Did you know cats can get frostbite just like humans? Cat frostbite, usually frostbite on cat ears, is a common skin injury seen in cats that live in areas where the outside temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit/zero degrees Celsius. However, with the right care, injury from frostbite can be easily prevented. Let's take a closer look into what frostbite is, signs that your cat might have it and possible treatment options.
Frostbite is damage to the skin caused by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. When skin is exposed to freezing temperatures, it constricts the blood vessels that supply blood to the skin. When this happens, the warmth, oxygen and nutrients that the blood delivers to the skin are diverted to maintain the body's core temperature. As a result, skin freezes, forming ice crystals inside skin cells that cause the cells to rupture and die. While this mechanism preserves the cat's life, cat frostbite can result in irreversible damage to the skin. The skin covering the extremities — including the tail, paws, nose and ears — is at the highest risk for frostbite.
The severity of frostbite is graded by degrees. First-degree frostbite is the mildest form that only affects the top layer of skin and usually doesn't cause permanent injury. Third- and fourth-degree frostbite occurs when the whole foot, leg, nose or ear freezes, resulting in permanent damage and disfiguration.
Clinical signs of cat frostbite are easy to identify. They include:
The signs of frostbite can take several days to weeks to develop, especially on the tips of the ears, and if the frostbite kills the skin, the skin will gradually become blacker and dead-looking until it finally falls off.
Any cat that lives outdoors where the temperature gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (zero degrees Celsius) is at risk for developing frostbite. Kittens and senior cats are also at a higher risk for frostbite, and any cats that have medical conditions that reduce blood flow to the extremities, such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, are also at an increased risk for frostbite.
If you think your cat is suffering from frostbite, you can take the following steps to help your cat:
While caring for your cat with frostbite, it's also important that you call your vet as soon as possible — ideally while you're administering first aid. It's likely that your vet can give you some advice over the phone, but you'll probably need to take your cat to the vet for an examination.
Your vet will be able to examine your cat and let you know what other treatment is needed. Frostbite is diagnosed by a combination of history and physical exam findings. Your vet can also provide first aid. In some cases, a vet may prescribe antibiotics if the skin is infected or at risk of infection. Cat frostbite is painful, so your vet will also likely prescribe pain medications for your cat. Other than that, there isn't much more to do for frostbitten skin other than wait and see if the skin can recover.
You'll likely need to bring your cat back for a recheck because signs of frostbite can take time to develop. In severe cases where a significant amount of skin has died or the cat is at risk for developing gangrene, amputating the affected area may be required. Fortunately, if your cat loses an ear tip due to frostbite on cat ears, it won't affect their hearing at all.
The best way to prevent frostbite in your cat is to keep them indoors when the temperature dips below freezing. If your cat refuses to stay inside or is an escape artist, then make sure to provide a warm and dry shelter for them to rest in when it's cold outside.
Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, Dr. Wooten divides her professional time between small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on associate issues, leadership, and client communication, and writing. She enjoys camping with her family, skiing, SCUBA, and participating in triathlons.
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