Winter Weather Care Guide For Cats: How Can I Take Care Of My Cat In The Cold Weather
In this article, we’ll explain how to keep your cat safe, healthy and comfortable during the colder winter months. We’ll look at the risks winter weather can pose to your cat and share tips on how to protect them. We’ll also highlight signs of cold-related health issues to watch out for and how to adjust your cat’s routine to suit the season.
Key Takeaways
Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about keeping your cat safe in winter:
Cold weather can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, especially for short-haired or elderly cats. Outdoor dangers include icy surfaces, road salt, and toxic antifreeze. Frozen ponds are particularly hazardous, as cats risk falling through thin ice.
Ensure your cat has a cosy indoor space away from drafts. Outdoor cats need a dry, insulated shelter. Dehydration is still a concern in winter, so check their water bowl regularly to ensure it hasn’t frozen.
Snow, ice, and road salt can harm a cat’s paws. Wipe their paws after outdoor trips to remove debris and toxic substances like antifreeze, which they might lick off later.
Indoor cats may need fewer calories if they are less active in winter, while outdoor cats might require more to maintain their energy. Provide engaging toys, scratching posts, and climbing structures to keep them entertained indoors.
Use LED or reflective collars to increase visibility during darker winter days. Monitor their outdoor activity with tracking devices, keep them away from frozen water, and bring them indoors before nightfall to reduce risks from cars and other hazards.
Are there more environmental risks for your cat in the winter?
Yes, winter brings several environmental risks for cats that owners should be aware of. Cold weather can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, particularly for short-haired or older cats. Ice, snow and road salt can irritate or injure their paws and cats may accidentally ingest harmful substances like antifreeze, which is toxic. Frozen ponds or water sources are also hazardous if your cat ventures onto thin ice. By keeping your cat safe indoors or supervising their outdoor activity, you can minimise these risks.
How can I look after my cat in the winter?
Looking after your cat during the winter involves understanding the specific challenges the season brings. Here are some practical tips to ensure your cat stays happy and healthy:
Keep them warm and dry
Cats, especially short-haired breeds or elderly pets, are sensitive to cold temperatures. Provide a warm, cosy spot for them to rest indoors, away from drafts. Outdoor cats should have access to a dry, insulated shelter if they spend time outside.
Protect their paws and keep their paws clean
Snow, ice and road salt can irritate or damage your cat’s paws. If they’ve been outside, gently wipe their paws with a damp cloth to remove debris, grit, or any toxic substances like antifreeze. This will also prevent them from licking these off later.
Keep them well hydrated
Even in winter, it’s important to ensure your cat has access to fresh water. Indoor heating can make the air dry, which can lead to dehydration. Check water bowls frequently and, if kept outside, ensure they haven’t frozen.
Adjust the amount of food you give them if they are less active in the winter
Cats that spend more time indoors and are less active during winter may need fewer calories to avoid weight gain. On the other hand, cats that remain active outdoors may require more food to sustain their energy and body heat. Monitor their activity and consult your vet if you’re unsure about adjusting their diet.
Make sure they get enough exercise when they're indoors
Cold weather may limit your cat’s outdoor time so ensure they have ways to stay active indoors. Interactive toys, scratching posts and climbing furniture can keep them entertained and prevent boredom.
Avoid using antifreeze
Antifreeze is highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts, but its sweet taste can attract them. Avoid using antifreeze products where your cat may come into contact with them and clean up any spills straight away. Pet-safe antifreeze alternatives are a safer option.
Make them more visible in the dark with accessories
If you have an outdoor cat, visibility can be an issue when it comes to cars. By putting an LED or high visibility collar on them before they go out, you can help drivers spot your cat should they be near a road.
Monitor their outdoor activity
If your cat is allowed outside, ensure they are safe from winter hazards. Consider using a tracking collar to see where they are going, and potentially opt to keep them indoors if they are going near large bodies of water. These can freeze and they can fall through if they walk on them. Try and also get them to come home before it gets dark to avoid incidents with cars.
Get a winter health checkup for your cat
Older cats or those with existing health conditions like arthritis may feel the effects of winter more than younger, healthier cats. A pre-winter check-up with your vet can help identify any issues and provide recommendations for their care. Your vet may suggest supplements or other lifestyle adjustments to keep your cat comfortable throughout the colder months.
Concluding thoughts from Vicki Emmerton (BVetMed MRCVS)
“Cats are creatures of comfort and they value being warm and dry above all so you may find that your cat prefers to stay inside. If they do venture out, being mindful of the dangers of the festive season could save their lives.
The two most concerning issues are road traffic incidents and anti-freeze.
If your cat will wear a collar, aim for one that is reflective so they are more visible to cars when they are wandering. Aim for one with a safety release catch in case it does get caught on a branch or fence.
Be mindful of the symptoms of anti-freeze ingestion in cats. These include vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, drinking more, urinating more and seizures. If you suspect anti-freeze poisoning, especially if you live near a car repair shop or garage, the sooner you can get them seen the better the chance of treating it.
But if your festive feline does want to stay inside in the warm, let them!”
Medically reviewed by:
Sources
Pet care advice for winter - PDSA