Feral Cats In Winter

Avoid blankets which absorb.

Feral cats in winter.

All cats will grow a thicker coat in the winter. If you are feeding outdoor cats and would like food please call us at 503 797 2606. They are resilient and able to live and thrive in all varieties of locations weather conditions and climates. However the extra fur alone isn t enough to keep them warm enough to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.

Winter weather hazards for feral cats pixabay at pexels. P feral cats can survive in even extremely frigid climates if they are provided with adequate winter shelter. An even better option is to purchase a pet safe heated water dish to prevent freezing. Cats rely on body heat to stay warm so keep your shelters small for colonies with just a few cats.

Most of the time they take care of themselves scavenging and hunting for their meals while also depending on the kindnesses of cat lovers but things can get a lot chancier when the weather turns frigid. Many cats tend to be chronically dehydrated and winter s chill can make it even more difficult for feral or outdoor cats to get access to water. Even though feral cats develop a thick coat in the fall to keep them warm they can die from exposure if at least some protection from the elements is not available. A good feral cat winter shelter will have three essential qualities it will be well insulated have minimal air space and be waterproof.

For more populated colonies go with multiple shelters of a larger size. They need shelter from the cold. Caring for feral cats during the winter months with a few odds and ends and a trip to the hardware store you can help feral cats survive the worst that winter can offer. This guide will tell you everything you need to know including detailed information on building your own feeding station and cat shelter.

Hypothermia occurs when a cat s body temperature drops below 100 degrees. Community cats also called outdoor stray or feral cats are well suited to living outdoors usually in close proximity to humans and can survive winter on their own. Our annual holiday cat food drive collected a record 5 049 pounds of food to help provide nutritious meals for feral and stray cats during the challenging winter months. Warm and dry because it resists moisture straw is the top choice for insulation and bedding in your feral cat shelters says alley cat allies.

The best thing you can do is put out water for them and check it twice daily to make sure it hasn t frozen over. Further down this page you 39 ll also find tips on.