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Is it possible to walk a cat in frosty weather: expert opinion
24.12.2024 17:02
Not every dog, in the literal sense of the word, will agree to go for a walk outside in severe frost.
Some cats need to be walked, including those that live in houses or apartments. But should you let them out if it's freezing outside?
Here's what the experts think about it.
Walking domestic cats
In general, walking domestic cats is not contraindicated, but even beneficial.
If you train your pet, it will feel quite comfortable when walking on a leash.
But walking your dog on your own is fraught with consequences.
Your pet may get lost, get injured, end up locked in a basement, or climb a tree.
Even if there are no adventures, the animal will most likely pick up parasites, which remain active even in winter in the entrances and other utility rooms of apartment buildings.
That's why experts are against letting domestic cats go for walks on their own in winter.
Walking in winter
In severe frosts, you should not let kittens, pregnant cats, old and sick pets outside.
They don't tolerate frost very well.
But even a healthy cat, regardless of the length of its fur, can freeze in just 10-15 minutes when the air temperature drops to -20 degrees.
Even Siberian cats' ears, noses, and paws can suffer in such cold weather.
For short-haired cats, the critical temperature is considered to be 15 degrees below zero.
"Bald" breeds have nothing to do outside in the cold autumn.
The health risk for pets of all breeds increases during precipitation, which causes their fur to become wet and sticky.
Because of this, animals often curl up into a ball to keep warm, but because they are motionless, they freeze even faster.
In addition, you need to remember about hypothermia, which can lead to colds and other diseases.
Conclusion
In frosty winter, pets accustomed to comfortable city apartments should be kept away from the street.
If you want to walk your pet, reduce the time spent outside to 15 minutes.
