Outdoor Cat In Extreme Weather

It is 105 degrees here, and there’s this outdoor cat that has owners, but they won’t take the cat inside. Btw the cats name is snuggles. Anyways, it has gotten up to 110 degrees here, and I had to bring snuggles to her house, and they took her inside. I found her back outside a few mins later. I’ve also had to take her to her house in the winter when it speaks snowing. Yeah. Snowing. They basically don’t ever take her inside. I’ve taken her to her house at least 6 times before. What do I do to help her cool down in this terrible heat?

 

If they really don’t care for this cat, then you should just say ‘ Hi! This cat of yours is adorable, is it okay if I give it a little cold drink of water?’

If they say yes (which they probably will) then you could give it a few ice cubes and water.

Make it seem like you just think it is cute.

You can try to help it find a shady place.

 

Maybe the cat is just doing its own thing? My parents keep a cat that just comes and goes. Sometimes she outright refuses to come inside. When she does, she begs to come right back out.

 

I used to have a cat that was scared of the furnace. I would go out in the winter and bring him to at least get food in his belly and warm his paws up, but he would always end up caterwalling at the door within about 20 mins. My cat I still have insists on always going outside to do her business, no matter the weather. She will spend most times indoors at least in the winter and snow. Summertime, I just make sure she has access to water, she comes in when she wants her food

 

Cats are really good at getting where they want to be. Yes, they can overheat or freeze but if they’re free roaming, it’s truly rare. I love that you care enough to step in. If you can find an old cooler you could lay it on its side in the shade, the cat may use it. I’ve had to keep various cats outdoors for different reasons. One had an electric cord fetish. Only if they were plugged in though. Caught her gnawing on the dryer cord and then she became an outdoor cat. But I’ve got lots of places for critters to get cool or warm.
I think you’re awesome!

 

Here people buy kittens and puppies on a whim. Then they tire of the novelty and put them out to fend for themselves.

All four of my cats are strays that I have taken in. Once you show kindness they stick to you like magnets! I love all animals and they improve my life by joining me.

 

Its not your cat and as long as it healthy its not your business.

 

Its not your cat and as long as it healthy its not your business.

She is practically my cat, I’m the one that cares for her. She’s actually sick right now, so I think you are the one that needs to mind your business.

 

She is practically my cat, I’m the one that cares for her. She’s actually sick right now, so I think you are the one that needs to mind your business.

If she actually is sick then I think it's a different scenario. She may not be able to cope with extreme weather as well. Is she being treated for her illness?

 

She is practically my cat, I’m the one that cares for her. She’s actually sick right now, so I think you are the one that needs to mind your business.

What is wrong with the cat??

 

She is practically my cat, I’m the one that cares for her. She’s actually sick right now, so I think you are the one that needs to mind your business.

 

She is practically my cat, I’m the one that cares for her. She’s actually sick right now, so I think you are the one that needs to mind your business.

As I said and I quote "as long as it healthy" if the cat is sick and not being taken cared of then it is a completely different thing. Nowhere in any of your post did you state the cat was mistreated only they didnt take it inside and you thought that they should. Cats are not dog, theyre independant and ive never known a cat that wanted to be around people 24/7.

If the cat is not healthy and they are not taking care of it ask them if you can have the cat or call whatever the version of the rspca is where you are if its being seriously mistreated and then you can legally adopt it but that will cause other issues with your neighbours

Unless you do this or they give you the cat and you take the cat as far as the courts are concerned it is theft and you will be liable.

 

I agree. I don’t see why a cat is sticking around if it didn’t see the place as home.

 

If she actually is sick then I think it's a different scenario. She may not be able to cope with extreme weather as well. Is she being treated for her illness?

No I’ve taken her to her owners house and told them she’s sick and they said they would take her to the vet, but I saw her back outside an hour later.

What is wrong with the cat??

She’s losing fur very fast. Not like normal shedding in the summer, I mean that she barely has any fur on her tail. And her eyes look caved in, kinda like they sank into her head, and she’s acting really lethargic

 

No I’ve taken her to her owners house and told them she’s sick and they said they would take her to the vet, but I saw her back outside an hour later.

Maybe they have an appointment for her later in the week!!??

 

Maybe they have an appointment for her later in the week!!??

That was two months ago. She’s been sick for a while now.

 

take the cat

 

Your choices are essentially to call animal welfare, steal the cat, or let it be.

 

Your choices are essentially to call animal welfare, steal the cat, or let it be.

Steal her?!?? I wish. Her owners know that I’m the one that takes care of her. ☹️ they would know it was me if I took her. We have AC in our garage, but my parents won’t let me put her in there. What should I do to convince them to let her in there?

 

So your choices are to call animals welfare or continue as you’ve been doing.

 

Your choices are essentially to call animal welfare, steal the cat, or let it be.

yeah... you could call animal control, but they probably won't take her if her owners disagree. or they'll contact the owners while the cat's in the shelter. if they see the cat is sick they might just put her down, or she'll waste away in the shelter :/

what is your parent's argument for not having the cat in the garage during the day? not their cat, not their problem? ownership infringement? lol.

 

yeah... you could call animal control, but they probably won't take her if her owners disagree. or they'll contact the owners while the cat's in the shelter. if they see the cat is sick they might just put her down, or she'll waste away in the shelter :/

what is your parent's argument for not having the cat in the garage during the day? not their cat, not their problem? ownership infringement? lol.

My brother plays drums and guitar and his instruments are in the garage. Apparently they think snuggles will break everything, even though I told them that I will stay in there with her. I’m honestly terrified right now. We are in a drought and heat wave. She’s so hot that she doesn’t even lift her head when I call her name.

I’ve tried everything to help her cool down, but nothing has worked. She still pants every once in a while.

 

Stop staring out the window, watching your neighbor’s every move; stop fixing your story. It’s annoying, and no one likes a nosy, controlling neighbor. If the cat truly is being neglected, make the call to the proper authority who deals with this.

 

can you get a big cardboard box and put some frozen water bottles or ice packs in it?? along with a bowl of cold water and try to coax her inside.

Stop staring out the window, watching your neighbor’s every move; stop fixing your story. It’s annoying, and no one likes a nosy, controlling neighbor. If the cat truly is being neglected, make the call to the proper authority who deals with this.

LOL. she is concerned about a living creature. some people have something called empathy my dude

 

can you get a big cardboard box and put some frozen water bottles or ice packs in it?? along with a bowl of cold water and try to coax her inside.

Ok I will try to do that.

Stop staring out the window, watching your neighbor’s every move; stop fixing your story. It’s annoying, and no one likes a nosy, controlling neighbor. If the cat truly is being neglected, make the call to the proper authority who deals with this.

First of all, I’m not changing my story. I’m simply saying things to give you a better idea of what’s happening so I can get more ideas to keep her cool. Secondly, as another person said, I have something called empathy. I care about something. Maybe you should try caring about something,too instead of trying to cause drama.

 

Ok for the record cats have never been domesticated!!! As a matter of fact some (as an inside joke) have domesticated humans. That’s an outside cat that’s trained you to carry her home. Unforunatly it’s an outside cat and as an outside cat it lives on the streets. These cats do get illnesses and it sounds like this one may have mange which can be contagious. Your option would be to take it to a vet (will cost a few hundred dollars). Call animal control (mange is contagious). Or contact the owners. It would be best for you not to touch that cat till you know what’s wrong with it.

 

Panting is a very bad sign in cats! Get her cooled off now. And her overall condition does not sound good. Call your local humane agent, you can find the number online. They should help. If they don't, call you local shelters and ask for help. It will depend on where you live but some places are able to do more than others.

 

First of all, I’m not changing my story. I’m simply saying things to give you a better idea of what’s happening so I can get more ideas to keep her cool. Secondly, as another person said, I have something called empathy. I care about something. Maybe you should try caring about something,too instead of trying to cause drama.

I don't think scarface is trying to cause drama, he is just stating his opinion

All my cats are outdoor cat.. they are never allowed in the house ever!! When it was very hot they were panting also.. however in my defense everything was panting as we have no ac!! Is she not lifting her head because she is lazy or is she truly in distress?? Is she skinny?? Does she look like she might have works? I have found cats to be very independent creatures.. it is impossible to do anything to them that they do not want done. Example.. I had a cat with its neck torn open to the bone from a fox bite, and no matter how hard I tried to catch it to do some thing to it it refused to let me!!!!!

 

Feral and outdoor cats are at a much greater risk of illnesses and infections, such as abscesses from fighting other feral or stray cats. They're at risk of being killed by dogs or coyotes depending on where you live, even owls will take cats.

They are also harmful to bird and other small wild animal populations.

Unaltered cats also reproduce at an exponential rate, causing shelters to be overrun every year with kitten season babies who have nowhere to go and fosters simply cannot keep up with the demand for homes.

If you own a cat, the most responsible and humane way to care for it is to keep it indoors.

I know how difficult that can be at times; we have one who spent his first 6 months as an abandoned outdoor cat before he came to us and he tries to escape often. We have to put him into a bedroom and keep a spray bottle by the door or physically pick him up and hold him if someone knocks or we get a delivery.

Battling fleas and tapeworms is no fun either.

 

Ok for the record cats have never been domesticated!!! As a matter of fact some (as an inside joke) have domesticated humans. That’s an outside cat that’s trained you to carry her home. Unforunatly it’s an outside cat and as an outside cat it lives on the streets. These cats do get illnesses and it sounds like this one may have mange which can be contagious. Your option would be to take it to a vet (will cost a few hundred dollars). Call animal control (mange is contagious). Or contact the owners. It would be best for you not to touch that cat till you know what’s wrong with it.

ooh, that's true... you probably don't want to touch her since you do have other cats and wouldn't want them to get infected with anything :/ I really hope her owners start taking better care of her. if things do get much worse over time I probably would call animal control. maybe look into some rescues around your area??

the most important thing is to make sure she's drinking water. cats don't drink enough anyway, and if it's that hot outside and she's lethargic, she's probably very dehydrated. try floating ice cubes in a water bowl to entice her.

 

First of all, I’m not changing my story. I’m simply saying things to give you a better idea of what’s happening so I can get more ideas to keep her cool. Secondly, as another person said, I have something called empathy. I care about something. Maybe you should try caring about something,too instead of trying to cause drama.

can you get a big cardboard box and put some frozen water bottles or ice packs in it?? along with a bowl of cold water and try to coax her inside.



LOL. she is concerned about a living creature. some people have something called empathy my dude

I have empathy. I just question where people spend and focus that energy. Plus, I don’t believe everything I hear, especially when neighbors are concerned. This one sounds all too familiar, so perhaps I came off more cold than I should have.

 

All my cats are outdoor cat.. they are never allowed in the house ever!! When it was very hot they were panting also.. however in my defense everything was panting as we have no ac!! Is she not lifting her head because she is lazy or is she truly in distress?? Is she skinny?? Does she look like she might have works? I have found cats to be very independent creatures.. it is impossible to do anything to them that they do not want done. Example.. I had a cat with its neck torn open to the bone from a fox bite, and no matter how hard I tried to catch it to do some thing to it it refused to let me!!!!!

She usually runs over to me when I call her name, now she’s not even lifting her head.

Ok for the record cats have never been domesticated!!! As a matter of fact some (as an inside joke) have domesticated humans. That’s an outside cat that’s trained you to carry her home. Unforunatly it’s an outside cat and as an outside cat it lives on the streets. These cats do get illnesses and it sounds like this one may have mange which can be contagious. Your option would be to take it to a vet (will cost a few hundred dollars). Call animal control (mange is contagious). Or contact the owners. It would be best for you not to touch that cat till you know what’s wrong with it.

Oh no! My poor baby. Ok I’ll see what I can do wit animal control

 

Animal control is usually just the dog pound and in most places won't have anything to do with cats, but it varies by location. You need to contact your county's humane agent, this is the person who looks into abuse against animals. Depending on the temperatures and the lack of vet care, in some places (laws are not the same everywhere) she would definitely qualify for immediate help!!

 

The humane society is where to go. Unfortunately, it may not be against the law to keep a cat outside in the heat, and in that case you can’t really do anything unless you’re willing to break the law yourself.

 

The humane society is where to go. Unfortunately, it may not be against the law to keep a cat outside in the heat, and in that case you can’t really do anything unless you’re willing to break the law yourself.

I don't think fishlore is a place to encourage a minor to comit a crime so please don't encourage her to take the cat, it is theft and there will be consequences for her and her parents.

 

I don't think fishlore is a place to encourage a minor to comit a crime so please don't encourage her to take the cat, it is theft and there will be consequences for her and her parents.

I wasn’t encouraging anyone to commit a crime.

 

In most places there are no property laws on cats. It's why there are no licences needed to own them, or holds required when they are dumped at shelters. It's also why they can be trapped and disposed of without having to hunt for their possible owners. Cats are not the same as dogs in the eyes of the law.

 

Ok, me and my friend will take her to a shelter for them to check her out and possible treat her for any sickness

 

Ok, me and my friend will take her to a shelter for them to check her out and possible treat her for any sickness

Do not take the cat under any circumstance even just to take it to the vet without asking the owners permision. You have no rights to the cat, you can only call somebody who has the legal right to take the cat if its being mistreated. Your own feelings on how the cat is being treated do not count. every country is different is Australia we have the RSPCA in america I have no idea what you have but if you personally take the cat you would probably opening yourself up to a lawsuit as well as causing a heap of trouble between your parents and your neighbours which is also something you need to consider before you do something.

 

Call the shelter to confirm the laws in your town before deciding anything, but the laws in most of the USA regarding cats are extremely lax. I can't speak for other countries. But yeah, if your neighbors find out and don't like it, they could certainly start stuff with your family if they got upset. Creating a rift like that may not be good, it's better to call the authorities and let them handle it. Honestly though, for how they just toss it out like you describe and aren't caring for it, they probably won't notice or care when it disappears and dies either.

Do they put food and water outside? Depending on your state (and I believe most states cover the basics) it is against the law to keep an animal outdoors without food and water and proper shelter. Some states have extreme weather laws as well when animals must be brought inside in extreme heat and cold. You'd have to look into what is covered where you live!

 

Call the shelter to confirm the laws in your town before deciding anything, but the laws in most of the USA regarding cats are extremely lax. I can't speak for other countries. But yeah, if your neighbors find out and don't like it, they could certainly start stuff with your family if they got upset. Creating a rift like that may not be good, it's better to call the authorities and let them handle it. Honestly though, for how they just toss it out like you describe and aren't caring for it, they probably won't notice or care when it disappears and dies either.

Do they put food and water outside? Depending on your state (and I believe most states cover the basics) it is against the law to keep an animal outdoors without food and water and proper shelter. Some states have extreme weather laws as well when animals must be brought inside in extreme heat and cold. You'd have to look into what is covered where you live!

No they don't keep food or water outside. Me and my friend looked iPhone the laws and we can’t take her or they can sue us. We will just try our best and keep her cool. Any ideas to keep her cool on a budget?

 

In the temperatures you're describing the only way would be to bring her into cooler temperatures which does not sound like it is an option anymore.

I would still urge you to call your humane agent or your local shelter to find out who handles animal abuse calls, which this definitely is. Between the lack of food, high temps, and illness she is at high risk. If this were a dog and everything was the same with it chained in the backyard everyone would be outraged. The problem is that cats aren't often thought about the way dogs are, and calls aren't always treated seriously. But, you are her best chance of having a shot at survival. Thank you for caring about her!! So many people ignore or turn away from abuse when they see it because they believe it's not abuse, or that it's not their problem or business.

 

Please do consider calling whoever handles animal abuse in your area. As was said above, panting is not normal for a cat and is a sign of serious distress. That being said, I must urge you to be very cautious. Is rabies vaccine mandatory for cats where you live? Even if it is, are you confident that this cat has been vaccinated? If this cat, in its distress, bites you - and even very sweet cats will bite when in pain or fear; my best cat, who slept next to me every night he could, put me in the hospital eighteen years ago because I grabbed him when he was angry at another cat - the consequences could be very bad for the cat. Laws in some areas require either strict quarantine or testing of an unvaccinated animal that bites a person, and testing an animal for rabies is fatal to the animal. For you, a cat bite even from a non-rabid cat could put you in the hospital with a severe infection that could require IV antibiotics, incision and irrigation of the wounds, and possible surgery. Cat-bite infections can cause a hand to be unusable within six hours or less. Been there eighteen years ago; been there this past weekend.
You should also be aware that doing what is right for this cat may mean, at this point, euthanasia. There are many worse things than a quiet death when an animal is suffering. It may not be the most right of all right things, but sometimes it’s the most right thing that is possible.
May I suggest that you sit down with your parents and try to explain, in as calm a manner as you can, how you feel and why you believe that calling animal control/animal welfare is the right thing to do? Any action on this matter will be easier and more likely to be successful if you have their support.
I wish you and the cat all the best. I do not, however, want this situation to get worse through hasty though well-intentioned actions.

 

Please do consider calling whoever handles animal abuse in your area. As was said above, panting is not normal for a cat and is a sign of serious distress. That being said, I must urge you to be very cautious. Is rabies vaccine mandatory for cats where you live? Even if it is, are you confident that this cat has been vaccinated? If this cat, in its distress, bites you - and even very sweet cats will bite when in pain or fear; my best cat, who slept next to me every night he could, put me in the hospital eighteen years ago because I grabbed him when he was angry at another cat - the consequences could be very bad for the cat. Laws in some areas require either strict quarantine or testing of an unvaccinated animal that bites a person, and testing an animal for rabies is fatal to the animal. For you, a cat bite even from a non-rabid cat could put you in the hospital with a severe infection that could require IV antibiotics, incision and irrigation of the wounds, and possible surgery. Cat-bite infections can cause a hand to be unusable within six hours or less. Been there eighteen years ago; been there this past weekend.
You should also be aware that doing what is right for this cat may mean, at this point, euthanasia. There are many worse things than a quiet death when an animal is suffering. It may not be the most right of all right things, but sometimes it’s the most right thing that is possible.
May I suggest that you sit down with your parents and try to explain, in as calm a manner as you can, how you feel and why you believe that calling animal control/animal welfare is the right thing to do? Any action on this matter will be easier and more likely to be successful if you have their support.
I wish you and the cat all the best. I do not, however, want this situation to get worse through hasty though well-intentioned actions.

No, I don’t think vaccines are required here. And I doubt she’s EVER been to the vet. I would never want her to be euthanized! But, if it’s what’s best, I’d have to accept it... I talked to my parents and they still said no.

 

I have a feral colony. I put ice cubes in their water bowl and change it every other day with cold water in the summer. Winter they can get into the garage, but I also have a few shelters on my porch. Made out of totes and filled with fresh straw every fall. You could tell them these ideas or do it yourself for your porch.

 

I have a feral colony. I put ice cubes in their water bowl and change it every other day with cold water in the summer. Winter they can get into the garage, but I also have a few shelters on my porch. Made out of totes and filled with fresh straw every fall. You could tell them these ideas or do it yourself for your porch.

Ok, thanks!

 

Ok, thanks!

You’re welcome . For the shelters cut a 6”x 6” hole on one side of the long side. The cats will go to the non open side for curling up. It will also remind you of a clown car if multiple cats are in it.

 

You’re welcome . For the shelters cut a 6”x 6” hole on one side of the long side. The cats will go to the non open side for curling up. It will also remind you of a clown car if multiple cats are in it.

Ok, thanks! I’m sure snuggles will be very happy.

 

Ok, thanks! I’m sure snuggles will be very happy.

Yeppers . I didn’t know what I was doing at first. Luckily a pet sitting client of mine has a colony and coached me through winter and summer care