Winters get cold in Spokane and cats, even with their warm coats can still get hypothermia. Hypothermia is an irregular lowering of the body’s temperature. This is a staid condition that can cause shock, unconsciousness, and even the death of a feline. Cats that are left outdoors in frigid, subzero temperatures can become hypothermic.
Should your cat show signs of frostbite he or she may be also experiencing hypothermia. Even so, do not rely on frostbite alone as an indication of hypothermia, because it can occur without the presence of frostbite.
Low-low body temperature, below 37.5 C could indicate hypothermia. Take your cat’s temperature rectally. A lubricated electronic thermometer is very easy to use.
Other signs are weakness and shivering.
If your cat is suffering from any of the signs above, quickly warm him/her with blankets. Put warm water in plastic bottles then envelop them in towels to prevent burns.
Fill plastic zip lock bags with uncooked rice warmed for 1-2 minutes in the microwave and be sure to wrap them in a nice, fluffy towel.
Microwave unfrozen ice packs and cover in a towel.
If you do use a heating pad never put the cat right. Use several towels. A weak feline will not be able to move and will suffer burns if you don’t...
A hair dryer set on medium-warm is a speedy start to warm up your cat while someone else is preparing blankets and water bottles.
Check your cat’s rectal temperature every 10-15 minutes.
When his/her body temperature is back to normal--38.5 C--stop the warming process. An over heated cat is equally dangerous.
Get veterinary care even if it looks like your cat is OK after doing the above. Kidney and bladder problems are common in cats that have been exposed to cold temperatures.
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