How Do I Keep My Cat Warm This Winter?

by Britt

Published: November 8th, 2024

Photo credit: Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com

Winter weather can be harsh for our feline friends, even those with the luxury of spending the cold winter months indoors. As temperatures drop and the wind howls, it’s crucial to ensure your cat stays warm and cozy. After all, you wouldn’t want your best friend to be uncomfortable!

In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and tricks to keep your cat comfortable during the colder months. These steps will help your kitty feel warm and toasty, from providing cozy nooks to adjusting their diet.

Plus, I’ll explore tips for keeping your cat warm while traveling in winter to help you prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

What is the Ideal Temperature for Cats?

Cats naturally have a higher body temperature than humans do. A healthy adult cat’s temperature should be between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result of this, they tend to prefer warmer temperatures than we would. This is great in the summer months but can make it challenging to keep your best friend comfortable during the colder temperatures of the winter.

A healthy cat is happies in temperatures between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. During the cooler months, an adult cat can adjust comfortably to temperatures as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit. But this can vary if your cat is a young kitten or senior, as their tolerance isn’t as high.

There are also several medical conditions that may make your cat more sensitive to cold temperatures, including diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, Cushing’s disease, and some forms of cancer. If your cat is living with joint pain or similar conditions, the colder winter temperatures may also cause them to experience more aches and pains.

Signs You Cat is Feeling Cold

Recognizing when your cat is starting to feel chilly will help you make the necessary adjustments to keep them comfortable. It would be so helpful if our cats couple talk to us in English, letting us know how they feel and what they need. Unfortunately, that’s not reality. As cat parents, we must become masters of non-verbal communication including body language and behavioral changes.

Some of the more common signs your cat is feeling cold include:

Shivering
Breathing slowly
Slower heart rate
Curling up into a ball
Hunching down close to the ground
Extremities cold to the touch (ears, paws, tail)
Lack of activity
Appearing confused or disoriented
Muscle stiffness
Weakness
Seeking warm spots in the house

The sooner you recognize that your cat is feeling cold, the faster you can respond and make sure they are feeling comfortable. This is also key to preventing cold-related medical conditions and complications like hypothermia.

Take steps to warm up if you notice any of the above warning signs. If you are trying to warm your cat up and they are still showing signs they are cold, contact your veterinarian.

8 Tips to Keep Your Cat Warm This Winter

As cat parents, we love our cats and want to give them the best possible quality of life. With that in mind, we need to find ways to keep them warm and cozy even when the temperatures drop. If your furnace is running all winter keeping the temperatures within their ideal temperature range, this may not be a problem you need to worry about.

However, in many parts of the United States, keeping the temperatures in your house over 77 degrees Fahrenheit can be quite costly! Plus, there are those of us who use alternative heating sources like baseboard heating and woodstoves that can make it challenging to keep all areas of the home at the temperatures your cat would prefer.

If you’re concerned your cat may be feeling a little chilly, here are a few steps you can take to help keep them cozy:

Stick to Indoors

Do you have a cat that indoors spending time outdoors? While I am a huge fan of safe outdoor adventures with my furry family members (camping, hiking, etc.), there are times when it is better to stick to the more comfortable environment indoors.

This isn’t to say your cat can’t enjoy some on-leash time exploring the ice and snow. My one cat, Pippen, adores playing in the snow. But it’s our responsibility as cat parents to keep an eye on the temperatures and limit their time outdoors when it could be unsafe.

Offer Warm and Cozy Bedding

One of the easiest ways to keep your cat comfortable is by offering extra bedding to allow them to snuggle in and create a cozy place to nap. There are several great options to consider, depending on your cat’s personal preference. Donut style beds have higher sides, like a warm hug. Not only have these beds been found to keep cats warmer, but they are also said to have calming properties.

The Bedsure Calming Cat Bed for Indoor Cats is a favourite in our house. With two cats, we had to pick up multiple beds to avoid fights over who got to sleep in the fluffy, comfy spot.

Another option for cozy cat beds that I have seen several pet parents sharing is a covered bed or cat cave. This helps keep your cat warmer by trapping the warm air inside the bed with your kitty. The smaller the entry to your cat’s bed, the less warm air will be able to escape while they are sleeping inside. However, some cats find being in an enclosed space like this frightening as they are trapped and can’t escape if threatened.

Finally, make sure to include plenty of cozy blankets they can snuggle into. The more blankets they have to move around and nest in, the better. They will arrange their sleeping space to best suit their needs.

Use a Heated Bed or Mat

Another great solution for creating a warm, cozy sleeping spot for your cat is to use a heated bed or mat. There are two options to consider, depending on the availability of nearby sockets and your personal preferences/comfort level.

The first is a typical plug-in heated bed similar to heated blankets and mattress covers used on our own beds. These heated beds have controls giving you the ability to easily change the temperature to suit your cat’s needs. They can also be set to turn off after a specified time to avoid the bed becoming too warm or drawing too much power.

An alternative is to use a self-heated design. Self-heated beds and cat mats reflect your cat’s own body heat when they are lying on them. This creates a warm, heated sleeping spot without the need for electricity. Not only are these great for locations with no available nearby socket, but they are also the perfect solution for cats who tend to chew electrical cords.

Photo credit: Sergey Malkov / Shutterstock.com

Take Advantage of Warm Spots in the House

There are naturally areas of your home that are going to be warmer than others. For example, there are spots that are near radiators and heating vents and those cozy patches where the sunlight is streaming in through a window with it’s added warmth. Take advantage of these opportunities when possible, setting up a bed in those locations. In addition to beds, we have a cat tree set up where the cats can take advantage of the sunshine from a back patio door.

Try a Warm Sweater

While not all cats are comfortable wearing clothing, a sweater is a great way to give your cat a little extra warmth and comfort. When choosing a sweater, consider your cat’s comfort level. Our girl Pippen has been wearing the smallest size of the RC Pet Products Baseline Fleece sweater designed for dogs. However, it does go over the head when putting it on, making it an option that may not be comfortable for cats who are more reluctant to wear clothing.

There are also sweater options that fasten at the stomach or along the back, allowing your cat to step into it. By avoiding placing it over your cat’s head, this solution will be more comfortable for many kitties.

Snuggle Up

Arguably the best solution for keeping your cat warm (from a selfish level, anyway), try snuggling up with your cat. Not only is this a great way to spend some quality time together and strengthen your bond, but it also helps keep your cat warm by offering your body heat.

My favourite way to spend a cold, winter afternoon is snuggling up with my pets under a cozy blanket with a cup of coffee and a good book. With this as your inspiration, figure out what brings you and your cat the most joy this season.

Encourage Physical Activity

Like people, getting your cat up and moving will help to get the heart pumping and create additional body heat. This is also an excellent way to make sure that you are meeting your cat’s mental enrichment needs.

Every cat will have their own preferred games and activities. However, one that has worked for nearly every cat I have met is a cat wand toy. These toys feature a long handle for you to hold onto and, suspended from a string at the end, is a toy that you can move around to replicate the movements of their prey in the wild. Try incorporating your cat’s favorite todays to make this even more enticing. For example, Pippen loves anything with feathers, so we use a feather teaser toy.

Prioritize Hydration

This is a tip that is often overlooked. But it’s worth mentioning that something as simple as ensuring your cat is drinking enough water can help regulate their body temperature. Proper hydration encourages better blood circulation. This allows body heat to be evenly distributed through the body, helping maintain a stable body temperature even in the winter.

Unfortunately, many cats struggle with dehydration. You can encourage your cat to drink more water by flavoring their water with a small amount of sodium-free broth, switching from kibble to wet foods, or purchasing a water fountain (cats are drawn to moving water).

Keeping Your Cat Warm on Cold Adventures

Are you planning to take any trips to visit family this holiday season? If so, that means going outdoors into the colder temperatures. But this doesn’t mean you have to let your cat feel the sting of the bitter cold. Consider how you are setting up your cat’s carrier to keep them as comfortable as possible. A self-heating mat is a great solution, as it will continue to offer warmth wherever you travel. You can also add blankets in the carrier to create a cozy bed.

Placing a blanket over your cat’s carrier is a great way to keep the warm air trapped inside. However, be careful not to cut off all air circulation. A small area for airflow is still necessary.

Finally, if your cat is more susceptible to cold temperatures, dressing them up for the weather with a warm sweater or coat is a great solution. Few companies create sweaters and coats specifically for cats, but you can purchase a small dog coat as long as you pay attention to the size guide to find the right fit.

Final Thoughts: How to Keep Your Cat Cozy This Winter

By following the tips above, you can keep your cat warm and toasty throughout even the coldest winter temperatures. Remember, a comfortable cat is a happy cat! With a little extra planning on your part (and a few carefully chosen items of cat gear) you can create a cozy haven for your best friend and help them enjoy the winter season just as much as you do.

If you have any concerns about your cat’s ability to stay warm during the winter, reach out to your veterinarian. There are some medical conditions that make cats more susceptible to feeling the chill of winter. Your vet will be able to rule out medical causes and offer tailored advice to keep your cat comfortable based on their age, health, and breed.

So cuddle up with your cat, enjoy the cozy nights, and create some lasting winter memories together!

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Why Has My Cat Suddenly Gone Off Their Food?

Cats are known for being picky eaters, so it’s not unusual for them to turn their noses up at a meal now and then. But if your feline friend suddenly stops eating altogether, it’s natural to feel a little concerned.Often, a loss of appetite is simply your cat’s way of saying something’s off — and in many cases, the cause is something minor and easily managed. Occasionally, it might point to something that needs attention from your vet.Let’s take a closer look at some common reasons your cat may have gone off their food, and the simple steps you can take to help them get back on track.

Cat Care For Seniors Made Easy

(photo credit: InesBazadar / shutterstock.com)Let’s talk seniors. Regardless of age, they all have different abilities. Some are still highly active while others may be less so. Cognition levels can also vary from one individual to another as can favorite pastimes. Bridge champion, master gardener, or avid swimmer…when talking about the ideal feline for an older adult, it’s not necessarily down to finding a low-maintenance, easygoing breed that will be content to sit on a lap and receive cuddles. Maybe it’s something a little more playful or interactive yet not as demanding in terms of time and maintenance.One of the easiest ways to suss up how appropriate a new feline will be for a senior is to check out the rescues and shelters. You will find a mix of mid-life and older animals with a personality and/or attitude already baked in. So, you know just how feisty – or not – said puss is going to be when she gets home.You will also find that most relinquished cats are of a mixed breed status. Mixed breeds have a broader gene pool and fewer heredity health issues -hence the reason for the number of “designer” dogs you now see. For cats, brachycephalic breeds such as Persians or Burmese can inherit respiratory issues while Siamese are prone to dental disease and Maine Coons to hip dysplasia. Of course, the cost to adopt a rescue is also considerably less expensive than purchasing a pure-bred feline which can often be a deciding factor for anyone on a fixed income.

Why Does My Dog Walk the Fence Line?

Protectively patrolling the perimeter or just looking for a lucky break?

How Often Should You Clean a Rabbit’s Cage?

Caring for a pet rabbit goes far beyond feeding and cuddles. One of the most important - and sometimes overlooked - aspects of rabbit care is keeping their living space clean. A dirty cage can lead to serious health issues, bad odors, and a stressed-out bunny. So how often should you clean your rabbit’s cage to keep things fresh and safe?Let’s break it down.

Valentine’s Day Flowers That Are Dangerous to Pets

Flowers, jewelry, and sweet treats are popular ways to show your love to someone on Valentine’s Day. But if you share your home with dogs or cats, be careful about which flowers you put on display, as many of them are toxic to pets.

How Often Should You Clean a Rat Cage?

Rats are clean, intelligent pets - but they still need a tidy environment to stay healthy. A dirty cage can lead to unpleasant smells, bacterial buildup, and even health issues, especially respiratory problems. Knowing how often to clean a rat cage - and how to do it right - is a key part of responsible rat care.Daily: Spot CleaningYou don’t need to deep-clean your rats’ cage every day, but daily spot cleaning is essential. This includes:Removing soiled bedding or litterWiping up urine or droppingsCleaning food dishes if neededThese quick, daily tasks help control odors and reduce the buildup of waste, making weekly cleanings faster and more effective. Plus, a cleaner cage helps keep your rats comfortable and less prone to illness.

Is It Okay for My Dog to Eat More than His Body Weight In Cheese?

We all know the answer... but some cheeses can be better for your pooch than others. We share why.

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