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Any ideas for water in winter?

post #1 of 6
12/12/09 at 10:45am
Thread Starter 
We have some boxes outside for a few feral cats. They like the boxes and eat well but the water freezes solid. We can't use an electrical outlet outside. Any ideas for keeping water from freezing or do we just have to change it as often as we can? It gets below zero where we live.
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post #2 of 6
12/12/09 at 12:40pm
Petsmart has a disk that you can microwave and it will stay warm for up to 8hours. I imagine a ceramic bowl filled with water and placed on it would work. I wouldn't put plastic on it as it may melt but you can certainly experiment with the temps. The water might be a little warm but it wouldn't freeze.

The disk is actually designed to warm an outside pet's bed but it is stable enough to hold a water bowl.

Someone I know puts a tire down in a sunny place, then she fills it with rocks. She places her bowl of water inside the rocks. The sun warms the tire and the rocks enough to keep the water from freezing overnight. But you have to have a sunny spot for it.
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post #3 of 6
12/12/09 at 4:36pm
I was trying to determine how to safely have water someplace where I have to run a 50' extension cord to get there. I did get a bird bath de-icer, as those are safe to use with an extension cord - and that will keep the water from freezing (hopefully - just got it today!).

Otherwise I was changing water 2+ times per day. I did put a snuggle safe heated disc under the stainless steel water bowl, which slowed the freezing.
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post #4 of 6
12/18/09 at 1:17pm
Putting a rock (or rocks) in the bowl can help break up the ice and warm the water too.

I am another snugglesafe puck user but they are easily stolen if not on your property.
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post #5 of 6
12/18/09 at 2:55pm
I found a suggestion on Alley Cat Allies website today that a pinch of sugar stops water from freezing as quickly, and provides an added energy boost. Haven't tried it yet with my ferals, but figure if it's on ACA's website it's a safe and reliable tip.
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post #6 of 6
12/19/09 at 8:57pm
Oh I might try that
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