Even though they have a nice coat of fur, your kitties do get cold during the winter season. Keeping your cats healthy in winter requires a proactive approach and extra care during the colder months to keep them comfy, safe, and warm.
In this article, I'll cover the top winter care tips for cats including winter and hazard-proofing your home, recognizing cold symptoms, diet and care adjustments, and the best forms of preventive care.
Winter Home Safety
Keeping Kitty Warm
Cats love warmth, so winter can be difficult for them in chilly or drafty houses. To keep your cat comfortable in winter, make sure that your home is adequately heated and that your cat doesn't get stuck outside, first and foremost.
Winter-proofing your home can be as easy as stocking up on some extra supplies to keep your cat feeling warm and cozy. You might want to invest in some of the following for your kitty:
- Fuzzy throw blankets they can snuggle up in
- Cat-safe veterinary approved heated beds
- Cat window perches to maximize their time in winter sun
- Cat winter coats or sweaters for an extra layer
Indoor Holiday Hazards
Make sure your cat is supervised around holiday decorations and Christmas trees (shiny ornaments are kitty magnets). Small parts can present choking and digestive hazards for cats.
Lighted Christmas trees can be easily knocked over, creating a high fire risk. Be aware that certain holiday plants are highly toxic for cats, such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias.
Use caution with fireplaces, wood or gas stoves, and space heaters and never leave your kitty alone in a room with these heat sources. Keep candles out of your cat’s reach and monitor them closely when lit.
Winter Grooming Tips for Cats
Cats naturally develop a thicker coat during winter, so their fur might require some additional grooming and care during this time. Dry winter air can irritate your cat's skin and make their fur more brittle, which can make your kitty uncomfortable.
In cold weather, these grooming tips can help keep your cat looking and feeling their best:
- Brushing two or three times a week to prevent matting (daily, for long-haired cats)
- Dry your cat thoroughly if they get wet or take a bath
- Avoid bathing them too often to preserve their skin's natural oil
- Keep their paws extra clean
- Check for dry, irritated, or flaky skin and consult a veterinarian if your cat has these symptoms
Indoor Enrichment and Exercise for Cats in Winter
Wintertime can be a less stimulating time for cats, with its cooler temps and shorter daylight hours, and just like humans, they can suffer from boredom and seasonal depression.
It's important to keep your cat active and entertained during long winter months indoors. Keeping your cat mobile can also help them stay trim and healthy.
Some easy ways to keep your cat stimulated and happy at home:
- Play with a fishing pole feather toy - cats love running around chasing them!
- Hide their toys around the house to play hide and seek
- Buy a bird feeder so your cat is entertained when looking out the window
- Use puzzle food bowls or treat bowls to make meals an interactive experience
If your cat is acting lethargic and has lost interest in the activities they usually enjoy, I recommend a check-in with your veterinarian.
Winter Hydration for Cats and Diet Adjustments
Cats are generally less active in winter and sleep more, so usually their calorie needs will be lower. Consult your veterinarian if your cat is gaining weight or if you aren't sure how much food they should be eating, but in general, I recommend cutting back on the treats in winter regardless.
Cold weather also means drier weather, so cats need extra water to stay hydrated. Make sure that your cat has fresh water set out morning and evening so they can drink up. Consider water fountains to encourage more frequent trips.
How Much Water Should My Cat Drink in a Day?
How Much Water Should My Cat Drink in a Day?
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How Much Water Should My Cat Drink in a Day?
Based on your pet’s weight and energy level, your cat should be drinking approximately ounces of water per day
On hot days, expect your cat to need more water. Adult cats will generally drink when thirsty, so make sure to provide lots of cool, fresh water for them. Kittens and senior cats may need to be reminded to keep up with their water intake, so if you do not observe them drinking regularly, make sure to lead them to their water bowl and encourage them to drink.
The above calculator is meant to serve as a general guide for your cat. Every pet has their own unique needs, and therefore, we recommend that you speak to your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s nutrition, including how much your cat should be drinking each day.
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Wet food is a great source of extra hydration and should be incorporated into your cat’s diet. Wet food tends to be lower in calories compared to dry food which also helps to keep them trim.
An omega-3 or fish oil supplement also can be helpful in keeping your cat's coat thick and healthy during winter. If you suspect your cat isn't getting enough omega-3 from their diet, consult a veterinarian to see if they would benefit from a supplement. Don't make any changes to your cat's diet without consulting a veterinarian first.
Hypothermia in Cats and Feline Frostbite Prevention
Outdoor cats are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia in the winter. Young or very old cats are extra susceptible to cold symptoms, as are hairless cat breeds or cats with health problems.
Signs of hypothermia in cats to look out for can include:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Feeling cold or shivering
- Cold red skin, especially on extremities like ears, paws, and tails
- Slow breathing
- Falling over or losing consciousness
The best way to prevent feline frostbite or hypothermia in cats is to keep them inside during the below-freezing temperatures. Make sure that your cat has a cozy place to stay warm inside.
A cat experiencing hypothermia should be immediately taken to a warm room with warm blankets and head to the emergency clinic in a heated vehicle.
Special Considerations for Senior Cat Winter Care
Cold weather can exacerbate symptoms of stiffness and arthritis in cats and make them even more uncomfortable. If you’re caring for a senior cat or a cat who's been diagnosed with arthritis, take extra care to keep them comfortable in winter.
I recommend creating a soft, warm place for them to rest and add extra blankets, cushions, or fuzzy throws to give their bed some distance from cold floors. A pet-safe heated bed can also be a wonderful option for our senior cats.
Ensure that your kitty is also getting adequate exercise to combat stiffness and keep them moving. If your cat seems uncomfortable or in pain, I recommend reaching out to a veterinarian to assess the best course of treatment for their arthritis.
Is Your Cat Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?
1. Has difficulty jumping up or down.
2. Trouble climbing up stairs - your cat may stop halfway or “bunny hops” with both back legs at the same time.
3. Difficulty getting down the stairs - your cat may angle their body or go down one step at a time.
4. Less interest in playing/chasing - your cat may avoid active play or take frequent breaks.
5. Avoids running - your cat moves at a slower speed and alternates running with walking.
6. Changes in appetite - your cat is showing less interest in food.
7. Changes in grooming - your cat is not grooming as much as usual or is overgrooming certain areas.
8. Personality changes - your cat is less sociable than usual, is hiding more, or is resistant to being touched.
9. Changes in potty habits - your cat is having accidents inside the house or not using the litter box.
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Is Your Cat Showing Signs of Osteoarthritis Pain?
1. Has difficulty jumping up or down.
2. Trouble climbing up stairs - your cat may stop halfway or “bunny hops” with both back legs at the same time.
3. Difficulty getting down the stairs - your cat may angle their body or go down one step at a time.
4. Less interest in playing/chasing - your cat may avoid active play or take frequent breaks.
5. Avoids running - your cat moves at a slower speed and alternates running with walking.
6. Changes in appetite - your cat is showing less interest in food.
7. Changes in grooming - your cat is not grooming as much as usual or is overgrooming certain areas.
8. Personality changes - your cat is less sociable than usual, is hiding more, or is resistant to being touched.
9. Changes in potty habits - your cat is having accidents inside the house or not using the litter box.
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Short-Haired Cat Winter Tips
Short-haired or hairless cats are more susceptible to cold because they lack the protective fur that keeps other kitties warm. Extra care should be taken to keep these types of cats warm during the winter months.
You can utilize many of the existing tips in this post to keep short-haired cats warm in winter, including pet-safe heated beds, extra blankets, non-constricting jackets or sweaters, elevated sleeping arrangements away from cold floors, and extra monitoring for symptoms of cold, frostbite, or hypothermia.
I do not recommend taking out short-haired cats in severe winter conditions like snow or freezing rain due to the elevated risk of frostbite or hypothermia, so you should take additional steps to keep them active and entertained indoors.
Emergency Cat Care in Winter
The best emergency care is preventive care, so keeping your kitty warm, hydrated, and well-fed in winter is great insurance against many cold-related emergencies.
If your cat does experience an emergency like frostbite or hypothermia, it's important to get them evaluated by a qualified veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to treat weather-related emergencies at home as your cat needs specialist care to recover properly.
Aside from emergencies, if your cat is showing symptoms of the winter blues - lethargy, boredom, or depression, I recommend scheduling a veterinary checkup to ensure that they're healthy and get some recommendations for how to lift their spirits for the rest of the season.
Conclusion
Keeping your kitties safe in the winter can be pretty simple - just follow these veterinary-approved tips. Create cozy spaces for them to keep warm, ensure that they stay hydrated and well-fed, keep an eye out for any symptoms of illness or depression, and you and your cat should have a fun season together.
In case of any winter-related cat health concerns or emergencies, stay on top of their symptoms with an in-home wellness checkup by a qualified veterinarian. We'll make sure your kitty is okay and provide some actionable tips for how to winter-proof your home for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my home more cat-friendly in winter?
Add extra blankets to keep your cats away from cold floors and create warm, cozy spaces for them to rest. Make sure your cat's bed is in an area away from cold drafts. Take the time to cat-proof your holiday decorations, Christmas tree, and heat sources, like wood and gas stoves and space heaters.
What are the signs of hypothermia in cats?
The main signs of hypothermia in cats are lethargy, shivering, cold skin, slow breathing, and loss of consciousness. Cats exhibiting any of these symptoms should be moved to a warm space as soon as possible and evaluated by a veterinarian to make sure they're okay.
How should I adjust my cat’s diet in the colder months?
Consulting with a veterinarian will determine the best dietary changes for your specific cat, but some cats may require fewer calories in the winter because they're less active. Cats may also benefit from dietary supplements like fish oils.
What are some indoor activities to keep my cat active in winter?
Make sure to encourage your cat to play inside during the winter months to keep them happy and engaged. Interactive puzzles or even a simple fishing pole feather toy are great tools for mental stimulation.
How can I ensure my outdoor cat is safe during winter?
The best way to keep a cat safe during winter is to bring them indoors. I don't recommend significant outdoor time for cats in the winter as they are susceptible to frostbite, hypothermia, and other health conditions.
