1 cat, 2 kittens found with severe frostbite in Regina

One cat and two kittens were found with severe frostbite earlier this month in Regina.

The cat and one kitten had severe frostbite to their back legs, tail and eartips. The other kitten had to have a small portion of its tail amputated. One of the animals had to be euthanized due the extent of its injuries.

Alanna Whippler, intake and adoption coordinator volunteer for Regina Cat Rescue, said the cats were brought to the attention of the rescue by concerned citizens who had spotted the felines. Whippler said the temperatures Regina has been experiencing aretoo cold forcats.

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"They're just very vulnerable," she said.

Kittens and cats acclimatized to living in-doors are more at risk for injury in extreme cold. Cats which live predominantly outdoors will develop thicker coats in the winter which will allow them to fare better when the temperatures drop, she said.

The two surviving cats are recovering from surgeries,Whipplersaid.

Josh Hourie, community relations coordinator for the Saskatchewan SPCAsaid the cats' situation is unfortunate but one that people see and hear about all too often. In Prince Albert, a group of puppies were found discarded in a dumpster in extremely cold temperatures.

Frostbite of the ears, toes, tails and paws is the most common affliction when these animals are found, Hourie said.

Hourie said there are no stats for animals found abandoned at specifictimes of the year but it is something that's heard about regularly. Hourielikened the incidents to reports of animals being trapped in hot vehicles during the summer.

It's very common to find cats with frostbite during the winter. If an animal is found in distress during extreme cold, people are urged to get it into a warm environment immediately and notify an organization such as the SCPA, humane society or rescue.

"If it's too cold outside for you as a human, it's probably too cold for pets," he said.