Frostbite Treatment for Cats

Frostbite is as much a concern for cats as it is for humans when they venture into subzero temperatures. It is even more harmful for cats because they do not have the ability to bundle themselves up when they go out into freezing weather. However, if your cat does get frostbite, there are treatments.

  1. Definition

    • Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary defines frostbite as "the superficial or deep freezing of the tissues of some part of the body." Frostbite also has a definition of "the damage to tissues caused by freezing." The main parts of a cat's body that get frostbite are the ears, paws and tail because there is not as much fur or flesh to protect those parts as there is on other parts of the cat's body.

    Prevention

    • Preventing frostbite on cats is simple. Either keep them in the house when outdoor temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or, if they are outside cats, provide shelter such as a barn or a garage to keep them out of the cold and wind. Cats that are old or sick or have kittens need to be indoors as they are more prone to frostbite. Also, if your cat has gotten wet, keep the cat inside because wet cats can suffer frostbite more quickly than dry cats.

    Symptoms

    • Frostbite is a possibility if your cat is shivering, has ice on his body, or has pale or black skin. You may not be able to see whether the skin has changed color by just looking because the fur may be too thick. If that is the case, carefully move only the fur without touching the skin as damage to the skin can occur. The proper treatment can help your cat.

    Treatment

    • When you have determined that your cat has frostbite, begin treatment. Warm the frozen area with warm towels, being careful not to rub or massage the frostbitten parts. If frostbite is on the cat's paw or leg, immerse the frozen part in warm water for 20 minutes or until color begins to return to the area affected. This process will probably be painful as the frozen parts begin to thaw. Wrapping your cat in a blanket will help to warm her as well as to prevent her from hurting the thawing tissue.

    Considerations

    • It is important to get your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible after you have thawed the frostbitten parts. The vet will check to make sure gangrene has not set in and assess the damage.

      Saving tissue is sometimes impossible. The tip of the tail, tips of the ears, or toes could fall off if they were frostbitten severely enough. Your cat will live if this does happen.

      Keep an eye on your cat when the door opens in the freezing weather to make sure the cat does not slip out without your knowledge and become subject to frostbite.