Helping Stray Cats During Cold Weather
As temperatures begin to drop noticeably, many cat lovers may start to wonder: "Are the stray cats living outdoors too cold? Can they survive a cold snap? What can we do to help?"
Cats are remarkably resilient and can survive and reproduce in a variety of climates. However, during cold weather, they still need a helping hand to stay warm and healthy.
He suggested four super simple ways people can help stray cats get through the cold winter together.
1. How to Build a Cozy Winter Shelter for Cats
Suggests that the first step to helping stray cats in cold weather is to provide them with a shelter where they can stay warm. The simplest way is to buy a ready-made cat house online, but you can also make one yourself at a very low cost.
All you need are two plastic bins, some Styrofoam, a plastic flowerpot, a hair dryer, and a utility knife. With these materials, you can easily build a comfortable cat shelter. (You can refer to the video below for detailed instructions.)
Robinsson recommends lining the inside of the shelter with straw. Straw is cheap, moisture-resistant, and excellent for insulation. Avoid using blankets or towels, as they absorb moisture and may make the inside colder instead of warmer.
If you live in an area where it snows, remember to regularly clear away the snow from the entrance of the shelter to prevent cats from getting trapped inside.
2. Knock Before You Drive: Winter Safety Tips for Cats
Reminds everyone that during cold weather, cats often look for warm spots to hide — and a car's engine compartment or the area near its tires can seem inviting to them. Before starting your car, give the hood a few taps and check underneath the vehicle to make sure no cat is sheltering there.
Also, avoid using antifreeze in places that cats can reach. Most antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, which can be deadly even if a cat licks only a small amount. Using propylene glycol–based antifreeze is a much safer alternative, as it's less toxic.
In addition, chemical de-icers should be avoided. These substances can irritate or damage a cat's paw pads and could also be fatal if ingested during grooming.
Take a moment before you drive — your caution could save a cat's life this winter.
3. Feeding Stray Cats in Winter
Place food and water thoughtfully during winter months, as cats consume more energy to stay warm. If you regularly feed stray cats, consider increasing the portion size a little so they can preserve more energy to maintain body heat.
When offering wet food or canned food, use plastic containers instead of metal bowls. Plastic helps the food retain warmth longer. Dry kibble is also a good choice since it stays at room temperature more easily.
For water, use ceramic or plastic bowls rather than metal ones, because metal cools quickly. Keep the bowls in a sunny spot so the water doesn't become too cold or freeze.
4. TNR in Winter: Caring for Community Cats
Carrying out Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs not only helps control the population of community cats but also improves their overall health, enabling them to survive the cold winter months more easily.
When conducting TNR — trap, neuter, and return — during winter, it is important to check the traps frequently to ensure that the cats are not kept inside for too long. Prolonged confinement in cold weather can be dangerous for their health.
When the veterinarian prepares for surgery, request that they shave as little fur as possible. Preserving more of the cat's coat helps retain body heat and provides better protection against the cold.
With thoughtful precautions, TNR can make a meaningful difference for community cats, even in the harshest seasons.
