When winter comes people panic and start wondering how they can help outdoor cats survive winter. For ten years now we have helped our little Paw Syndicate survive the brutal winters in the mountains. If you think city winters are harsh, ours start a little sooner and end a bit later. Spring and summer feel like they just zoom by, and before we know it, we’re back to helping the feral cats survive another winter.
Do outdoor cats survive winter?
Not all outdoor cats survive winter. This is the sad reality of their lives but we can do something about it. The first thing you can do is call your local town hall and see if they work with any TNR groups and offer discounts. For NYC, you can utilize the ASPCA for low cost or no cost at all to fix cats. You can also call other cat rescues and see if they are willing to help for free. Fixing cats will help prevent more cats from being born and live a harsh outdoor life. A lot of cats don’t make it during their first winter due to the weather, lack of shelter, food and water, and the dangers of cars and moving traffic. You can help prevent this by trapping, neutering and spaying your outdoor cats.
In order for a car survive winter it needs to have a thick coat, insulated dry shelter, food and water. If the temperature reaches below 45F, and the cat has no dry place to stay, it can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.
Signs a cat is struggling in cold weather
It’s easy to spot a cat that is struggling in the cold weather. These cats will stay outside, get snowed on, and not move. They might be too cold and too weak to look for shelter. Another sign might be that the cat is staying close to your home more often. This is their way of asking you for help. Some cats will get desperate and meow or paw at your door or try to go inside your car engine. It’s important to tap the hood of your car in the winter, every morning before you turn your car on. This can prevent a lot of tragedies.
Some signs to look for include:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Curled up in a tight ball
- Not moving
- Difficulty walking
- Cold ears, paws, and tail
- No interest in food or water
These are just some of the things you should look for if you are worried about an outdoor cat during winter.
How to build a simple winter cat shelter
Our first cat shelter was simple and required a few items from the home improvement store. We used:
- A plastic bin/container
- Foam insulation
- Straw
- Tape
We got a black plastic bin, hoping that the sun will warm it up better. Inside we cut pieces of thick pink insulation and placed it on the bottom and sides of the box. We also placed a piece on the inside of the lid just not all the way around. You want to be able to close the lid. We used duct tape to make sure the insulation stays put. Then we cut a hole in the bin and insulation so that the cat can easily go in and out. You can take it a step further and install a cat door to help prevent cold air from coming in. We added plenty of straw for bedding and that’s it!
Did the cats use it? The cat we made this for did use the shelter. Before the winter came and she had her first liter we were able to trap her and take her to the SPCA where she had her kittens. Over the years, other cats have used this shelter. This simple shelter is still on our property, in case a feral cat comes by and needs a place to sleep.
Best heated shelters and outdoor cat houses
Over the years we have built multiple mini houses and shelters for the feral cats. Before the latest built for the paw crew, we purchased the best heated shelters from Amazon. We got three forest green cat shelters, and placed them inside the green house. The shelter was insulated, waterproof, and had a heated electric pad to keep the cats warm. We placed two of them together and put them next to each other to make a larger shelter. The third one we left on the property, for any other cat that might need to use it.
While the heated shelter worked great, we did not get to see the cats and they did not get to see us or what was outside their shelter. So, we re-invented the wheel and made our own heated shelter with wood and plexi glass. We purchased the largest heated mat we could find and placed it inside, added some straw and we both love it! The cats have plenty of room to stretch and huddle together, the way they like it.
This heated shelter is placed inside a green house and raised on wooden crates. When it comes to shelters, make sure to have them stand on a crate or some sort of sturdy platform. This will keep the shelter dryer and warmer. Imagine setting up your tent on wet ground. Your feet will feel cold and sleeping will just be uncomfortable. So if you wouldn’t want to sleep on cold, wet ground, why should feral cats?
Food and water tips in freezing temperatures
Feeding feral cats in the winter when you’re not around all day can be hard. Their food and water can freeze in matter of minutes, then what? What we used to do when we were not home was place hand warmers under the food bows and water bowl. This helped the food and water stay warmer longer and prevent freezing sooner. Today, hand warmers can last up to 18 hours and they are very affordable. You can also purchase rechargeable hand warmers or go for something more practical like heated bowls. Just plug it in and the water and food will stay warm. These bowls are also stainless steel which makes them easier to clean and they won’t just fly away.
When to bring a cat inside
Last year we had a cat come by every few days and meow to be let inside. When he came over one night with a wounded paw, we decided he was no longer going back out. Long story short, his name is Frankie and he is Buddy’s adoptive brofur (brother). Sometimes a cat will let you know when they want to come inside and other times you have to tell them you know what’s best for them.
Unfortunately, the Paw Syndicate does not want to come inside, at least not yet. Every time when I feed them I leave the door open and wait to see if any of them would want to come inside. Robin, Baby and Batman have all popped in, and as quickly left. I stay on the side and wait. If there is just one cat outside I’ll try to bribe it with food inside but they just look at me like I have ten heads. Maybe I do, they have better vision anyway.
If you are worried about a feral cat and wonder if you should bring it inside, well you have your answer. The minute you start wondering and worrying, you’re committed to that cat and want to see it safe. If the cat is looking weak, frail, and extremely cold, it’s time to trap it and bring it inside. A cat does not need much space at first. If you trapped the cat, place it inside your spare bathroom (or only bathroom). Add a comfortable blanket in the tub, or a cat bed, litter, and fresh water. The food you take to the cat for bonding. The cat should associate you with the food, something it likes and craves. This can help you bond with the cat sooner. Before you know it, the car runs the house and wakes you up every three hours to make sure that you’re alive.
How the Paw Crew Stays Warm
Winters in the woods are tough but our paw crew stays warm! Right now, our feral cats are dry and warm inside their greenhouse and mini heated condo. The greenhouse helps their mini house stay dryer and warmer but it also offers more space for them to stretch and be in. In the greenhouse we have shelves that go around the three walls. The cats use it for perching and napping on. When they need a little time away from cuddling, they step into the greenhouse and find their corners. Batman always seems to find his Baby, but every once in a while she gets her alone time.
For the summer, we will remove the door so there is more air flow or we might remove the greenhouse. We shall see how it goes, but for winter, it has been a great addition for shelter and warmth. I’m beyond thrilled at how well it stayed put and how the cats have loved it. I hope you are inspired and that you will find simple and affordable ways to help outdoor cats survive winter.
