No matter how close you and your furry friend are, when it comes to winter, it’s safest to keep your cat indoors. Dr. Julian Rivera, a veterinarian at West Village Veterinary Hospital in New York City, shared insights into why exposing your cat to cold weather can be risky.
“Keeping cats indoors is always a great idea, but this is especially true during cold winters,” explained Dr. Rivera. Cats are vulnerable to the cold, and not having a warm escape from the elements can have severe consequences, leading to life-threatening conditions like hypothermia and frostbite, especially if their coats get wet.
“If their [coats get] wet, these can occur even more rapidly,” Dr. Rivera emphasized. So, if you see signs like shivering, slowed breathing or heart rate, lethargy, cold to the touch, or loss of consciousness, it’s crucial to contact your vet immediately, as these are symptoms of hypothermia.
Even if you decide to let your cat out in the cold, closely monitor him for safety reasons and signs of distress. If hypothermia symptoms arise, quick veterinary attention is essential.
And if you choose to keep your cat indoors during winter, be mindful of indoor temperatures. Cranking up the heat might seem like a good idea, but opening windows in response could pose risks. Dr. Rivera warned, “Opening the windows when indoor temperatures get too high can also be hazardous for cats who may escape or fall from high windows and injure themselves.”
In essence, the safest choice for your cat is to keep him inside, ensuring a comfortable temperature without the need to compromise safety by opening windows.
