Cold weather can be harmful to our cats, so it’s important to keep them warm in the winter.
Read on for our tips on looking after cats in winter and keeping them warm, happy and safe during the colder months.
Do cats get cold?
Yes. Just like us, cats feel the cold and try to find the warmest places to snuggle.
Even though some cats have thick coats that keep them insulated, they still need to stay warm and dry – especially kittens and elderly cats who find it hard to regulate their body temperature.
How to tell if your cat is cold
A cat’s typical body temperature is between 37.7 and 39°C. If your cat’s ears, paws, nose or tail feel cold, that’s a sign that they might be chilly. A few other signs include:
- shivering
- slow breathing
- lethargy and weakness
- pale gums
- slow heart rate
- curling up in a ball to stay warm
Signs of frostbite and hypothermia in cats
Cats can develop frostbite or hypothermia if their body temperature drops too low. Hypothermia is extremely dangerous and if it isn’t treated quickly, can cause the whole body to shut down, which can cause death.
A large, sudden drop in temperature can cause:
- a slow, irregular heartbeat
- kidney damage
- gut damage
- damage to blood vessels
- damage to the heart
- electrolyte imbalances
- blood clots
- reduced ability to fight infection
Cats can even develop hypothermia from being wet and getting cold. Outdoor cats are more likely to get hypothermia than indoor cats as they're more exposed to cold weather.
Your cat can develop frostbite if they’re exposed to extreme cold weather. You might be able to spot signs of frostbite if your cat’s paws, tail or ears feel cold and icy.
The skin might also start to blister or swell after time if it’s left untreated. If you think your cat has hypothermia or frostbite, call the vet straight away to get medical advice and treatment.
How do you keep outdoor cats warm in winter?
If your cat likes to be outside even in the winter, there are a few things you can do to make sure they have access to a warm space.
- Make sure they can use your home’s cat flap (if you have one) to get in and out of the house as they please.
- If they do prefer to be outside for most of the day, set up a warm, dry and waterproof place for them to shelter.
- Always make sure your cat comes inside at night in the winter, as letting them out in the evening could be dangerous during the winter months.
- Make sure your cat is microchipped, and the details are up to date in case they wander off to find a warm, safe place to sleep that’s not close to your home.
- If the temperature drops to below 0° or if there are warnings for extreme weather conditions, then keep your cat indoors. Any temperature below -7°C is dangerous to your cat.
- Be extra careful when letting out older cats in low temperatures, as the cold can affect their joints.
- Some outdoor cats can benefit from extra food during winter, so you might want to increase their food portions to conserve their energy.
How to keep cats warm inside the house
While your cat is inside during the colder months, you can keep them warm and safe by:
- giving them soft, cosy bedding to sleep in that’s away from any doors or draughts
- making sure your cat has access to indoor litter trays if they’re not going outside
- never leaving them unattended around a fire, as they could harm themselves
- entertaining them inside the house with cat toys – this will also keep them warm and stimulated while they're indoors
