At least half of the country is experiencing much colder temperatures and under the threat of serious winter weather according to the National Weather Service. With snowy months ahead, Alley Cat Allies has sent out a press release offering winter weather safety tips to those who care for cats in their communities especially those involved with Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programs.
President and Founder of Alley Cat Allies, Becky Robinson says, “Community cats are well-adjusted to living outdoors, but when the temperature plummets, a few extra steps will ensure they stay warm and safe.”
Alley Cat Allies recommends the following tips to help with community cats in your neighborhood:
Provide an outdoor shelter and a refuge from cold and wind.
Shelters are easy and inexpensive to build. You can see do-it-yourself (DIY) examples and photos of winter cat shelters and shelter building plans at www.alleycat.org/ShelterGallery—including a “5-minute shelter” made from a Styrofoam cooler. Some manufacturers sell pre-built cat shelters, but even a large plastic storage tub will work with simple modifications.
The shelter should be elevated off the ground and placed in a quiet area. The size of the shelter should depend on the number of cats in the colony. A good-sized shelter offers a space just big enough for three to five cats to huddle—but space should be limited if there is only one cat who needs shelter. The door should be no more than 6 to 8 inches wide to keep out bigger predators. A flap on the door will keep out snow, rain and wind.
Insulate the shelter against moisture as well as cold.
Straw (not hay—they are different!) resists the wet and keeps a shelter warm, and it is the best choice for insulation and bedding. Avoid blankets—they absorb moisture like a sponge.
If you have a shed or garage, give the cats access during the winter and severe weather. Make sure to remove dangerous antifreeze products, which are lethal when consumed. If you must use antifreeze products, use less-toxic antifreeze made with propylene glycol instead of the highly toxic ethylene glycol. Though propylene glycol is still toxic to cats, it is much less so than conventional antifreeze.
Provide fresh water daily and additional food.
In extremely cold weather, cats require larger food portions and fresh water twice a day to prevent dehydration. Wet food in insulated containers is ideal for wintertime, but extra dry food (which will not freeze) is also fine. Foam insulation can be applied to the hollow underside of a regular plastic feeding dish to slow the freezing of food and water.
Prevent dehydration by keeping water drinkable:
◦ Use bowls that are deep rather than wide, and place them in a sunny spot.
◦ Purchase heated electric bowls (found in many pet shops).
◦ Do not put out hot water—it’s counterintuitive, but it freezes faster.
Cats will find shelter, whether you build it for them or they find on their own. But in heavy snowfall, it is important to clear snow away from entrances and exits of shelters so the cats don’t get snowed in.
Avoid salt and other melting products.
Alley Cat Allies does not recommend using salts or chemicals designed to melt snow near colonies. These products can be toxic and injure cats’ paws. While there are products marketed as “pet safe,” we still recommend using caution.
Check your car before you drive.
Check under the car before starting it, as cats will sometimes crawl into the engine or hide underneath for warmth. Give the hood of your car a few taps before you start the engine. Remember that antifreeze is lethal to cats and other animals. Keep it out of reach!
For more information, please go to Alley Cat Allies.
Here are a few quick tips for our canine friends:
Have a story, please email me at tevangelistaepp@yahoo. Like my tv page at https://www.facebook.com/ACloseUpLookAtAnimalWelfareIssues.
I always feel so badly for the cats that are stuck outside in the cold. The news always tells us to bring our dogs inside during these cold snaps. Cats freeze too. 🙁
I always make sure the cats I take care of always have food, water and some shelter.
Don’t leave your cats outside to start. It isn’t fair to them or other animals they kill.
I just saw a report where a dog was frozen to the ground. His owner didn’t care enough to properly care for him. Why would anyone leave their pet outside in these freezing temperatures? What’s wrong with people? They don’t think or could care less!
don’t like feral cats. People cast off their cats and they in turn kill rabbits and birds. Have you heard a rabbit scream while being ripped apart by a cat?