Frozen felines lucky to survive extreme cold
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Tally warms up in a car after being unfrozen from a gravel road where she was stuck
Frozen pipes, cars that won’t start and bulky winter coats are the inconveniences of winter for many people. But for the vulnerable - like abandoned cats and kittens - extreme winter conditions are a matter of life and death.
This winter, Regina Cat Rescue (RCR) has helped many cats get in out of the cold, and three recent rescues are particularly lucky to be safe and warm indoors after facing extraordinary odds.
When an RCR volunteer was travelling on a desolate gravel road for work she noticed what she thought was a bird in the road. Instead, it was Tally. She was so covered in snow that her long fur was completely frozen to the ground. And while she’s now warm and safe, Tally’s front paw is injured and may require amputation. We continue to work with our partner vets to determine the best outcome for Tally.
Frysta’s ears will soon fall off due to frostbite
Frysta was found frozen in a tree as temperatures dipped to -35°C. An RCR volunteer spotted her and was able to get her inside, warmed up and into our care. When Frysta was assessed at the vet, it was a shock to learn that this eight-month-old girl weighed just 1.5 kg – about the weight we’d expect of a three-month-old kitten. She remains wobbly on her feet likely due to malnutrition and will lose her ears due to frostbite, but is slowly recovering in a foster home.
King was just a black dot on a white highway when a motorist spotted him. The motorist couldn’t understand why a cat was sitting in the middle of a highway so he stopped to investigate. Turns out, King’s paw was literally frozen to the highway and he wasn’t able to move. Once freed from the highway, King was turned over to RCR and was assessed by a vet. His ears are tender from frostbite, but overall the prognosis is good for this very lucky little guy.
King recovers in a warm vehicle after being saved from a freezing highway
For every cat we’re able to help, we know there are many more struggling to survive during this polar vortex. Please help by:
Keeping your pets indoors (always, but especially in cold weather)
Checking the wheel well and under the hood of your vehicle for cats and kittens seeking warmth
Cleaning up all anti-freeze spills (it’s extremely toxic to cats but its sweet taste makes it very enticing)
Not leaving your cat in a cold car
Taking action when you see an animal freezing outside (don’t assume someone else will help)
Preparing for community cats to survive the winter
Donating to RCR so we can pay for veterinary care for cats like Frysta, King and Tally.
-Rachel, Regina Cat Rescue
