The Importance of Caring For Outdoor Cats in the Winter
With the onset of winter, many cat owners face a dilemma – should they allow their cats to remain outside in cold temperatures, or bring them indoors? Cats are resilient creatures, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures and winter storms can put them at risk. At the same time, some cats strongly prefer being outdoors, and keeping them cooped up inside all winter comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of letting cats stay outside in the winter and provide tips to keep them safe, healthy and comfortable no matter which choice you make.
This is an important issue for cat owners to consider carefully. While indoor cats are protected from many of the dangers outdoor cats face, keeping cats confined inside against their wishes for months on end can lead to boredom, stress and behavioral problems. On the other hand, prolonged exposure to the elements poses risks of hypothermia, frostbite, starvation and dehydration. There are steps owners can take to mitigate these risks and keep outdoor cats as safe and healthy as possible when cold weather hits.
We’ll start by looking at the unique risks outdoor cats face in the winter. Next, we’ll go over tips to provide adequate shelter, food and water. We’ll also discuss safety precautions like reflective collars, transitioning indoor/outdoor cats to being inside full-time in winter, health issues to monitor, ideal breeds for outdoor winter living, and alternatives like enclosed outdoor spaces. By the end, you’ll have a good understanding of both the risks and solutions that allow our feline friends to thrive through winter’s worst.
Outdoor Cat Risks in Winter
Outdoor cats face many risks and dangers during the winter months. Extreme cold temperatures can lead to life-threatening conditions like hypothermia and frostbite in cats (Four Paws). Cats who spend prolonged time outdoors in freezing weather are at risk as their bodies are not equipped to handle frigid temperatures. Lack of accessible food and water sources also threatens outdoor cats in the winter. Bowls can freeze over, and natural prey may be harder to find (Tractive). Outdoor cats face increased dangers from predators in the winter when food is scarce. They also face the threat of antifreeze poisoning as it has a sweet taste but is highly toxic. Cats can even become trapped in snowbanks during heavy storms.
Providing Shelter
It’s important to provide outdoor cats adequate shelter from the elements in winter. Insulated outdoor cat houses that are raised off the ground and stuffed with straw bedding make excellent shelters. The straw helps provide insulation while allowing airflow to prevent mildew. Heated pads, available at many pet stores, can provide extra warmth. Position cat shelters in areas protected from wind, rain, and snow if possible.
According to the Humane Society, “Give outdoor cats shelter from the cold. Yes, their thickened winter coats help feral and stray cats weather winter’s chill, but they still need warm, dry spots to hunker down in during storms” (https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-care-outdoor-cats-winter). Neighborhood Cats recommends keeping cool cats warm with proper winter shelters, as they are “critical for feral and stray cats living in frigid climates and can help them thrive despite the low temperatures” (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/how-to-tnr/colony-care/feral-cat-winter-shelter).
Ensuring Adequate Food/Water
Ensuring cats have adequate food and water during winter is extremely important. According to the Human Society, “Even if the moist food freezes, the cats’ body heat will thaw it out” (Human Society). Some tips for providing food and water:
- Use heated water bowls to prevent freezing. They will keep water liquid for outdoor cats to drink.
- Set up multiple feeding stations around your property. This gives cats options to eat in different sheltered areas.
- Feed high calorie foods like wet food or kibble designed for kittens. The extra calories will help them regulate body temperature.
- Have emergency winter supplies on hand like a bag of kitten kibble, warm blankets or heater pads for shelters.
Taking steps to ensure adequate access to food and water will allow outdoor cats to get the nutrition they need during cold winter months.
Safety Precautions
When cats spend time outdoors in winter, there are some precautions you can take to help keep them safe:
– Make sure your cat wears an ID tag or is microchipped. An ID tag will let others know your cat has an indoor home in case it gets lost or injured. Microchipping is another good option since tags can fall off.
– Give your cat access to a warm garage or shed when temperatures drop severely outside. This will give them a warm place to rest and get out of the elements.
– Do regular welfare checks and look for signs your cat is too cold like shivering, ears/paws that feel very cold, lethargy, etc. Bring them inside if showing any concerning signs.
– Take flashlight walks at night to look for your cat and any others that may need help. Outdoor cats often wait until dark to seek food and shelter.
Transitioning Indoors
The key to successfully transitioning an outdoor cat to living indoors is to make the change gradually, over the course of several weeks or months. Start by bringing your cat inside for short periods each day, while still allowing outdoor access. Over time, increase the number of hours spent indoors as your cat adjusts to the new environment.
It’s best to confine your cat to one room at first, like a bathroom or spare bedroom, equipped with food, water, toys, scratching posts, and litter boxes. This “sanctuary room” allows your cat to acclimate at their own pace without being overwhelmed by the entire home. Spend time in the room with your cat frequently, and make it a relaxing space.
Be sure to provide adequate stimulation indoors to prevent boredom. Rotate toys to keep them interesting, install cat towers or shelves for climbing and perching, and consider getting a second cat for companionship. Consider harness training your cat to allow for supervised outdoor time. With patience and proper care, most cats can adapt to being full-time indoor pets.
Health Concerns
Colder temperatures can lead to several health risks for cats left outside in the winter, including:
Frostbite – Exposure to freezing temperatures can cause tissue damage and frostbite, especially on the tips of ears, tail, or toes. Severe frostbite may require amputation. 1
Hypothermia – Cats left outdoors without adequate shelter can develop dangerously low body temperatures. Warning signs of hypothermia in cats include shivering, lethargy, weakness, and unresponsiveness. 1
Upper respiratory infection – Cold air can irritate and dry out a cat’s nasal passages and throat, making them prone to upper respiratory infections. These are highly contagious between cats. 2
Impact on chronic conditions – Arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses may be exacerbated by cold weather and stress. Medications and treatments may be less effective. Older cats are especially vulnerable. 2
Breeds Better Suited
Certain cat breeds are better adapted to withstand cold winter temperatures due to their physical traits.[1] In particular, longhair cat breeds tend to thrive in colder climates. Their long, thick fur coats provide insulation against the cold. Underneath the longer outer coat is a dense undercoat that helps trap body heat near the skin. Some examples of longhair breeds that do well in winter include:[2]
- Maine Coon – One of the largest domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coon has a thick, water-resistant coat to protect against snow and rain.
- Norwegian Forest Cat – This breed has a long, glossy coat with a wooly underlayer for warmth.
- Siberian – With origins from Russia, the Siberian has a triple coat of fur for insulation.
- Persian – The Persian’s long, flowing coat protects it from cold floors and frigid temperatures.
These breeds tend to have increased fat storage compared to shorthair cats. The additional fat provides fuel to keep their bodies warm. Their thick undercoat also traps body heat near the skin. The longer outer guard hairs shield the undercoat and skin from getting wet. For these reasons, longhair breeds are naturally equipped for cold winters outside.
[1] https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/cat-breeds-cold-climates/
[2] https://rufusandcoco.com.au/blogs/blog/10-cat-breeds-purrfect-for-cold-weather
Alternatives to Outside Access
If you are concerned about letting your cat outside during the winter but still want to provide access to the outdoors, there are some safer alternatives. One option is creating an enclosed patio or balcony for your cat. You can install screens or netting to prevent escape but allow fresh air. Just be sure the enclosure is fully insulated and free from drafts. Provide a heated cat shelter inside the enclosure as well.
Another choice is supervised outside time. Accompany your cat outdoors on a leash and harness for limited time periods when weather permits. Watch for signs of discomfort or distress. Bring your cat back inside at the first hint of trouble. With patience and training, many cats adapt to leash walks.
You can also focus on providing more active playtime indoors. Stock up on interactive cat toys to occupy their predatory instincts. Try teaser wands and laser toys for chasing play. Puzzle toys with hidden treats challenge their intellect. Set up cat trees, scratching posts and window perches for climbing and viewing birds outdoors. With a stimulating indoor environment, most cats can forego outdoor access in winter.
Conclusion
To recap the main points, the risks of leaving cats outside in winter are often too great. Outdoor cats face life-threatening dangers such as frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, starvation, predation by wildlife, and traffic accidents. Without adequate shelter, warmth, food, and water, cats cannot survive the frigid temperatures and harsh weather.
This topic is extremely important because allowing outdoor cats to fend for themselves in winter is negligent and risks serious harm or death. Providing proper care for your cat requires either bringing them indoors or supplying outdoor shelter and sustenance during the cold season. All cat owners have an obligation to keep their pets safe.
In conclusion, be sure to assess your cat’s needs and personality when deciding whether they can remain outdoors. Either commit to providing warm, insulated shelter and consistent food/water access outside, or bring them inside. Monitor your cat’s health and transition them slowly to avoid stress. With preparation and vigilance, our feline friends can stay healthy and content even through the coldest months.
