Cold weather can be hard on cats. When the temperature dips below 40 degrees F they need shelter from wind, cold and moisture to stay healthy.  The best way to keep your cat safe is to keep it inside with your family. If your cat cannot stay inside then special care is needed to keep it comfortable.  Cats that live outdoors grow a much thicker coat than indoor cats. Moving an indoor cat outside during the winter does not give them time to prepare for the cold and, if the move is necessary, it should be delayed until spring.  Shelter must be provided for outdoor cats.  It should be insulated and have a floor raised off the ground. It should be large enough for your kitty to stand up and move around but small enough to conserve body heat. Your kitty’s house should be filled with plenty of dry, clean bedding.  Remember to replace or clean the bedding at least every few months. The door should be protected from the wind. The cat’s house can be in a garage or other structure that provides some protection from the weather.  When it is very cold even outdoor cats should come inside at night. When it is cold some cats will sleep on warm car hoods or even under the hood. This predisposes them to serious injury when the motor starts.  Always look for the cat prior to starting the engine and make sure they are safely away from the vehicle.

Remember food and water issues during the winter. Water must be replaced frequently or a heated water dish provided. Metal bowls are not good choices for the winter. It is very important to assure the cat has access to clean non-frozen water. If this is not available they are likely to drink from puddles that may be polluted with antifreeze or other chemicals.  Cats that are outside will require a 50% increase in good quality food. Attention must also be given to their fur. Outdoor cats should be brushed to prevent mats. Matted fur does not provide good insulation. Cats that have lost hair for any reason should stay inside until their fur returns. Cats that normally stay inside are not prepared for cold weather. 

The major health concerns related to cold weather are hypothermia and frostbite. When a cat’s temperature falls below 98 degrees F they are hypothermic.  Very young, elderly, sick, injured, unconscious, wet or exhausted cats are most susceptible to hypothermia and should be kept inside during cold weather. Cats with thin hair coats also have limited tolerance for cold weather. The clinical signs of hypothermia are vague and may include lethargy, skin that is cold to touch and shivering.  If the cat is still responsive, bring them into a warm house and cover with blankets. If they are dull and not responsive, bring them to the clinic. When their temperature falls below 90 degrees F they stop shivering and their pulse and respiration are difficult to detect. They may still recover completely with appropriate care.  Frostbite is rare in healthy cats. When seen it usually involves a toe, tail or ear tip that may be white and cool to touch. As the area re-warms it will be red and painful.  Slow controlled warming is best. Never rub the affected area. If the damage is limited the tissue may return to normal. If frostbite is suspected your cat should be taken to the clinic.  Healthy, acclimated cats that are provided with water, high quality food and shelter can tolerate the cold of most Oklahoma winter days.  At night when the temperature drops they will be safer inside with their human families.