How You Can Help Feral & Outdoor Cats Stay Warm In Winter

People who do trap-neuter-return (TNR) work or just care for feral and stray cats know having a warm place to take shelter can greatly improve cats' chances of survival.  People who have cats who spend a lot of time outdoors may worry how to make sure they stay warm if they don't come inside at night.  A simple answer to these issues is to provide one or more insulated cat shelters.  Although you can buy kits, this is generally a do-it-yourself project, and can be daunting for people who aren't used to building things or can't spend much money.  They may have seen shelters made of wood and including electric heat. However, there are ways to make a cat shelter easily from simple materials, and you can spend less that $10.  Here's how:

Update On: Winterizing for Animals

If you've read my previous post on Winterizing for Animals and my review of the PetSafe Universal Pet Bed Warmer , you know I like to keep people informed about ways to keep their pets happy and healthy during the colder months. The American Animal hospital Association has published a useful article which prompted me to post a few more tips:

Courtesy of  www.scharfelinse.com

• It's a good idea to get your pets a pre-winter check-up with a veterinarian.  Talk to your vet about any concerns your may have about your pet's health, particularly related to cold weather, and ask her or him to evaluate your pet for conditions or ailments that could make them more sensitive to the dangers of cold, ice and snow.
• Keep your animal's physical condition in mind. A cat with asthma or chronic respiratory infections should be watched closely for reactions to cold or extra-dry heated air.  Humidifiers can sometimes help in these cases.  Meanwhile, a dog with arthritis or leg injuries might have a harder time than usual walking on slippery areas or up stairs in the cold.  For vulnerable dogs, on-leash at a slow pace and limited time in the cold is best, and try walking behind them on stairs, just in case. An extra warm and comfy bed could help their joints, too. Your vet should be able to tell you if your pets have any conditions that might make it difficult to control their own body temperature.
  

Winterizing for Animals

As the weather changes for those of us in temperate climates, I notice animals putting on winter coats, eating more and snuggling up in cozy places – whether that is a special nest or their person’s lap. The tree squirrels in our local park spent the recent last gasp of warm weather busily stashing winter foods and preparing their dreys (nests), while my cats at home have been howling for more wet food and curling up with me on their favourite “mommy blanket” – a deep, furry throw that reminds them of their mama cats’ bellies. Have you noticed the critters around you preparing, too?

Of course, you can also help your animal friends prepare for and get through cold weather. Here are some ways: