, paste to remove hairballs from the stomach, and possibly the use of special vitamins (for example, Felvit N, Brewers Yeast) - about this.

Diseases.

With the onset of cold, dampness and drafts, domestic cats' immunity decreases. And they can become prey to colds (upper respiratory tract infections), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) - the fault is cold window sills and floors. And if you accidentally “forget” your pet on the balcony, the consequences can be more serious, including hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, it is worth being vigilant - do not let your pet lie or sit in cold and drafty places (or insulate them, making them safe for health) and postpone walks on the balcony until better times. Well, strengthen your immune system with multivitamins, especially with a natural diet. During this period, fresh green grass from the pet store will not be superfluous.

Signs of freezing

The presence of a thick undercoat helps to retain heat even regardless of the length of the coat. A Siberian cat or coon can calmly walk for two hours at a temperature close to 30 degrees below zero. It is important here that the pet can return home at any time.

IMPORTANT! Mats in long-haired cats interfere with heat exchange.

Shorthaired and Oriental cats begin to freeze earlier, especially if the owner does not often pamper them with walks in the fresh air. They can be insulated by wearing overalls or a blanket.

Some cat breeds have a thick undercoat, but do not shed seasonally, but throughout the year. The human factor is the beginning of the heating season. For example, you can let Scottish cats outside in winter only after first checking the thickness of their fur coat.

During seasonal or non-seasonal shedding, regularly comb the animal's fur to prevent it from ingesting its own hair. Walking in frosty air has a positive effect on the condition of the coat and undercoat.

Endurance to frost is also influenced by the general state of health: old or pregnant cats, teenage kittens, and a sick animal will freeze faster. Their immunity is weakened, so it is advisable to postpone walking even in light frost.

It is enough for the pet to move a lot in the apartment on frosty days, and not sleep all the time. A sedentary lifestyle can affect his health . Get him interested in a new toy, play with him, provoke him into active actions.

While walking, you need to carefully observe the animal. If your pet is active and the air humidity is low, then you can take a longer walk.

Cats get cold when their paw pads and ears freeze. As soon as the paws begin to tremble, the fur fits tightly to the body - the cat is cold, it’s time to go home to warm up.

Cats that have the habit of freely walking outside begin to ask to go home or look for a warm shelter. Long walks in cold air can cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and cystitis in your pet.

ATTENTION! You can tell that a cat is freezing by its cold paws, which it presses tightly to itself.

For safety in extreme temperatures, it is better to walk your pet on a leash or under unobtrusive supervision.

There are breeds of cats for which walking is contraindicated even with low positive thermometer readings. Of its own accord, a heat-loving cat will not even try to go outside.

Such exotic creatures as the hairless sphinx or the short-legged bambino simply cannot survive outside in winter, even for a short period of time. The skin of hairless cats is hot to the touch, but is unable to retain heat. They simply freeze in a cool room, especially with a draft.

Comfortable temperature for hairless cats starts from +15 degrees. During a walk, they will be glad to have a warm jacket or overalls.

Heat-loving eastern breeds - Abyssinians, Burmese, Persians - consider frost of five degrees a valid reason for refusing to leave the house. Sometimes they are carried outside for a walk in their arms.

At what temperature does a cat start to freeze?

Cats are one of the hardiest representatives of the fauna. They live on almost all continents, so most of them are adapted to the harshest conditions. However, one should not overestimate the ability of a cat’s body to easily tolerate sub-zero temperatures.

Thick fur, dense undercoat and a thick layer of subcutaneous fat allow these animals to walk outside without freezing when the thermometer drops to 5–10° below zero. They feel quite comfortable even at minus 15–20°, provided that the walk is short. If you stay outside for a long time in such frost, your cat may become hypothermic. In addition, she can freeze her ears and paw pads, which are devoid of fur.

It is believed that representatives of the cat family are able to survive at temperatures of -30°. However, in reality this is not at all the case. In such frosty weather they are not only cold, they can die from hypothermia.

Walking in the cold

To protect themselves from frostbite, cats stop shedding in winter. This clean animal stops even actively washing itself and licking itself, since wet fur reduces its resistance to cold. For the same reason, it is undesirable for snow that falls on a fur coat to melt on it and penetrate the skin:

Most cat breeds are well adapted to cold climates. Their thick fur coat allows them to comfortably spend time outside in winter at ten degrees below zero. Even in this weather, they insistently ask to go for a walk. Among them there are those who like to play with snow.
The cat will withstand frost and up to 20 degrees, if the walk is short, no more than 2-3 hours. If the animal stays outside for a long time in such cold weather, it can become hypothermic and runs the risk of freezing its paw pads and ears, which are poorly protected by fur.
Whether a domestic cat will survive outside in thirty-degree frost is a big question. Most likely, she will die if she is not lucky enough to find shelter in some basement or entrance.

The survival threshold decreases sharply in strong winds and high humidity. If a cat appears in the house in winter, there is no need to let it out alone. It is better to get acquainted with a new place for walking in warm weather.

ATTENTION! After a walk, the cat should wash its paws and dry them.

Owners of pampered domestic cats protect their paw pads with special creams before going for a walk. These unique slippers will protect your pet from exposure to harmful reagents or ordinary salt that corrode the skin. A layer of cream will help protect the pads from frostbite.

What cat breeds can't stand the cold?

Oriental cat breeds are extremely heat-loving and will not go outside in the cold.
It is clear that such fluffy cats as Siberian, Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest cats, thanks to their luxurious fur coat, can stay outside for a long time in winter.

But eastern breeds, for example, Abyssinians, Persians or Burmese cats, are extremely heat-loving and for them even five degrees below zero is a good reason not to leave the house.

At what temperature do hairless cats die?

There can be no question of releasing hairless cats in winter! Such exotic pets as “sphinxes” or “bambinos” get very cold and if the animal is outside at sub-zero temperatures, it will certainly die.

Hairless cats should not be allowed outside in winter!

Cold is also poorly tolerated by small kittens, elderly animals, pregnant cats or those suffering from any disease. It is strictly forbidden to let them outside in winter.

In winter, you should be especially careful about your pet and it is advisable to walk him on a leash. After all, if a cat gets lost and cannot find its way home, then it is likely that in severe frost it may die from hypothermia.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a severe pathological condition that is caused by a decrease in the cat’s body temperature below the minimum acceptable level. Note that the normal body temperature of a healthy adult cat varies from 38 to 39°C. In kittens, this indicator ranges from 38.5 to 39.5°C, with short-term jumps up to 40°C being acceptable. This is due to the imperfection of their thermoregulation center, which has not yet had time to “tune in.”

The main physiological mechanism that is triggered when an animal or person is cold is involuntary muscle contraction (shivering). Since the body of cats is covered with fur (although not in all breeds), they suffer less from the cold than humans, but still they are very far from the animals of the Arctic.

The maximum risk of developing hypothermia is created in conditions when it is not only cold outside, but also humid. If the animal's fur is moisturized, there is no air gap between the hairs, resulting in the cat being “naked.” In this condition, your pet is especially susceptible to developing hypothermia. What other categories of animals are most likely to develop this pathological condition?

These are the oldest cats and small kittens. Due to age (excessively large or small), their thermoregulation system malfunctions and cannot maintain a stable body temperature. That is why “oldies” and small kittens should always be kept in comfortable conditions. It is generally not advisable to let old cats outside in winter and autumn.

Wintering at the dacha: how to organize a shelter for a cat?

If your cat will live at the dacha in winter, you must do everything to prevent it from freezing. For this you will need a cat house. You can buy it ready-made or make it yourself. This design should be:

Raised above the ground. You can raise it by simply placing a few bricks, an old pallet or any other unnecessary item under it.
The outside is equipped with a waterproofing layer that will protect the cat house from rain, snow and other precipitation.

To prevent the animal from freezing inside, the house should be insulated. You can do this in 2 ways:

cover the walls, ceiling and floor with insulation (for example, polystyrene foam);
equip the building with heating.

In addition, it is recommended to place a warm bed at the bottom of the room and make the door lockable. The wintering house should not be too spacious, otherwise its occupant will not be able to warm the interior space, since it is the animal whose body produces heat that acts as its main heating system. However, it should not be too small either. In cramped conditions the cat will simply feel uncomfortable.

Other useful tips

A pet that eats high-quality, balanced food will survive sub-zero temperatures much easier. When cold weather sets in, energy costs for heating increase

Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the diet, especially for kittens and older cats. In winter, it is necessary to increase the calorie content of the menu, add complete proteins and fats. These substances are found in sufficient quantities in meat and dairy products.

These substances are found in sufficient quantities in meat and dairy products.

Homeless animals rarely eat healthy food, so it is natural that not all will survive in the cold and severe frosts. Therefore, if abandoned cats live in the yard or nearby, you should try to help them cope with bad weather. You can feed the strays with leftover food or give them inexpensive dry food. Particularly compassionate cat lovers make them a primitive shelter where the animal can hide from snow, wind and severe frost. But if the cat is cold and all the signs of hypothermia are visible, you should not leave it to suffer outside, because the body will not stand it. A rescued animal can become a new member of the family and find caring and loving owners.

Do cats need outdoor walks?

Here the division no longer depends on the personal qualities and preferences of the animal, but on the living conditions. As a rule, cats living in the private sector walk all year round. Typically, such pets are equipped with an undercoat and can feel good even in cold weather. Only the owners should provide unimpeded access to the home so that Vaska or Masha, who has been having a good time, does not freeze while trying unsuccessfully to enter the house.

But cats that are not allowed out or are not eager to be “freed” themselves can freeze in the cold. There are frequent cases of pets freezing into ice, frostbite of limbs, ears and tails and other tragic situations. Most often this happens when an unadapted pet ends up on the street - of his own free will or not, and cannot return home.

Cats do well without street walks, and if they have such a desire, you can always use a harness and take out the four-legged reveler. Usually, two or three walks in the cold are enough for homebody pets to cool down their ardor, and they calmly wait for the warmth, looking out of the window.

As you can see, cats are not “walruses” at all, and they will not “harden” unless they find themselves in harsh conditions. Of course, these animals, like all others, are more resilient and strong than humans, but their heat-loving nature is very pronounced. Therefore, if a cat freezes while walking, then most likely she does not need such stressful situations. It’s worth postponing walks until spring!

Winter Cat Houses: Creating the Perfect Shelter for Cats

Some people may ask whether a cat can survive winter outside. This is a reasonable question, but the answer depends on how cold the outside temperature is. If the temperature drops below freezing, your cat is unlikely to be able to spend much time outside.

Snow leopards and other wild cats grow coats designed to withstand cold temperatures. Unfortunately, many indoor cats do not have the same opportunity.

Some cats can go outside in the winter as they find the air temperature where they feel comfortable. Unfortunately, winter weather can change from day to day. The temperature may suddenly drop while the cat is outside, and you may not be there to let her in.

In this case, a winter shelter for cats can be very convenient. You can find these at pet stores, but you can also make them yourself. Winter cat shelters can be as simple as an insulated box with a small flap on the front to allow cats to get in and out.

They will keep your cat's body warm, at least until you get home. More advanced models may include a heating pad, but this will require a suitable electrical supply and can be harmful to the environment if left on all the time.

These winter shelters for cats can not only help them outdoors, but can also be beneficial for feral and stray cats. In winter, their resources will be even more strained. A shelter can help keep a stray cat safe on a harsh winter day.

How can you tell if a kitten or adult cat is cold?

The condition of the body in which the body temperature drops below that required to maintain life processes is called hypothermia. The following symptoms indicate it:

chills;
shiver;
weakness and lethargy;
pallor of mucous membranes;
body temperature below 36°.

Prolonged hypothermia of the body of a kitten or adult cat leads to a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood. The pet's muscles freeze, heart rate and breathing slow down, and it stops responding to external stimuli. As the animal's condition worsens, the animal collapses, which turns into a coma. If the body is too hypothermic, the cat may appear dead, because its pulse and heartbeat cannot be heard.

Symptoms of hypothermia

What are the symptoms of hypothermia in cats? They largely depend on how far the pathological process has progressed. In most cases, the following clinical signs can be observed:

Severe and uncontrollable shaking. But it only happens in mild cases of hypothermia. So if you notice that your pet is literally “shaking” from the cold, you can consider him lucky.
If you put your hand on the skin on a cat's belly, you can feel the cold coming from it. Since the abdomen and groin area are usually the warmest under normal conditions, this simple test is very revealing.
Apathy, the cat tries to hide in the farthest corner and does not come out, even to eat.
Lethargy.
Drowsiness.
Decreased rectal temperature. This is a very dangerous symptom, since under normal conditions the temperature in the rectum is approximately 0.5-1°C higher than when measured in the ear or mouth. This is observed only in severe forms of hypothermia, in which case it is strongly recommended to immediately show the animal to an experienced veterinarian.
Slow and shallow breathing.
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia).
Inappropriate behavior.
Coma.
Death.

Diagnosing hypothermia is quite simple. Firstly, the veterinarian will focus on the clinical picture of the pathology that we described above. Second, he will check your rectal temperature. The lower it is compared to the norm, the faster the animal needs to receive qualified medical care.

Does a cat's fur keep her warm?

Sphynx cats definitely get cold, but what about cats with fur? Pets with a dense, well-developed undercoat are most fortunate in terms of insulation. It is designed to retain natural heat, maintaining the animal's normal body temperature for a long time.

But, as in the case of human clothing, such protection does not last forever: if a person, even warmly dressed, after spending some time in the cold, begins to feel cold, the same happens with cats. If we talk about the temperature at which animals begin to freeze, then everything depends not only on the thermometer readings, but also on other factors:

whether the pet is in motion or sitting still;
what is the air humidity;
is there any wind;
whether the sun is shining or cloudy, etc.

In “dry” frost, cats do not feel the cold longer, and if the pet does not move, it begins to freeze quickly. With increased humidity, the pet freezes even faster. Practically, in this aspect, everything happens the same as in humans, but with one clarification - cats are superior to people in endurance.

Representatives of hairless breeds and breeds without undercoat are less resistant to low temperatures than cats with “shaggy” coats. Streams of cold air quickly penetrate the skin, but the heat is not retained. When such pets freeze, their ears and limbs become cold, even if the walk does not last long and the thermometer shows a temperature of at least -15°C.

But Maine Coons, Siberians and other cats with good coat protection, especially if they are not too pampered, can safely walk even at -25 - -30°C.

Diet

Cats naturally lose their appetite in hot weather, which is not a concern for you or your family. The pet does not need to be persuaded to eat, much less force-fed. At high temperatures, a cat can remain absolutely hungry for about a day, a kitten for no more than 12 hours. Naturally, your task is to make sure that the cat drinks enough water and visually looks healthy.

Meal times should be moved to earlier in the morning or late evening.

It is advisable, during extremely high temperatures, to switch the cat to a single meal and feed the pet in the evening. At night, when the air temperature drops, the cat needs energy to stay warm. During the day, it will be difficult for the patient to cope not only with the heat, but also with digesting food.

With a natural diet, all heavy foods should be excluded from the diet, and the amount of grains should be kept to a minimum. Beef, pork (if you give it to a cat), lamb should be replaced with rabbit, chicken or quail meat. Remove food from the bowl as soon as the cat is satisfied, because in the heat, it will take several hours for the food to disappear and there is a risk of poisoning.

Important! When feeding dry food, carefully measure the amount of food per meal and do not leave pellets in the bowl. Feed deteriorates due to oxidation by oxygen; in hot weather this process occurs much faster.

Source

How to help a frozen animal?

If your four-legged pet is very cold, you need to start normalizing its body temperature as quickly as possible. In some cases, the slightest delay can cost the animal its life. The actions of the owner of a frozen pet are as follows:

Wrap the cat in a warm blanket or terry towel. To warm it up faster, you must first hold the blanket on the radiator.
Place your four-legged pet wrapped in a blanket on a bed near the radiator. Other sources of heat would be useful - heating pads, bottles of hot water, which should be placed around the four-legged frostbite.
Close all windows and doors in the room in which the frozen animal is located. There should be no drafts in it.
Dry your pet's fur with a hairdryer if it gets wet in the rain or snow.
Stay close to the cat until it warms up.
Feed the warmed animal warm, preferably liquid food.

What you should not do in this situation is try to warm your four-legged pet in hot water. Water procedures in this state are strictly contraindicated for him. He will only freeze even more and may get a serious cold.

Helping your pet with hypothermia

Many cats love to walk in winter, play with snow and catch snowflakes. Sometimes the pet gets too carried away with the walk and when he comes home he is shaking all over from the cold. What should the owner do in this case, and how to help the pet warm up faster ?

First of all, the animal must be wrapped in a thick towel or warm blanket;
A frozen cat will try to warm up near a radiator or fireplace, so you should place its house or bedding near them;
It is necessary to ensure that there are no drafts in the house, as the pet may catch a cold;
You can dry your cat's wet fur with a hairdryer;
Bathing in warm water will not warm the cat, but will cause it to freeze even more, so bathing the animal is extremely undesirable.

Frostbite

The cat's paw pads, tail and ear tips are most sensitive to low temperatures.

Superficial frostbite affects only the skin and subcutaneous tissues, which initially turn pale. As blood circulation is restored, the skin turns red, swells and peels. More severe frostbite causes blisters with clear or milky fluid. Frostbitten areas are bordered by a clear line of demarcation from living tissue.

We suggest you read: What to do if a cat scratches its neck until it bleeds

Deep frostbite is characterized by death of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. In especially severe cases, tendons and bones may be affected, and tissue rejection to a great depth may be observed. First, blisters containing blood form, which turn into black scabs within two weeks. Deep frostbite leads to complete necrosis (death) and tissue loss.

If sensitivity and normal skin color remain in the affected area, and if pressure is applied to it, a hole remains, the prognosis is favorable. If the skin feels wooden to the touch, has bluish lesions and blisters with blood, and there is no trace left on it after pressure, tissue necrosis is possible.

What to do? The affected area should not be rubbed, especially with snow, so as not to damage the tissue further and cause infection. You can quickly warm the affected area by soaking it in warm (not hot!) water or constantly applying a warm, damp towel to it and lightly massaging (without rubbing) until the tissues become red. Then carefully dry and apply a loose bandage. For further treatment, it is better to contact a veterinarian.

For superficial frostbite, you can use the “Rescuer” balm, protecting the affected area from licking (for example, using a protective collar).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmtC6M29Zxs

Blisters with clear fluid are opened and an anti-prostaglandin drug (such as aloe vera juice) is applied. Hemorrhagic (blood mixed) blisters are not touched. The animal is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs to improve blood circulation, and antibiotics to prevent infection. Dead tissue is removed surgically.

Once outside, the cat will panic

It will fail, of course, if you put it for the first time in the middle of the yard, where restless children are running around screaming on the playground, dogs are sorting things out near the fence, and teenagers are perched on a bench with a guitar. Carry your cat in your arms, or if she doesn't like it, in a carrier, to the quietest and most peaceful place in the area.

Better yet, take it to the park, where you will find the most picturesque lawn with short grass. Don't forget to bring water and your cat's favorite treat. For the first time, limit yourself to a 10–20-minute walk, increase the time gradually.

Treatment of hypothermia in cats and dogs in a veterinary clinic

What diagnostics may be needed?

General blood test (it will reveal the degree of inflammation, the state of the red blood, whether there is anemia or not).
Biochemical blood test (will help assess the function of internal organs).
X-ray (will show the condition of the lungs, the degree of their damage, as well as the condition of the bone tissue).
Ultrasound examination (will help check the structure of the abdominal organs).

How to prepare a cat for a walk

If you decide to take your cat for walks, purchase an anti-flea collar and a cat harness at the pet store (you can use a harness for kittens and miniature cats). Cats have weak neck muscles, so a dog collar cannot be used. A leash, however, is a prerequisite for a walk “without consequences”: cats react quite violently to sharp sounds and perceived threats. And the slightest fear can lead to a rapid flight or attempt to climb a tree.

Before you go for a walk for the first time, accustom your cat to a harness - first put the “harness” on him and let him get used to it. Then attach the leash and walk around the apartment with the cat. After the animal stops getting nervous and trying to rip off its harness, you can try to go outside with it.

What to do if your pet is cold

Domestic dogs and cats, especially older animals (over seven years old), puppies, kittens, pregnant pets, short-haired and smooth-haired breeds get cold very quickly. If your friend whines during a walk, refuses to walk on his own (begs to be held) and is shaking, then most likely he is cold, and you need to go home so that he does not get sick. And this condition, of course, occurs not only during a walk. Perhaps you picked up a frozen puppy or kitten and want to help him. We will tell you in detail how to do this.

The cat will be terribly scared!

Of course, she will be scared if you, out of the blue, put a collar or harness on her and, attaching a leash, drag her with shouts: “Follow me! Forward!" First, you need to gradually accustom your cat to the new accessory. Let her first get used to the fact that she is wearing something and... safely forget about it, like a dog forgets about its collar.

It may take several days or weeks, during which the cat will simply walk around the house in new clothes, sleep and play in it. Then you can attach a leash and, just as gradually, without allowing any tension at first, teach the cat that its movements are controlled.

Winter for walking cats

Everything is clear with street cats - they take care of their own salvation in the harsh winter. Their favorite places are basements with warm pipes, attics, and entrances. During this period, they especially need human support!

For domestic cats living in the yard or walking outside, the best recipe for safely surviving the cold is... being in the owner’s warm home. It's very simple - at sub-zero temperatures it is better not to let the cat out of the house!

Some owners leave their cats outside the house, thinking that they are adapted to life outdoors. Unfortunately, this can put the animal at risk of serious illness.

What temperature is acceptable for a cat to stay in the cold?

temperature is -20° C. Weather conditions also play an important role - strong winds and high humidity aggravate the frost. Of course, each animal has its own limit depending on its health, age, coat condition, nutrition, fat layer, immunity in general, etc. There are cats that can withstand 30-degree frosts, while for others -5°-10 is enough. ° to get serious problems.

Are there freezing cats?

The owners of such pets confidently answer – yes! Of course, pampered animals who only look outside from the window and then with longing, dreaming of the summer sun, freeze more often. In addition, some breeds are naturally thermophilic, especially if their origin is associated with warm regions. Such cats will huddle close to heating devices and ask for a blanket, even when there is no question of cold. Owners of such pets note that in winter their pets sleep more and move much less.

Another factor influencing the “freezing” of cats is their age. Kittens tolerate low temperatures less well due to imperfect thermoregulation mechanisms. A similar phenomenon is observed in elderly animals - their body, alas, no longer works “like a clock.”

In addition, unhealthy cats begin to freeze faster - those suffering from a disease, recovering from an illness or surgery, having a weak immune system or being very thin and lacking body fat.

Cats hate any embarrassment!

Of course they hate it! They hate a lot of what life next to a person forces them to do. But still not so much as not to put up with it for the sake of the benefits that coexistence brings them. For example, delicious food. Did you guess it?

Walking on a leash is an element of training, and correct behavior must be rewarded. Praise your cat for her calm and indifferent attitude towards the harness and leash, give her treats, and rejoice in her successes. And when she truly feels the joy of walking, she will love her leash and will express impatience when it is in your hands.