Get ready. Frigid temperatures including dangerous wind chills, snow, ice, and blustery winds are slamming most of the country. 

These arctic conditions can cause frostbite and hypothermia in under thirty minutes in some areas. This also applies to stray cats without proper shelter. 

Cats exposed to these bitter cold temperatures for extended periods can suffer frostbite to their ear tips, tails, or paw pads. It can also lead to life-threatening hypothermia. 

Feral cats do best in the great outdoors, but that doesn't mean they have to survive without shelter or help. 

If you have community/stray cats in your area, please help them prepare for the upcoming winter storm. Here are a few ways you can help. 

Provide Shelter

You can build or purchase cat shelters that can be insulated with stray to keep feral cats warm during the winter. Place the shelter on a wooden palate and out of the elements as much as possible. 

Be sure to check that the opening is facing away from the wind and keep snow cleared away so cats can access the shelter. 

Food and Water

Provide fresh water and wet and dry cat food to ensure the cats have enough. Heated or insulated bowls will also help keep water and food from freezing. Check daily, if possible. 

Avoid Salt and Antifreeze

Keep antifreeze, which is toxic to cats, and de-icers away from shelters. They can irritate a cat's paws and are deadly when ingested. 

There are an estimated 60-100 million stray/feral cats in the United States. Help save their lives by purchasing a cat shelter to keep them safe in harsh conditions.