In France, it is estimated that there are over 11 million stray cats . This represents almost one stray cat for every six inhabitants. Every year, especially in winter, thousands of them die from the cold, hunger, or disease.
Yet, a few simple actions are all it takes to give them a chance of survival. Here are 5 concrete ways to help stray cats get through the winter, backed by statistics.
1. Offer them shelter
According to several animal welfare organizations, up to 50% of stray cats do not survive their first winter when left to fend for themselves. Cold and damp are their worst enemies.
An outdoor shelter allows you to:
- Reduce body heat loss by nearly 40% through insulation.
- To offer a safe place, away from cars and urban dangers.
A small shelter can accommodate between 1 and 4 cats , depending on its size. Miawi shelters are designed to optimize this space while remaining weather-resistant.
2. Give them suitable food
In winter, a cat needs 30% more energy to maintain its body temperature. This means that a stray cat needs to eat more than at other times of the year.
Some practical tips:
- Opt for kibble that is rich in protein and fat.
- Change the water several times a day, as it can freeze in less than 2 hours when it is -5°C.
- Avoid milk: 70% of adult cats are lactose intolerant , which can make them sick.
3. Ensure their safety
Every winter, cats seek warmth under car hoods. The 30 Million Friends Foundation reminds us that a simple gesture – tapping on the hood or honking the horn slightly before starting – can save lives.
It is estimated that thousands of cats die each year after seeking refuge in still-hot engines. Raising awareness among those around you about this simple precaution is an essential preventative measure.
4. Support local associations
Animal welfare associations take in a large proportion of stray cats. For example, the SPA and its local shelters take in more than 45,000 cats and dogs per year .
In France, 80% of stray cats are not sterilized , leading to dramatic overpopulation: a single female can have up to 20 kittens per year .
Supporting associations not only helps to feed and care for cats, but also to fund sterilization campaigns, which are the only sustainable solution to limit their suffering.
5. Raise awareness among those around you
Many people are still unaware of the scale of the problem. Yet:
- In France, 1 in 3 cats is abandoned at least once in its life .
- Each summer, around 100,000 animals are abandoned , a large proportion of them cats, which feeds the number of stray animals.
By talking around, mobilizing neighbors and sharing simple solutions (like installing a Miawi shelter or feeding a stray cat), we can collectively transform the daily lives of these animals.
One small gesture, one big difference
A shelter, a bowl of kibble, a donation to an association… Each of these gestures may seem small, but for a stray cat, it is sometimes the difference between life and death.
With Miawi , we want to offer every cat the opportunity to spend the winter warm, sheltered, and with a little dignity.
Because a simple roof can save a life.
