Stray cats look for warm places to stay when it snows. Stray cats have no problem finding their way around under normal circumstances. However, in the cases of extreme weather conditions, they find dry and warm areas to stay. The thing about these areas is that they are dangerous for cats. Some places stray cats go when it snows are under tree sheds, doorways, canopies, and cars. Homeless cats may suffer when it’s snowing, and that puts them at lethal risk.
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Table of Contents
How Do Abandoned Cats Survive The Winter?
Stray cats are resourceful and do a great job at surviving for most of the year. The challenge starts for them when the weather becomes extreme. During winter, when it is intensely cold, they still happen to find their way around. Being intelligent animals, cats intentionally search for warm places while adapting to the winter weather.
In other cases, cats will move to a more convenient area with access to their needs. Their needs are primarily food and water. Their movement is more during winter, so they burn more calories. They need to eat more to compensate for this loss. Stray cats survive however they can in winter, but there is no specific method they all use. If the weather is not very cold, cats will generally survive, provided they are in good health. They are natural survivors and will fend for themselves no matter the circumstances.
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Can Stray Cats Survive The Snow?
Yes, stray cats can survive the snow. Cats are one of nature’s best survivors, so they have no problems surfing throughout the year. The only time it becomes slightly difficult for them is when the weather gets extreme. It is difficult and dangerous for them out there during the snow, but they happen to survive. Stray cats find comfortable places to go when it snows. They also survive by rationalizing whatever food they can find. Besides, their movements throughout the day and the production of heat keep them alive during this period.
As such, they exert themselves and need to replace the lost energy. You will notice that you may not see the start you were getting used to when the snow starts falling. And this is because they are constantly searching for warm and dry places to spend their nights. Mostly, they resort to garden sheds or underneath vehicles. These are all dangerous but sometimes help them survive.
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How Do Stray Cats Survive The Snow?
We have all seen stray cats at one point or the other. Also, the temptation to take them in during the snow is real. However, cats are capable of finding shelter from themselves during the snow. Their small body serves as a major advantage for them as they can fit into menial spaces. And this means they may suffer the effects of the weather less.
However, the subzero temperatures can be dangerous for their health. Effects on them could include frostbite and hypothermia. Biologically, stray cats grow thicker coats of fur to help them keep warm. They also search for convenient spots like the underneath of houses to stay warm. In the US, it’s easy for strays to find food because most homes provide food for them. In some cases, people also make provisions for shelters for stray cats to stay through the weather.
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Do Stray Cats Stay In The Same Area?
Stray cats have limited access to food, water, and shelter during extreme weather conditions. As a result of this, they usually stay where they have access to these needs readily. Although there is no guarantee, they stay in small areas as long as their needs are met. If a stray cat had gotten used to being fed in one place, it would probably check back daily. In some cases, even after the food stops being there, they will still keep checking for a while.
Cats can sometimes change locations if the odds are against them, especially in extreme weather with little or no food access. They may move to a completely different location in search of their primary needs. Stray cats usually move in groups that are primarily for defense purposes. That helps them survive, and in the changing locations, they can easily take over new territory.
How Cold Is Too Cold For Cats?
A general rule of thumb in temperature is that cold starts below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. And this rule extends to cats. However, in cats, some specific factors determine the level. Naturally, cats with furs should be able to step outside in temperatures below 45 degrees. In the case of an exotic species without furs, she should never be allowed to step out whenever it is below 45 degrees.
During cold weather, cats run the risk of getting hypothermia or frostbites, and these conditions are dangerous for felines. Your pet would show you symptoms of the effects of the extreme temperatures. Some of these symptoms include; confusion, dilated pupils, and stiff muscles. Take your pet to a veterinarian once your pet exhibits any of these signs.
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How Long Can A Cat Survive In The Snow?
Generally, cats are not built for extremely cold weather. However, their survival in the cold has little to do with this. Cats are natural survivors and can fend for themselves. A cat can survive in the snow for days if it finds a well-sheltered spot. But this doesn’t apply to domesticated cats, so you should not leave your cat out in the snow for over fifteen minutes. Domestic cats usually have a routine and are not used to being out in the wild. Therefore, their systems may not support the extreme cold as well as a stray.
How To Keep A Stray Cat Warm Outside During The Cold.
Stray cats in the US mostly owe their survival to the residents. People make it a responsibility to provide for these cats during cold times. Although cats can generally survive on their own, it gets easier for them when citizens are helping. To help strays stay safe, you can start by putting out food and water for them. The next step to this is providing a warm shelter in your garden or around your home. The shelter should have blankets and be cozy so that they are shielded from the cold. By doing these, it makes a huge difference in the survival of these animals.
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Final Thoughts.
The survival of cats right from the onset before their domestication has been strictly in their hands. They still constantly prove that they are more than capable of fending for themselves. Regardless of the weather conditions, cats are biologically wired to find more survival.
Stray cats need to stay in safe places to go when it snows. So some sometimes stay underneath cars for warmth during the cold. Unfortunately, this can lead to them getting crushed by the cars. An estimate of 5.4 million cats are killed every year in the US. These deaths are a result of the risks these strays undergo during the cold. The best way to help our furry friends is to protect them in cold weather. Cats are loving animals and should be treated with love.
