Cats can experience a difficult time in winter. Pets that are housed in a cats run will not suffer from the cold if the the cats enclosure has been constructed properly.
The cats enclosure should have a heated sleeping or resting area and walkways that are free from snow and ice.
Plans for a cats enclosure, cats run and cat house or cat home can be found on this web site.

Cats that are free to roam out side in winter and cold weather can become wet in deep snow and are also exposed to hazardous chemicals such as road ice and anti freeze.

Cats and snow

Long haired breeds of cats can withstand winter temperatures better than short haired breeds such as Siamese cats.

Long haired cats generally have thinner fur and a undercoat of fur for protection against cold weather.
The under coat fur interweave to create a protective barrier in winter that helps your pet to regulate its body temperature.The interwoven hairs trap air and creates a thick insulating layer of warm air within the fur to keep your pet warm.

Heating a cats enclosure

Pets that have a good covering of healthy fur and are in good condition can withstand exposure to the cold weather for short periods of time. Frost bite, hypothermia and shivering due to snow, ice and cold weather is avoidable for these pets as long as they are in good health, dry and not exposed to the winter weather for to long.
Heating for the cats enclosure or cat run should be available for all pets that are kept outside in winter.

Short haired cats can withstand cold weather that is not to extreme for a short period of time.
The fur on a short haired cat is coarse and hollow.
Pockets of air are trapped within each hair, and create a fur that has a tight weave.

If a pet is ill and the cold conditions requires your cat to regulate its body temperature constantly then your cat may be have difficulties during winter.
A trip to the Veterinarian for a health inspection may be required.

When a cat has a condition such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease the illness can hinder a pet's ability to regulate its own body heat. Cats that are not in good health should not be exposed to cold winter conditions or harsh weather.
Very young and old cats are also vulnerable to the cold weather, hypothermia and frost bite.

Cats frost bite frostbite hypothermia

Pets that have access to a pond or lake that has a covering of ice can be exposed to the hazard of falling through the ice.
The water temperature during winter is extremely cold and hypothermia or drowning can be the results of accidentally falling in the cold water.
If your pet falls in the cold water through broken ice it is very difficult for it to escape.

Cats that have a free run outside when there is snow and ice around can pick up rock salts or chemicals on their foot pads and fur. The salt is used to melt ice on road and walking surfaces and help reduce new ice forming. Wipe their feet and fur with a wash cloth as soon as the pet is home.
A veterinary site that may be of some assistance www.vetclinics.net

Drinking water for your cat must be checked daily. The water should not be allowed to develop an ice surface if left out side. A safe pet heater that is used to warm the pets home will help in preventing ice from forming on the surface of the cats drinking water. A small water proof heater that has a low voltage power supply is ideal for keeping your pet water ice free during winter. A suitable heater for pets, cats and their homes can be found at this heating site. The heaters are small and safe.

Cats and winter

Consifer taking your cat for a general health check at the veterinarian before winter arrives.
Your vet can check to make sure your pet does not have any medical problems that could make them vulnerable when exposed to the cold winter weather.
winter and cats

Keep your pets inside the house or in an area that is heated when the temperature drops to extremes. Pets that are left outside for a significant length of time will need a warm and solid shelter against the wind, thick dry bedding plus plenty of drinking water on their return.

Winter cats pets hypothermia frostbite frost bite snow

The information on cats and other pets and suitable heating appliances have been provided free for your personal use. The winter frostbite frost bite and heating information has come from a variety of professional sources but should only be used as general information in helping you to better understand your pets health and well being. The information contained within this web site should not be used as a substitute for personal Veterinarian advice on any pets health, medication and care.