Cats, like other animals, develop thicker coats as cold weather arrives. For this reason, many people think that they will be safe and warm when left outdoors in winter. This is simply not true, and cats in particular can get dangerously cold, and even suffer from hypothermia when the temperature is extremely cold. They feel the same unpleasant symptoms that humans do including cold painful feet and limbs. Their paws should always be checked when they come indoors, as ice can accumulate between the pads. Salt from roads and sidewalks can cause irritation and pain, so their feet should be rinsed off as soon as possible.
Extreme care should be taken when indoor cats are let outside, even for short periods of time. These cats have not developed a tolerance for any sort of cold, and will usually not have the thick winter fur that outdoor cats have to help keep them warm. Indoor cats should really not be put out at all in winter, but if they are it should only be for a very short amount of time. Small cats or those with very short hair are particularly sensitive to cold. A cat that has gotten wet from snow or rain needs to be dried and warmed immediately, to prevent hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops so low that vital organs cannot function correctly. The extremities usually have severe frostbite, and parts of the body have begun to shut down, in order to provide enough energy to the organs. A cat suffering from hypothermia will shiver and have trouble moving. Its breathing may become shallow and irregular as well. If not properly warmed and hydrated, a cat with hypothermia will die.
It is extremely important not to attempt to warm the animal too quickly, however, as this can cause even more damage. Under no circumstances should the cat ever be placed in warm water. Its body temperature should be brought back up slowly by wrapping it loosely in a warm, dry blanket. The blanket can be placed in the dryer to warm it, or a hot water bottle can be placed underneath it, never directly on the cat.
Once the cat has dried completely, it should be taken to the vet for a checkup, to ensure that it has not suffered long term damage. These measures can save a beloved pet's life. Accidents happen, and indoor cats do manage to escape, no matter how devoted and attentive their owners are.
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