In winter cats face two main dangers on the street: hypothermia and frostbite.

Most mustachioed pets are adapted to warm climatic conditions. And a woolen coat does not always reliably protect them from the cold. Of course, many cats are better able to tolerate low temperatures than people without warm clothes. But these animals are still not ready for harsh winters.

What temperature is dangerous for cats in winter? Sphinxes and other hairless animals begin to get supercooled already at +10 ° C. For other breeds, it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this question. Much depends on factors such as the age of the animal, satiety, health status, climate in the region of residence, and so on. Critical can be designated as an indicator of -15ºC. Excess threatens to kill even hardy species-Siberian, Norwegian forest cats, Maine Coons (if they do not find shelter).

Dogs in the cold dig holes in the snow, huddle in packs to bask against each other. Cats do not know how to do this. The usual body temperature in cats is 38-39ºC. If they stay in the cold for a long time, the temperature drops to 36 ° C. The first signs of hypothermia: chills, tremors, increasing weakness and apathy. Blood glucose levels drop, and your heart rate and breathing slow down. Prolonged hypothermia leads to coma and death.

The second danger is frostbite. They can occur even when the temperature is above minus 15 degrees Celsius. After all, not all parts of the cat’s body are securely covered with hair. The pads of the paws, the tips of the ears, the tail are the most defenseless places. In the cold, frostbite in the form of blisters appears in these places. If the cat does not find shelter, tissue necrosis can develop and not only the skin will suffer, but also the muscles, bones, and tendons. Which will also lead to sad consequences.

Take care of your pets and do not leave them in the cold outside!