Cold winter weather presents specific welfare challenges for both indoor and outdoor cats, and appropriate management can prevent suffering from hypothermia and frostbite.
Cats trapped in cold conditions without shelter suffer progressive hypothermia that causes disorientation and eventually coma and death. Those that survive may have frostbite injuries requiring amputation. Simple measures including checking enclosed spaces before locking up and providing outdoor shelter substantially reduce cold weather welfare incidents. Antifreeze toxicity is entirely preventable through careful storage and immediate clean-up of spills.