What should I do if my cat gets frostbite?

When a cat gets frostbite, the extremities are affected first—the tips of the ears and tail, the toes, and—for an intact male cat—maybe the scrotum. Frostbite is a medical emergency, so call your veterinarian, and then follow these first aid instructions.

Thaw the affected areas by dunking in luke-warm water for twenty minutes. Or drip warm water with a cloth. Do not rub the frostbitten areas, because that will cause more damage and increase the risk of infection. Expect the areas to become soft, warm and red as they thaw.

Now, off we go to the veterinary clinic. Keep the cat warm and comfortable along the way. He might lose a little bit of his ears or tail, but he'll be fine — as long as you take good care when he comes home.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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