#MiddleburyCT #OutDoorCats #CatShelter
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I care for a rescued barn cat who refuses to come indoors – she will come onto the porch for food and water, and let me pet her, but that’s about it. I was able to get “Gertie” spayed a few years back, so that’s no longer a problem. However, I worry about her in the cold weather. What do you recommend to keep outdoor cats from suffering in freezing temperatures? – Caroline in Roanoke, Virginia
DEAR CAROLINE: Shelter is important during the coldest months of the year, and even if an outdoor cat has survived OK in past winters, that can change – especially as they get older.
Food, water and shelter are the three biggest things you can provide to help an outdoor cat survive and remain healthy during the winter. Place fresh water in a container that won’t freeze easily, such as a thick-walled dish.
The Humane Society of the United States recommends building (or purchasing) an outdoor cat shelter that is appropriate for their size – not too snug, but not so large that it can’t hold in the cat’s body heat (www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-care-outdoor-cats-winter).
You can line the inside of the shelter with Mylar sheets that reflect body heat even better. For bedding, an old pillowcase filled with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper is helpful, or you can use straw. Place the shelter near where you’ve observed the cat resting, or try placing it on the porch next to her food and water. (Don’t put water inside the shelter in case it spills.)
Remove and replace bedding every couple of weeks to keep things fresh and help maintain warmth.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
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