Cold is often thought to be the main cause of death for stray cats in winter. However, a far more insidious factor lurks behind it: humidity . Often invisible and difficult for humans to perceive, it represents a major danger for cats living outdoors. In France, thousands of cats don't succumb directly to the frost, but to the silent effects of humidity on their bodies and immune systems.
Here are 5 scientific and concrete reasons that explain why humidity kills more than cold , and how a simple insulated shelter, like those designed by Miawi, can make all the difference.
1. Humidity accelerates the loss of body heat
A cat can tolerate temperatures close to 0°C if the air is dry. But when the air is humid, its fur becomes saturated with water and loses its insulating properties.
Humidity causes:
- Heat loss up to twice as fast as at the same temperature but dry
- A more intense feeling of cold , even when the thermometer is not at extreme levels
- Progressive hypothermia , often fatal at night
According to the SPA, a cat sleeping on damp ground can lose 30% of its body heat in less than an hour.
Miawi shelters are designed with insulated walls and a raised floor to prevent any moisture infiltration.
2. Humidity triggers serious respiratory illnesses
When a cat is continuously exposed to dampness, its immune system weakens. This promotes the development of coryza, a highly contagious disease often called "cat flu," which can progress to pneumonia.
Consequences :
- Sneezing, runny nose, fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Risk of rapid death without treatment
According to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, 70% of stray cats suffer from respiratory illnesses related to humidity.
3. Damp soil is more deadly than cold soil
Even if the temperature is above zero, damp soil leads to a constant loss of energy. The cat has to burn more calories to stay warm, which exhausts it.
An isolated shelter allows you to:
- Keep the cat dry
- Preserving one's body heat
- Preventing joint pain and arthritis
Miawi shelters have a raised floor and internal insulation that prevents any condensation.
4. Humidity attracts parasites and bacteria
Humidity creates an environment conducive to the growth of germs, fungi, and parasites:
- Molds
- Fleas and ticks
- Skin fungal infections
These infections further weaken the cat, which enters a vicious cycle: the weaker it is, the more vulnerable its body is to moisture… and the more the moisture weakens it.
A cat weakened by parasites is 4 times more likely to die during the winter (veterinary data).
5. A dry shelter saves lives (and can double the life expectancy of a stray cat)
Providing shelter is not just about providing warmth. It's about creating a DRY space , protected from humidity, where the cat can rest, recover, and strengthen its natural defenses.
Miawi shelters allow you to:
- Create a moisture-proof environment
- Providing natural thermal insulation (even without electricity)
- Protect against rain, fog, snow and nighttime condensation
A cat with access to dry shelter can live 3 to 5 years longer than a cat left to its own devices.
