Frostbite occurs when an animal is exposed to extreme cold for long periods of time. Frostbite kills over 1,000 people in the U.S. every year and affects countless animal, particularly “outdoor” animals with no warm place to go.
Cats can get frostbite in fall, winter, or spring…any time the temperature falls close to freezing. Unusually cold dips in temperature in the night during otherwise mild periods of weather create conditions particularly risky for pets. Here’s what to do in the first two hours after you’ve identified frostbite in your cat.
0-30 minutes in: Restoring Circulation
Frostbite is the body’s attempt to save vital organs by diverting blood away from extremities. It’s most likely to affect cats’ ears, nose, paws, and/or tail. It is usually accompanied by hypothermia, which is a low body temperature. In most cases, frostbitten areas will feel extremely cold – like ice – to the touch and will likely be numb or lack sensation.
Once you’ve identified frostbite, immediately try to restore circulation to the affected areas. Warm, moist heat is the best solution; depending on where the frostbite is located you will want to either immerse your cat in warm (not hot!) water or wrap the affected areas in a warm, wet towel.
Do NOT rub the affected area while it’s being warmed! This will further damage the tissue.
30 minutes – 1 hour in: Note Residual Effects
Your cat likely won’t feel any pain until the circulation begins to return to the affected areas. The areas will redden and may become inflamed or swollen. If the areas stay red, apply pure aloe vera (without rubbing!) to help ease some of the pain for your cat. At this point you’ll want to reach out to your vet to talk next steps.
If the affected areas begin to turn purplish or black, your cat needs to be taken to an emergency veterinary facility immediate. This is a sign of severe tissue damage and means the circulation is not returning to your cat’s extremities. A vet may be able to try additional measures to improve circulation but in some severe instances, damaged areas may need to be removed surgically.
1 hour – 2 hours in: Keep Your Cat Warm
However severe your cat’s frostbite, her body temperature is likely low. Wrap her in a blanket or towel for the next couple of hours as her body temperature begins to return to normal. Watch her closely for signs of hypothermia that may mean her body is unable to regulate itself.
However mild the case, be sure to reach out to your vet if you suspect your cat has suffered frostbite. Your vet will be able to prescribe pain medication that will make the healing process more comfortable, and advise you on worrying signs you should watch for over the coming hours and days.