by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know in last week’s column I wrote about frigid temperatures and dogs and the law protecting the dogs by requiring adequate shelter? Sadly, there are no laws for other animal species, yet, without human intervention, they suffer in freezing temperatures. Every year we receive well intentioned complaints about horses without blankets or cows without shelter in winter. Many horse owners have weathered their horses allowing them to grow an undercoat which insulates them from the cold. At the very least a run-in shed (a roofed three sided structure) should be available to farm animals which would offer some protection from the biting wind. The key word is “should” because it’s not mandatory. However, unfrozen water and access to food is a requirement and often not always in full view.
Obviously, wildlife knows how to survive our winters even though we offer bird seed for our feathered friends and salt blocks for the deer. But, what about cats? All animals are protected under the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law pertaining to Cruelty to Animals, but that’s it. Cats, whether domestic or feral fall between the cracks when it comes to required outdoor care. Unless you live in one of the villages that mandates that owned cats be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and licensed. Outdoor cats are generally on their own without human involvement. They will seek shelter in sheds, under porches and anywhere they can get out of the wind and cold. Food is, of course, scarcer in winter too. Once you start feeding a stray (friendly or feral) consider the cats yours and add kitten food to their meals. Kitten food has a denser calorie and nutrient composition which will help them stay warm. Cats need 15%-30% more calories in winter to maintain their body temperature. And make arrangements to get it fixed, otherwise, come spring, you will have a colony!
Speaking of colony cats, providing these cats with proper shelter is a reasonable expectation. Alley Cat Allies offers great suggestions on housing, feeding and caring for a managed colony, whether one or ten cats.
Kittens are already showing up at our door. Two from an unmanaged colony (meaning the cats are not spayed or neutered) and a tiny, 4 week old sick black female with a low body temperature found outside a barn. If you find a hypothermic animal here are a few tips of dos and don’ts:
- Do not feed the animal until it has a normal body temperature
- Do not submerge it in water
- Dry the animal off
- Do not warm the animal too quickly
- Stroke the animal to stimulate blood flow
- If it is frozen to the ground, use lukewarm water poured around it and once free, wrap in towel and seek veterinary attention immediately.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
There are numerous winter safety tips on several animal welfare sites. Be proactive, protect your pets and the animals that live in our community, domestic or wild.
Pet of the Week:
Adoption applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473.
