These are signs of frostbite: Below 0 °C, all cats are at risk

Cats are incredibly vulnerable to frostbite, especially on cold days (0 °C or below) when exposed to strong winds, meaning there is no place for them to take shelter. Elderly, young, and sick individuals are even more at risk. Due to the cold, hypothermia sets in first, causing blood vessels in the limbs to constrict, not allowing blood to flow to vital organs. This leads to the formation of ice in the affected tissues, resulting in damage and necrosis. In cats, the nose, ears, tail, and limbs are the most affected areas, and symptoms may only become visible days after exposure.

Effective treatment of frostbite in cats requires immediate medical attention! To avoid facing this problem, it is even more important to focus on prevention. Be very cautious with outdoor and stray cats, and if possible, support stray and community cats within your means. In our next article, you can learn about the accompanying symptoms of frostbite, how to treat it, and how to protect your cat.

Symptoms of frostbite injuries in cats

In most cases, frostbite does not become visible until days or weeks after exposure. If your pet has been outdoors on a cold day, it is important to look for the following signs. If you observe the following, take it to the vet immediately:

• cold body and cold limbs;
• discoloured skin (white or pale, grey, blue, red, dark purple or black);
• after warming up, the skin is red, swollen and painful to the touch;
• bloody blisters may also appear;
• ulcers;
• the affected area is torn upon touch;
• discoloured, dead skin gradually darkens and peels off.

Frostbite has 4 stages, which help determine the extent of tissue damage and prognosis.

First-degree frostbite results in redness after the area is warmed. It only affects the superficial layer of the skin and usually does not cause permanent damage. Second-degree frostbite results in blistering of the affected skin. Third-degree frostbite causes the skin to die, and fourth-degree frostbite involves tissue necrosis. Both result in permanent damage and make the affected area more susceptible to infections.

Treatment of frostbite injuries

If possible, do not let the cat out in temperatures of 0 °C or below, especially in strong winds. It is also helpful if they can retreat to the garage, shed, or another suitable shelter. The key is to protect them from the wind and, if necessary, precipitation. If you cannot provide this for them or would like to make their accommodation more comfortable, we will introduce a cheap and easily implementable solution to bridge the gap here.

If you didn’t bring your pet in on time, or they escaped, take them to a warm, dry place as soon as possible. Gently wrap them in a soft towel and let them warm up slowly. You can even hold them close to you to support the process with your body heat.

If certain parts of their skin seem frosty, do not rub the skin and do not attempt to warm it with a hairdryer, as this can damage the area. According to the PetMD veterinary website, gently pat the frostbitten skin with a clean, soft cloth soaked in warm (not hot!) water, then gently pat it dry. Do not rub it! Keep the cat warm until you can get them to the vet!

To reduce pain and prevent infections, the vet may prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics. It is important to monitor the cat’s condition throughout the healing process. To receive the appropriate care, they must see a vet; only they can determine the necessary treatment. If a significant portion of the skin has died, or there is a risk of tissue necrosis, the affected area may need to be amputated.

Recovery can take days or weeks depending on the severity of frostbite, but fortunately, if the cat receives timely treatment, they can continue their life without serious consequences.