The extreme cold expected in Northeast Ohio poses significant risks, not just to residents, but also to stray cats and dogs, who often lack the shelter they need to stay safe.
Just like humans, companion animals can suffer serious health issues or even die if they’re unable to find proper shelter from the cold, says Sharon Harvey, CEO of the Cleveland Animal Protective League.
“When temperatures drop this low, very few animals will survive,” Harvey explained. “Their body temperature can fall dangerously low, which can be fatal. They might die.”
Pets left outside are vulnerable to hypothermia, frostbite, and even losing limbs in freezing conditions, Harvey added.
There’s a common misconception that stray cats and dogs can easily find shelter and stay warm. However, this isn’t always the case, especially for animals that were once indoor pets, are lost, or have health conditions, Harvey said.
“Pets that are elderly, sick, or have chronic illnesses, as well as those with short hair coats that aren’t suited for cold weather, are at the highest risk,” Harvey noted.
Harvey urges anyone with an “outside cat” or “indoor-outdoor cat”—a cat they feed but don’t bring indoors—to try to bring the cat inside during frigid weather. Keeping the cat in a bathroom or basement with a litter box can make a significant difference.
For those who can’t bring a cat inside, or if the cat is feral, Harvey suggests creating a temporary insulated shelter outside. A Styrofoam cooler or Rubbermaid bin insulated with straw (not hay or blankets) works well for this purpose, she explained.
Hay retains moisture, and blankets or towels can freeze if wet, making them unsafe for animals in cold temperatures, Harvey cautioned.
“In such extreme cold, hay or blankets can trap moisture and cause frostbite or even death,” she said.
The same advice applies to stray dogs. Temporary shelters should be large enough for the dog to stand but not so large that cold air can enter. The shelter should be elevated, placed in a dry area, and insulated with straw.
Certain cities, including Cleveland, have laws that prohibit tethering dogs during extreme cold, Harvey said. If you see a dog chained outside in the cold, you can contact the local humane society or police department.
If you’re unable to bring a stray animal inside or provide outdoor shelter, you can reach out to the county’s dog warden or animal control officers, Harvey recommended.
However, Harvey cautioned that many shelters are at full capacity, especially when it comes to dogs.
“Some shelters may have space for cats, so the best option is to bring the cat inside and then contact the shelter,” she said. “You may be asked to temporarily house the cat until space becomes available.”
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold watch through Wednesday morning for the region, predicting dangerously low temperatures and wind chills as low as -25°F.
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