Pointing out that autumn and winter are the harshest seasons for stray animals, Veterinarian Asst. Prof. Burcu Çevreli, Faculty Member at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, said, “A bowl of water, a handful of food... Sometimes saving a life is that simple.” Emphasizing the precautions that need to be taken for this winter, Asst. Prof. Çevreli added, “Municipalities should increase the distribution of shelters, citizens should be encouraged to build animal houses, and food and water stations should become more widespread. We must stop seeing stray animals as creatures to be remembered only in winter and start recognizing them as part of life itself.”
Asst. Prof. Burcu Çevreli, Faculty Nember at Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, evaluated the measures that should be taken for animals living on the streets as cold weather approaches.
Only one of two puppies survives
Drawing attention to the major challenges faced by stray animals during the cold seasons, Asst. Prof. Çevreli said, “A bowl of water, a handful of food... Sometimes saving a life is that simple. In Türkiye, around 30 percent of stray animals suffer from health problems related to hypothermia and hunger during winter. Especially among young puppies, the survival rate is below 50 percent.”
Stating that autumn and winter are the toughest tests for animals living outdoors, she added, “While we retreat to our warm homes, they struggle against snow, rain, and freezing cold. Hunger, thirst, and the lack of shelter represent the harshest realities of their survival.”
Sustainable policies are needed instead of seasonal solutions
Noting that some municipalities distribute shelters, provide food and water support, and even open temporary housing centers, Asst. Prof. Çevreli said, “However, these efforts are not enough. A few hundred shelters are symbolic when thousands of animals live in a city. Instead of seasonal measures, sustainable policies are essential.”
Choose a safe, dry, and wind-protected spot
Highlighting what citizens can do to help, Asst. Prof. Çevreli explained, “Placing a simple shelter in front of an apartment building, in a garden, or even in a suitable corner of your home can save lives. Plastic boxes, Styrofoam crates, or wooden shelters can become safe havens for these animals. The only condition is to choose a location that is safe, dry, and protected from the wind.” She added that stray cats and dogs develop various survival strategies during cold and rainy weather: “Street dogs often form packs to share body heat and gather together. Cats seek warmth by staying close to other cats. Stray animals tend to take shelter in natural or abandoned areas such as bushes, under bridges, or empty buildings to protect themselves from wind and rain. They may also find refuge in garages, sheds, or under porches where it is dry and warm.”
A few drops of oil can prevent water from freezing
Asst. Prof. Çevreli also noted that water sources can freeze in cold weather and finding food becomes even harder: “That’s why consistent food and water support is crucial. Water bowls should be checked frequently and adding a few drops of oil can delay freezing. To prevent animals from fighting, food should not be placed in just one spot but distributed in different areas. Even with good intentions, improper feeding can be life-threatening. Salty, spicy food or raw bones can harm animals. Food containers must be kept clean, and leftovers should not be scattered. Consistency is the key, because even a single day of hunger weakens an animal’s immune system.”
Hungry animals get sick faster
Asst. Prof. Çevreli explained that respiratory infections are common in cats during winter, while dogs often suffer from joint inflammation and hypothermia: “Hungry animals get sick faster, and dehydration leads to kidney problems. Cold weather doesn’t just cause discomfort; it opens the door to deadly diseases. Stray cats and dogs rely on a mix of instinct, behavior, and available resources to survive in cold and rainy conditions. Their adaptability plays a crucial role in their survival.”
Stray animals are part of life, not just winter memories
Emphasizing the need for long-term action, Asst. Prof. Çevreli said, “Municipalities should expand shelter distribution, encourage citizens to build animal houses, and increase food and water stations. For the future, comprehensive neutering programs, partnerships between municipalities and NGOs, and the inclusion of permanent living spaces for stray animals in urban planning are necessary. Stray animals should not be creatures remembered only in winter; they are a part of life.”
Regular food, water, and shelter save lives
Concluding her remarks, Asst. Prof. Çevreli said, “Winter has arrived. The helpless look in a cat’s eyes or the shivering body of a dog tells us one thing: we share the same world. Their survival depends on our small but consistent efforts. A bowl of water, a handful of food, and a small shelter are the simplest ways to save a life.”