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Ask the Veterinarian/Cat left outside in Winter
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Question
Hi, I'm very concerned about my neighbor's cat as she leaves him outside with no shelter in the Winter. We've had a couple of really cold spells (it's minus 20 Centigrade tonight) and he is quite often left outside overnight and for about 12 hours when she goes to work. I've found him sleeping on my deck in the snow shivering and he spends most of his time trying to get into my house. I let him in a few times because I was afraid he would freeze to death but it causes a lot of problems because I have three cats and he's not neutered (he's about 8 months old). He sprays all over my house and is attracted to one of my female cats even though she was spayed. My male cat (he's neutered) hates him and beats him up (the Tom doesn't fight back). Can he survive outside in this cold? Is there a possibility that he could freeze to death? What can I say to my neighbor to convince her he needs to be in the house more often? She seems to believe that because he's an animal it's natural for him to live outside.
It really depends on the age of the cat and the kind of coat he has. Yes, cats can and do freeze to death just like people do even though they are fully clothed.
What she is doing could be construed as animal neglect and she could be fined a lot of money for this if she was turned it for it. Plus the cat would be seized and re-homed after he was neutered.
The fact that she hasn't neutered an eight month cat could be a sign of neglect as well, but leaving him outside in cold weather is abuse.
It is natural for a bobcat to live outside but not a domestic house cat. Unless he is with a colony of feral cats then he will eventually get sick or die outside.
She probably won't let him in because he sprays in her house as well. Let her know that if she has him neutered he won't do that and he can then live indoors where he belongs.
If she won't do that, then call your local ASPCA and ask them for help.
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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