
Cats are resourceful and smart enough to survive cold temperatures outdoors. However, they can still get lost during the winter, and their natural food supply is limited. If you're concerned about cats living outside in the winter, there are several ways to help them stay warm, safe, and well-fed.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Danger temperature | 32°F (0°C) |
Safe indoor temperature | 45°F (7°C) |
Shelter material | Styrofoam, cardboard, plywood, straw |
Shelter size | Big enough for 3-5 cats |
Food | Wet food, dry kibble |
Water | Heated electric bowls |
Water bowl type | Deep bowls, plastic bowls |
Water bowl placement | Covered, on an incline |
Shelter placement | Covered, elevated, quiet |
Shelter insulation | Mylar blankets, straw |
Shelter door | Rubber flap |
What You'll Learn
Provide a warm, dry shelter
Providing a warm, dry shelter is essential for cats living outdoors in cold climates. Here are some tips to help you create a comfortable space for them:
Choose the Right Materials
Select materials that provide good insulation and are waterproof. Styrofoam, hard plastic, and wood are excellent choices for building a cat shelter. Avoid using cardboard as it doesn't provide much insulation and is not waterproof. Ensure the shelter has minimal empty airspace when the cats are inside to retain their body heat effectively.
Opt for the Right Size
The size of the shelter is crucial. It should be big enough for several cats to fit comfortably, but not too large, as this will make it harder for them to retain their body heat. A good size is around two feet by three feet and at least 18 inches high. If you're building a shelter for just a few cats, you can make it smaller so their body heat can more effectively warm the space.
Insulate with Straw
Straw is the best material to use for insulation and bedding. It resists moisture, is a good insulator, and allows cats to burrow into it to stay warm. Avoid using blankets, towels, hay, or folded newspapers as they absorb moisture and can make the shelter damp and cold. Pillowcases stuffed with packing peanuts or shredded newspaper can also work, but they will need to be washed and restuffed periodically.
Keep it Elevated and Covered
Place the shelter in a covered area, like a porch or carport, to protect it from the elements. Elevate the shelter a few inches off the ground to keep it dry and away from insects. If possible, place it on a raised platform or pallet to protect it from standing water. Additionally, consider adding a cover or flap over the entryway to keep out cold air and potential predators. Ensure the flap is lightweight enough for cats to easily push through.
Face the Shelter Away from Wind and Snow
Position the shelter's entrance away from prevailing winds and, if possible, facing a wall. This will help block cold air and ensure only cats can get in and out.
Provide Extra Protection for Extreme Cold
If you live in an extremely cold climate, consider adding extra insulation to the shelter. Mylar blankets, a thin polyester material that reflects body heat, can be glued to the inside walls, floor, and roof of the shelter.
Check and Maintain the Shelter Regularly
Regularly inspect the shelter to ensure it's in good condition and hasn't been damaged by harsh weather. After heavy rain or snowfall, check that the interior remains dry and that snow hasn't blocked the entrances.
Make it Enticing for Cats
If cats aren't using the shelter, try making it more inviting by sprinkling catnip, silver vine, or treats inside. You can also try placing the shelter near their favourite spots or where they are fed to increase the likelihood of them using it.
Remember, providing a warm and dry shelter for outdoor cats can make a significant difference in their comfort and safety during the cold winter months.
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Insulate with straw, not hay
If you're looking to keep outdoor cats warm and dry during the winter, it's important to insulate their shelter with straw, not hay. While straw and hay may look similar, there are some key differences.
Hay is typically used to feed animals, and it soaks up moisture, making it cold and uncomfortable for cats. It can also get mouldy, which is dangerous for cats in winter as it increases the likelihood of them getting sick. Hay is also more expensive than straw, generally costing two to three times more.
Straw, on the other hand, is the perfect bedding for outdoor cat shelters. As the dry leftover stalks from harvested crops, straw repels moisture, making it an excellent insulator. Its hollow stalks trap warm air, keeping the shelter warmer. Straw is also loose and dry, providing a comfortable bed for cats while capturing moisture and preventing dampness. It's also easy to replace, keeping the shelter hygienic. Straw is a cost-effective option, often available at local pet or farm supply stores, and can last for decades when stored properly in a dry place off the ground.
So, if you're looking to keep outdoor cats cosy during the winter, remember to insulate their shelter with straw, not hay!
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Don't use blankets or towels
Cats are resourceful and smart enough to survive cold temperatures outdoors. However, they can still get lost during the snowy months and suffer from the cold. While a warm fur coat does not keep cats warm all through the winter, they sometimes need human help to get them through the cold.
- Blankets and towels absorb body heat and chill cats lying on them.
- Towels and blankets hold moisture, which will create an unpleasant damp and chilly environment.
- Blankets and towels can get wet when it rains or snows, and this can freeze, making the shelter cold.
- Cats can get sick from lying on wet blankets and towels.
- Blankets and towels can quickly become more of a detriment than a benefit to cats in winter.
Instead of using blankets or towels, straw is the best material to line the floor of cat shelters. Straw repels moisture, is a good insulator, and cats can burrow into it to stay warm. Mylar blankets are also a good option as they reflect body heat back to the cats.
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Provide extra food and water
Providing extra food and water is essential to helping outdoor cats survive the winter. Here are some tips to ensure cats have enough nourishment during the colder months:
Types of Food
Canned or wet food is ideal for cold weather as it takes less energy to digest, allowing cats to conserve energy for fighting the chill. However, wet food freezes quickly, so it's best to provide it in small portions several times a day. Dry food is a good alternative as it doesn't freeze, but it takes more energy to digest. If possible, a combination of both wet and dry food will help keep cats well-nourished.
Serving Food and Water
To prevent food and water from freezing, there are several methods you can employ:
- Use heated electric bowls to keep the food and water warm.
- Place food and water in deep bowls in sunny areas to utilise the sun's warmth.
- Use plastic containers instead of metal bowls, as metal conducts temperature changes more rapidly.
- Insulate plastic bowls by spraying insulation foam into their undersides.
- Place a microwavable heating pad, such as a Snuggle Safe, under the bowls to keep the contents warm.
- If there's a water source nearby, such as a spigot, let the water run slightly as it won't freeze as quickly as still water.
- Build a feeding station or insulated feeding area to shield the food and water from the cold.
Preparing for Inclement Weather
It's important to prepare for harsh weather conditions. If a snowstorm is forecast, ensure there is enough food and water to last more than a day. Once the storm passes, clear snow from areas cats frequent, especially around their shelters and feeding stations.
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Use heated bowls to prevent freezing
When temperatures drop, cats are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite, so it's important to ensure they have access to water that isn't frozen. Heated bowls can be a great way to prevent this from happening.
Heated bowls are an effective way to keep water from freezing, and there are many options available on the market. These bowls typically plug into an electrical outlet to generate heat. They are designed to keep water drinkable for cats, even in the coldest weather.
There are a variety of features to consider when choosing a heated bowl. Some bowls have a double stainless steel design, providing both an inner and outer bowl. This helps with insulation and makes cleaning easier. You may also want to consider bowls with adjustable temperature settings, especially if you have other animals that will be drinking from the bowl or if the weather varies. Some bowls also come with a chew-resistant cord, which can be helpful if you have a pet that likes to chew on things.
Heated bowls are available in a range of sizes, from 27oz to 128oz, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. You can find them at various price points, starting at around $20 and going up to $70.
- K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl: This bowl keeps water from freezing and has a 32-ounce capacity. It's MET Safety Listed and can be purchased on Amazon.
- Farm Innovators 1 Quart Heated Pet Bowl: This bowl has a 25-watt power rating and an anti-chew cord. It's available in blue and can be found on Amazon and eBay.
- Namsan Heated Water Bowl: This bowl provides 2.2L of water and is suitable for cats, dogs, chickens, and rabbits. It's available on Amazon.
- Heated Cat Bowl with Double Stainless Steel Bowls: This bowl has a capacity of 40oz and provides both warm food and water. It can be purchased on Amazon.
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Frequently asked questions
Provide a dry, warm shelter, such as a heated, water-resistant cat house. Place it in a covered area, like a porch, and ensure it has a simple exit in case your cat needs to make a quick escape.
Insulate the shelter with straw, which repels water and allows cats to burrow. Do not use hay, blankets, or towels, as these can get damp and cause a chill.
Provide extra food to help your cat stay warm. Canned or wet food takes less energy to digest, but dry food is better if you're unable to provide fresh food daily. Warm the food slightly and use heated bowls to prevent it from freezing.
Use a thick plastic container, which is better insulated than thin plastic or ceramic. A solar-heated or electric water bowl can also prevent water from freezing.
Keep your cat indoors if possible, especially at night when temperatures are coldest. If you can't bring your cat inside, consider investing in a GPS tracker so you can always locate them.