Toronto - Cats in the Snow

Wild cats and domesticated cats can go outside and walk in the snow. While so-called feral cats are adept at surviving outdoors, the harsh winter months can make it very difficult for them to find valuable food, water and good shelter (properly sized and well insulated). During heavy snowfalls, cats need cleared paths to walk on.

It seems that cats are adapted for cold weather. However, when the temperature drops below freezing they are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Cats would prefer to go inside if they feel too cold.

In the winter months, a so-called feral cat spends most of its time hunting and scavenging for food and water, and finding warm, dry shelter wherever it can.

It seems that it is possible for cats to survive very cold conditions for up to 3 days, but then they will eventually freeze to death if they are left in this environment. Cats are most at risk of hypothermia when exposed to dangerous cold weather.

Signs that a cat is cold:

- Shivering

- Hunching Down & Puffed

- Seeking Warmer Places

It's not recommended to let your cat walk on snow or ice for more than an hour at a time. Check for frozen paws.

Hypothermia causes cats to lose consciousness and freeze to death. Cats can perish if their body temperature drops below 16°C (60°F) - it should typically be around 38°C (100°F) - according to experts.