How to Keep Cats Warm in Winter

Most cats adapt better to warmer temperatures than they do to the cold. After all, they have no problem shedding. But do cats get winter coats? While they can grow warmer coats under certain conditions, you play an important role in keeping your cat as comfortable as possible in the cold winter months.

Of course, indoor cats aren't as affected by temperature changes as outdoor cats. But by understanding how to keep cats warm in winter, you can make winter weather manageable for kitties living both lifestyles.

Keeping Indoor Cats Warm

Most cats are 100% indoor, and this is a good thing. Keeping your cat at home has many benefits — including longer life expectancy. However, when the temperatures outside start to fall, indoor temperatures can still get chilly. Cats are warm-weather creatures, and their small body size in volume relative to their greater surface area can make staying warm a challenge.

Various factors can influence how well your cat tolerates colder temperatures. If your cat has flaky skin, for example, they may be less able to regulate their body temperature due to a compromised skin barrier. Older cats are also more sensitive to cooler temperatures.

Here are some general pointers on how to keep cats warm in winter:

Watch for Windows

Winter sun is less potent than summer sun, so a kitty who likes to sunbathe might not find it as warming in the winter, especially if your windows are drafty. If your cat enjoys lying in beds or sitting on perches near windows, add some extra blankets. Offer cozy spots away from windows, too.

Elevate Cat Bed Locations

Heat rises. While your home may feel comfortable to you, it's colder on the floor level than it is on the couch. Consider elevating your cat's beds in the winter if they're generally kept on or near the floor. If your cat is older or has achy joints, don't make it too big of a jump. Instead, provide several intermediate perches or steps for easy access.

Keep an Eye on Stiff Joints

Older cats can feel their arthritis more in the cold. If your senior kitty seems reluctant to jump up to their favorite spot, make accommodations such as the ones mentioned earlier. Also, talk to your veterinarian. Many products can help with arthritis or joint stiffness in senior kitties.

Consider Extra Help

If your kitty can't seem to get warm, you might consider using a space heater or an electric bed. These should only be operated under direct supervision, however. Never leave these on when your cat is home alone.

Keeping Outdoor Cats Warm

Keeping cats warm when they live outdoors is more challenging. But do cats get winter coats? If their bodies are allowed to acclimate, cats will grow warmer coats in the winter. Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate, though, and drastic temperature changes can disrupt the natural process. Even with acclimation, these warmer coats alone aren't always enough. Your outdoor feline friend needs help to survive and thrive in the winter.

Keeping dry is critical to staying warm. During below-freezing temperatures, ice storms or snow, bring outdoor cats inside your home. If that's not possible, provide access to a dry, protected indoor space where they can be comfortable — such as a garage, barn or enclosed porch — and furnish it with kitty houses or boxes filled with insulating material. Of course, many feral cats won't allow themselves to be contained. If they don't go willingly, don't force them as you could risk injury to yourself or the cat.

Here's how to keep cats warm in winter if housing them in an indoor space isn't an option:

Provide the Right Bedding

Repurposed styrofoam boxes filled with straw (different from hay, which gets soggy) work well. Avoid bedding materials that retain moisture, such as blankets or towels. Remember: Keeping dry is crucial!

Protect From Harsh Winds

Position the opening of the house away from the prevailing winds (generally the north or west). Alley Cat Advocates offers more helpful information on how to make a shelter for feral cats.

Clear the Surrounding Area

Shovel or remove any snow or ice around the house, as these can emit cold. You can also use pet-safe ice melt products in these areas.

Addressing Other Winter Hazards

Now that you know how to keep cats warm in winter, you can rest assured you're doing your part to keep your cat (and your neighborhood kitties) cozy. But winter can pose a few other potential dangers to cats.

Check for Cats Under Cars

Cats may crawl up under a car in an attempt to seek warmth. When you climb into your car in the winter months, make it a habit to bang on the hood and make some noise. This will give any heat-seeking kitties a chance to move before you start driving.

Clean Up Antifreeze Spills

Another potential danger is antifreeze, which a thirsty cat might find appealing if there's no drinkable water nearby. Antifreeze is toxic to pets, so promptly clean up any spills.

Ensure Outdoor Cats Have Unfrozen Food and Water

Water freezes, and an outdoor cat needs drinkable water. If temperatures aren't overly cold, frequent water changes may be enough to keep water in a liquid state. Otherwise, you can get a heated bowl that's designed to keep water from freezing. Check food frequently as well, particularly canned food.

Keep Your Cat Entertained

While not exactly a hazard, your cat's mental and emotional health is important, and boredom can become an issue if your adventurous outdoor cat is suddenly confined indoors for weeks at a time. Keep your kitty entertained with plenty of one-on-one play sessions. The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine has some great tips on keeping cats mentally stimulated indoors to avoid boredom (and unwanted behaviors).

Helping cats stay happy and comfortable throughout winter takes some work, but it's well worth the effort. A few simple accommodations and lots of love can help your feline friend not only survive but thrive in cold temperatures.