Seasons Change: Winterizing the Sanctuary

This year we’ve experienced some very drastic weather — from hot, humid summer days above a hundred degrees, to rainy hail storms this fall. And after last winter’s dramatic ice storm, we wouldn’t be surprised if Mother Nature keeps us on our toes all winter long.

Switching it up

As we transition from warm days into the cool temperatures of fall, we take the time to make sure that all the animals, from the domestics to the tigers, are kept warm, comfortable and well protected from the wind, rain and (sure to come) snow. 

Walls up, shade cloth down

At the start of the summer we install shade cloth on the walls and ceilings of all the enclosures, as the pens are constructed of metal paneling that let copious amounts of sunshine through. To keep the yards comfortable, we use shade cloth in strategic spots to create artificial shade and protection from the sun. In the winter, however, that all comes down. 

In addition to removing shade cloth, we install large pieces of sturdy plywood on the paneling that faces the cats’ yards. This helps protect the deck from any inclement weather, and gives the cats a dry place to go when it rains…which, in Oregon, is pretty much all the time. 

Preventing frozen hoses

Obviously in the winter we have no need for cooling misters, so we also take the time to disconnect all the hoses, drain the misters and coil them up until summer.

As we work throughout the winter, using the hoses and hydrants around the sanctuary, we make sure to disconnect and drain hoses from all the hydrants when we’re finished cleaning. Hoses full of frozen ice really don’t do much when we’re trying to refill waters. 

Keeping it warm

There are a number of tricks we use to keep our cats warm and dry in the winter (even though the tiger boys insist on swimming in their pools in the middle of December). 

• Heated water buckets – Believe it not, but you can actually find water buckets that effectively keep the water at a comfortable drinking temperature, as well as prevent freezing. Every enclosure has at least one heated water bucket on the deck so the cats always have access to plenty of water.

• Space heaters – In our small cat houses where we house the hybrids and domestics, you’ll find space heaters installed near the ceilings. These help maintain the indoor temperature, keeping the rooms nice and cozy. 

• Wall heaters – On each of the cats’ decks you’ll find two den boxes: big rectangular dens that provide additional shelter, warmth and a snug place to curl up and sleep. On the walls of the den boxes are installed heating panels that keep the den boxes at a consistent temperature. We check these frequently throughout the winter, ensuring everyone’s den boxes stay cozy and dry. 

• Additional straw – We cover the floor of the den boxes with straw year round, but in the winter we add extra straw for more warmth. And for our older servals and bobcats, we like to give padded cat beds and blankets to protect stiff little joints. 

As the temperatures drop, we are diligent about making sure all the cats are as comfortable as possible, regardless of the weather.

Raising diets

If you don’t work with animals, you might not realize this (I certainly didn’t know when I experienced my first season change as a keeper), but the cats here at the sanctuary become more wild than ever during feeding time. Because their bodies are burning so many calories in an attempt to regulate body temperature, they become increasingly hungry – and sometimes rather aggressive.

In order to mitigate their overwhelming enthusiasm at mealtimes (as well as maintain a healthy weight), we raise the diets of the cats requiring an increase. Not everyone is in need of this, but it has proven very beneficial in keeping our cats happy and healthy!