cat in blizzard

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2001
cat in blizzard
5
Sun, 01-23-2005 - 9:13pm

I need to know how long a cat can survive in the weather that the NYC/Philly area is getting right now. I have posted previously about Chicken, a stray in my neighborhood who has been abandoned twice by previous owners. We feed her and were slowly trying to get her to come into out home. The problem is we have another cat and Chicken did not want to stay inside with the other cat. They were getting better. My kitty was being more accepting but Chicken still wanted out after food and a little lap time.

I saw her yesterday (Sat) at 3PM and she didn't come in. It's now Sunday at 9PM and I still haven't seen her. She's always around for food at 6am and 6pm. With 12 inches of snow I'm terrified that she's stuck somewhere. We've walked the neighborhood, asked everyone, knocked on doors to look in backyards. We can't find her. I thought I heard her last night in a corner of a neighbors yrad but haven't heard anything since (and I spent a good part of today calling her name near that area - and crying). We want to get her inside but it seems we won't be able to. I actually can't sleep.

Can anyone tell me If she can survive this weather on her own. She'a made it years so far. Her previous owner only let her in intermittantly. She does have lots of old sheds, etc. to hide in but we're not sure if she got in one of those or a smaller structure where she may be trapped (and have no air?). She is quite furry and a bit chubby. I'm not concerned about her not eating - but water and air bother me. I'm hoping my workplace closes tomorrow so I can spend the day searching.

Any thoughts....this is killing me.

MHP

Avatar for spejf
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Mon, 01-24-2005 - 6:41am

I know it's easier said than done, but I wouldn't worry as much as you are...she is probably holed up in one of her cozy (well as cozy as can be in a blizzard!) places.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-11-2001
Mon, 01-24-2005 - 6:57am

Thanks Joan,

I'm starting to hear her meows in my sleep! lol. She probably is holed up somewhere and is fine - I'm a worrier. Funny how I can never get out of bed but for the last three days I've hopped up at 6am just to look for her furry face.....the snow has stopped and it's suppose to warm up (a little) and rain on Tues/Wed.

I'll let you know.

Thanks again
MHP

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-12-2010
Mon, 01-24-2005 - 10:12am
The cat I'v been seeing lately, who may be a stray, hasn't shown up since the snow on Saturday, either. I imagine he's holed up somewhere...
Katz

 

 Katz

 

 

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 01-24-2005 - 11:53am

I agree with the others, cats are really good a finding safe warm places to hole up when there are big storms.


Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2003
Mon, 01-24-2005 - 11:59am

I know there are risks for outdoor animals, but I'm sure she is fine. My Amber is an outdoor cat and she's always fine although she pretends that she's not. lol But she has a bed in a small shed which allows her to be out of the weather and a warm place to snuggle in. Also, she's gained about a pound since Nov. due to winter weather and her fur has gotten thicker. This is normal protection that nature provides for animals. I was worried about my dog having frozen fur a couple of weeks ago, but I felt down to her skin and it was bone dry, so she's fine as well although she doesn't act like it either. My point is that Chicken is probably holed up somewhere and will venture out when she feels the need to do. Despite believing that they are our little furbabies and that we need to take care of them, pets (dogs and cats) DO know how to take care of themselves if the need should arise! ;-)

Michelle