How to keep your cat warm in winter
Seasonal changes can have as much effect on your cat as humans, the winter can impact their health and natural behaviours. On this page we will look into how you can help keep your cat warm during the winter months as well as navigating increased health risks. It’s also important to stay alert to common winter poisons and increased outdoor risks.
Do cats sleep and cuddle more in winter?
Cats may sleep more during the winter months as they seek to preserve energy. You may find looking for warm, comfortable places to rest, curling up in places such as on blankets, in the sunlight, by radiators.
They may also become more affectionate during winter cuddling their owners for comfort and warmth. If your cat usually ventures outdoors they may become more reluctant during winter especially if it’s wet, cold or snowing. Therefore it’s important to ensure you provide enough indoor enrichment to keep them active.
How to keep cats healthy in winter
Some cats are naturally more susceptible to certain illnesses than others. We encourage you to follow the advice in the sections below to keep your cat warm and safe. We also have some additional tips for the following groups who may be more likely to experience health issues during winter months.
- Flat-faced cats — these cats are at high-risk of experiencing breathing difficulties due to their head structure. We recommend making sure their vaccinations are up to date and keeping regular vet visits to ensure they are healthy all year round, as well as encouraging weight management and monitoring their sleep and exercise
- Cats with short coats — cats with shorter coats may be more likely to feel the effects of cold weather more, providing a heated blanket in the home may help them keep warm
- Cats with arthritis — like humans animals with arthritis may experience joint pains particular during cold weather or after resting periods, ensuring they are kept warm with soft bedding and ramps to reach higher places can help
- Cats with heart issues — if your cat has a known heart condition ensure ensure your consult a vet on the necessary medication and dietary changes they need
Winter health issues for cats
Additionally here are some common winter health issues to look out for and what you can do if you spot any of the following:
Symptom: if your cat is slower getting up when it’s wet and cold, this may be a sign of osteoarthritis.
Action: take them to the vet, who may provide anti-inflammatory medication or joint supplements.
Symptom: if your cat has skin discolouration, swelling, blisters or ulcers this could be a sign of frostbite. It can affect any part of a cat’s body but the ears, nose, toes, paws, and tail are most commonly affected.
Action: bring them inside to a warm, dry place, and contact a vet immediately who may provide pain medication and antibiotics.
Symptom: if you see your cat shivering, or in a sluggish state, this could be an indication of hypothermia.
Action: move them to a warm place using blankets and hot water bottles if you have them, if you suspect your cat has hypothermia contact a vet immediately who may provide IV fluids, warmed fluids, or oxygen supplementation.
How to keep cats warm in winter
Cats should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C, and their temporary accommodations should be between 15°C and 21°C. This can be harder to achieve in the winter months so we recommend keeping an indoor litter tray.
If your cat does go outside ensure they have constant access to the house or to a warm, indoor area such as an outbuilding or barn. You should also ensure the cat's bedding or sleeping area is warm, dry and away from any draughts. For more tips you can read our advice on creating a good home for your cat.
If your cat does get wet it’s important to dry them off properly, so they don’t develop hypothermia. If your cat has a long coat, damp fur could also lead to matting so use a towel to absorb any excess water.
How to keep cats safe in winter
Follow these tips to keep cats safe in winter:
- Check cars — cats may decide to take shelter under your car, including crawling under the bonnet and wheel arches. Before setting off in your car, make sure you tap the bonnet of your car and check around the wheels and tyres before you start the engine and drive.
- Be seen — your cat will probably want to stay inside during winter but if your cat needs to venture outside ensure they have a reflective collar as the increased darkness can make it hard to see them.
- Be chipped — ensure your cat is microchipped and the details are up to date.
- Wipe down — thoroughly wipe down your cat’s paws and tummy whenever they go outside, antifreeze and rock salt are poisonous to cats.
- Stay active — providing indoor enrichment by playing interactive games with your cat can also help keep them warm and happy.
Common winter poisons for cats
It’s important to know what common poisons cats are exposed to in the winter, so you can be prepared. You can also read our advice on other cat poisons.
- Antifreeze — the active ingredient in antifreeze, Ethylene glycol, can cause kidney failure and death
- Rock salt — a mixture of salt and grit is used to help de-ice roads in winter, ingestion can cause thirst, vomiting, lethargy, and in severe cases convulsions and kidney damage
Never ‘watch and wait’
If you suspect your cat's been poisoned, contact a vet immediately.