What is the best method to keep outside cats warm in the winter months?

Question

A freidn fo mine has many many cats that live outside. What is the best methond to keep them warm in the winter months?

Answer 1

Bring them inside

Answer 2

Well, I have an outdoor cat and everytime I mention that fact in a question I get abuse about how mean I am for not letting my cat stay inside. I live in Australia and our winters are mild (so I have been told although I find them cold). Firstly, most cats will grow a thicker coat for winter. For my cat I bought her a warm fleecy mat. I then got her a box which had an opening large enough for her to go into. I also wrapped the box with a baby blanket. I put this on the outdoor table which is under the awning near the wall. I placed the box on the mat with the opening facing the wall (but I leave enough room for the cat to enter). This blocks out the wind. I also build a barricade around this with boxes or anything else I can find. This also helps to keep the wind out. During the night i have the box there but during the day I just leave the mat for her. Sometimes she will go and sit in the sun during the day.

Answer 3

The cats that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. So the cat owners may also have to change the eating habits of their pets during the winter.

Check food and water often to make certain they are fresh and unfrozen. Don't use metal bowls outside during the winter. Your cat's tongue may accidentally stick to the bowl. Sometimes the cat owners don't realize that a water bowl has frozen and their cats can't get anything to drink. The cats that don't have access to clean, unfrozen water are more likely to drink out of puddles or gutters, which can be polluted with oil, antifreeze, household cleaners, and other chemicals.

Especially important for every outdoor cat is to have a place adequate sheltered during cold weather. Ensure your cat with insulated house. The house should be large enough for turning around, yet small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Never use newspaper, towels, or blankets inside a cat's shelter. They will retain the cold and become stiff and hard. Instead, use straw.

During the winter, cats sometimes sleep under the hood of your cars or in the garage where it is warm and comfortable. You should be aware that the antifreeze is of particular concern, as it can be deadly for cats that lick it from garage floors. If your cat sleeps under the hood of your car, when you start the motor she could get caught in or flung about by the fan belt, causing serious injury or even death. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood and sides of your car before turning on the ignition to give the cat a chance to escape.

Answer 4

If she has lots they probably are able to get cozy together, providing thye have an enclosure to get into, which will keep them warm. If they didn't have each other I would say provide a small area with a small light, like 65 watts. That will generate heat and help keep them warm

Answer 5

If she won't let them inside then she should at least build them a well enclosed (with just a cat flap door so big intruders and wind can't get in) little barn or shed full of baskets or cardboard boxes with blankets on top of straw.
Oh, and make sure they all get neutered before spring ! :)

Answer 6

Get them all spayed/neutred so the number of cats will not keep increasing.

If they are friendly, find them homes that are able to keep the cats indoors all the time. Yes the cats will be split up, but they will lead better lives in a nice house.

Answer 7

They need to have some kind of shelter with hay (if it's barn cats), blankets, towels or even a heater.

If that isn't possible a garage will do.

Answer 8

Make a shelter for them that has flaps and blankets, they'll keep each other warm.

Answer 9

keep them inside

Answer 10

dog boxes.