We let the cat out and she hasent come back for hours. Can she die we are worried sick.
2006-12-02 17:29:57 · 10 answers · asked by new_musk2003 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Sometimes owners forget that their cats are just as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors as they are. Some owners will leave their cats outside for extended periods of time, thinking that they are adapted to live outdoors. This can put their pets in danger of serious illness.
Hypothermia, or a body temperature that is below normal, is a condition that occurs when the cats are not able to keep their body temperature from falling below normal. It happens when they spend too much time in cold temperatures, or when cats with poor health or circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases, your cat will shivers and show signs of depression, lethargy, and weakness. As the condition progresses, her muscles will stiffen, her heart and breathing rates will slow down, and she will stop responding to stimuli. If you notice these symptoms, you need to get your cat warm and take her to your veterinarian.
Another cold-related problem is frostbite. Sometimes your cat may accidentally be left outside or become lost during a heavy snowstorm. Frostbite may result. If this happens, remember - frozen tissues should never be rubbed. This causes additional tissue damage. Prompt veterinary treatment is needed. If this is not possible, warm the affected area rapidly by immersing in warm, never hot, water or by using warm, moist towels that are changed frequently. As soon as the affected tissues become flushed, discontinue warming. Gently dry the affected tissues and lightly cover with a clean, dry, non-adhering bandage. If frostbite is in the later stages, gangrene may set in and cause all kinds of infections. So, if you suspect your cat has frostbite, take her to the veterinarian.
2006-12-02 17:40:52 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Technically... yes, she can die. But she probably won't.
Cats do have an advantage over humans in the cold--their natural insulation is well adapted to survival in winter. Ferals usually live about five years (if they get past kittenhood), so they do learn to seek out warm spots near buildings and such. Instinct usually drives the cat to seek out warmth if it's cold. If the cat can't get to a warm place, it will tuck in its paws and fluff up its fur, which makes it a little warmer and keeps frostbite away from the paws.
Anyway, if your cat is outside, and she's not used to being outside, look nearby--she's probably gone to ground somewhere, hiding and being afraid. If she's used to being outside, chances are something has happened to keep her from coming back right away--anything from being chased by a dog to meeting a friendly human. Follow her usual patrol route and see whether you can see her. Ask the neighbors if they've seen her--usually a lost cat does not go far.
If your cat is not neutered, she may have met a tom. Listen for caterwauling.
I strongly suggest making your cat an indoor cat. If you scoop the litter each time you feed her, then it'll stay clean and there aren't any smells to gross you out. She'll want out initially, but (especially if she's neutered--which, I hope, she is) she should get used to the indoors--especially if you play with her and make indoors a good place to be.
2006-12-02 20:23:05 · answer #2 · answered by lisa450 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How cold is it? I have an escape artist who gets out everytime you open the door but when it is cold he comes right back in. Hope the cat is ok.
2006-12-02 17:37:38 · answer #3 · answered by Pesty Wadoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the cat my cat went out in the snow for a couple of days cause she ran out of the house and didnt come back but she is still alive and my neighbors leave their cats out in the cold all the time and they have been alive for awhile.so yeah she or he is probaly lost
2006-12-02 17:37:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats can die but it depends how cold it is they should die under 40 degrees.
2006-12-02 17:35:17 · answer #5 · answered by Carlos R 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Only if it's very cold and if they stay outside for a long time.
***Take care of your CATS***
2006-12-02 18:08:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she gets too cold.
2006-12-02 17:32:45 · answer #7 · answered by Robert F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she found shelter, No. I hope she comes back in soon though.
2006-12-02 21:57:26 · answer #8 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah it might be correct
2016-07-28 04:56:03 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was asking myself the same thing
2016-08-23 11:56:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋