Winter poses unique challenges for pet owners, especially when it comes to caring for cats. Whether your feline friend is an indoor companion, a dedicated outdoor explorer, or a mix of both, understanding their needs during colder months is essential to keeping them safe, comfortable, and healthy.
Keeping outdoor cats warm in winter
Cats are remarkably adaptable, but extreme cold can be dangerous even for the hardiest outdoor cats. While some cats, particularly those with thicker coats, can tolerate cooler temperatures, sustained exposure to freezing conditions can lead to hypothermia or frostbite. Many feral and stray cats instinctively seek warm, dry spaces like garages, sheds, or insulated hiding spots under porches, however, if your pet cat spends significant time outdoors, consider providing them with a secure winter shelter.
A simple, insulated box or a commercially available cat shelter lined with straw (not blankets, which can retain moisture) can help keep them warm and dry. Ensuring the shelter is in a quiet, secluded area, elevated off the ground and shielded from wind will further improve its effectiveness and help cats feel secure.
Ensure that outdoor cats continue have access to fresh water that won’t freeze (heated water bowls are a great option for this). Food should be provided at regular intervals, as outdoor cats burn more calories in winter to maintain their body temperature. Opt for wet food served warm, or, use high-calorie dry food that won’t freeze as quickly.
Do cats get cold inside the house?
Indoor cats can also feel the chill during winter, particularly in drafty or poorly insulated homes. Cats are most comfortable in temperatures above 20°C (68°F), and if your home feels cold to you, your cat likely feels it too. Signs that your cat may be cold include curling up tightly, shivering, seeking warmth near heaters or under blankets, and a reluctance to move from cosy spots.
To keep your cat comfortable, make sure they have access to warm areas, such as a sunny windowsill during the day or a heated pet bed. Avoid placing their sleeping areas in draughty spots or near cold floors.
Can cats get fleas in the winter?
Fleas, while commonly associated with warm weather, can continue to thrive throughout the winter months, especially in indoor environments where warmth and humidity are maintained. Although fleas cannot survive freezing outdoor temperatures, they are remarkably resilient and can persist in homes with central heating, which creates an ideal habitat for them.
Pet cats remain vulnerable to fleas in winter, as fleas can hitch a ride into the home on clothing, bedding, or other animals, and once inside, they can infest your pets and your soft furnishings.
Fleas reproduce quickly, and the eggs laid by adult fleas on your pet fall off into your home, often settling in warm, hidden areas such as carpets, rugs, bedding, and upholstery. These eggs hatch into larvae, which continue the infestation cycle.
Even in cold weather, fleas don’t necessarily die off immediately – temperatures as low as 8°C won’t kill them, but they may slow down and reduce activity, waiting to find a suitable host. When they do find one, such as your cat, they feed, mate, and lay up to 50 eggs per day, continuing the cycle.
Common signs of a flea infestation in your home include your cat scratching or grooming excessively, flea dirt (tiny black specks) in their fur, or noticing flea bites on you or family members.
To treat a winter flea infestation, you should start by treating your cat with a flea prevention product, such as Johnson’s 4Fleas Spot-On treatment or for a course of 4Fleas tablets. It’s crucial to treat the home as well – vacuuming carpets, washing bedding, and using flea sprays (eg, Guardian Home Flea spray, or House flea spray) will help eliminate fleas at various stages of their life cycle.
Preventive measures to avoid introducing fleas into your home include regularly checking pets for fleas before they come inside, ensuring their flea treatments are up to date, and maintaining a clean living environment to minimise potential hiding spots for eggs and larvae.
Central heating may make the inside of your home an inviting space for fleas, but with consistent prevention and treatment, you can reduce the risk of a winter infestation.
What behavioural changes can be expected in cats during winter
During the colder months, cats often exhibit noticeable behavioural changes influenced by shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures. Naturally inclined to sleep for long periods – up to 16 hours a day – cats may sleep even more in winter as they become less active and conserve energy. This seasonal lethargy, particularly common in indoor cats, stems from reduced daylight and the instinctive drive to rest during colder conditions.
Alongside increased sleep, cats may also experience a heightened appetite during winter, a behaviour inherited from their wild ancestors who needed to build fat reserves to survive harsh climates. While some weight gain is normal, it is important to monitor their food intake to avoid overfeeding and ensure they maintain a healthy balance. To counteract their reduced activity levels, engaging your cat in regular play sessions with toys or interactive games can help keep them both mentally and physically stimulated throughout the season.
Recognising when your cat is cold is key to addressing their needs. Look for signs such as shivering, a hunched posture, cold ears or paws, and reluctance to leave warm spots. A cold cat may also vocalise more frequently, as though asking for help. If you suspect your cat is too cold, provide them with extra warmth, or areas in which they can snuggle, and monitor them for signs of improvement.
Should your cat go missing during the cold weather months, rest assured that it is likely that they will have found warm shelter elsewhere, and simply will not have wanted to leave their ‘safe space’. Thankfully, because microchipping is now mandatory for all cats, they should be easily traceable if they wind up at an animal welfare facility, so be sure to check with those in your locality before panicking about their wellbeing.
Winter can be challenging for cats, but with proper care, they can stay comfortable and healthy throughout the colder months. Whether ensuring your indoor cat has cosy places to rest or providing outdoor cats with warm, safe shelters, a little preparation goes a long way. By paying attention to their behaviour and adjusting their care routine as needed, you can help your feline friend thrive, even in the chilliest weather.
