When the temperature drops outside, we reach for heaters, warm blankets, and hot drinks. Our cats feel the chill too, though, and they can’t do any of that for themselves, especially when no one is home to turn up the heat. Hairless and short-haired breeds have the hardest time of it. Here’s how to help your cat stay warm and comfortable through the coldest months of the year.
Key Takeaways
- Give your cat a warm, draft-free place to sleep, such as a fleece blanket, a padded bed, or an insulated cat house.
- Hairless and short-haired breeds may appreciate a sweater or a wrapped warm-water bottle for extra heat.
- Never leave a space heater running when you leave the house; it is both a fire hazard and a burn risk for a cat that snuggles too close.
- Insulate cold windowsills so your cat can keep watching the world without sitting on a freezing surface.
- Serve food and water at room temperature, and dry your cat thoroughly after any winter bath.
Do Cats Get Cold Indoors in Winter?
They certainly can. How cold your cat feels depends on the temperature outside, how well your home is heated, and the cat itself. A long-haired Persian handles a chilly room far more easily than a hairless Sphynx, but even hardy breeds benefit from a few simple precautions. Kittens, senior cats, and cats that are ill or underweight also lose body heat more quickly and deserve extra attention when the weather turns. If you notice your cat shivering, seeking out heat sources, or tucking into a tight ball more than usual, take it as a sign that the room is colder than they would like.
Give Your Cat a Warm Bed
During the cold season, make sure your cat always has a cozy, draft-free spot to rest. A fleece blanket or a soft pillow works well, and so does a padded cat bed or an insulated cat house. Keep in mind that not every cat likes an enclosed house, so watch your cat’s preferences. Fleece blankets, cushions, and open beds are almost always a safe bet. Position the bed away from drafty doors and cold exterior walls, and raising it slightly off the floor helps too, since cold air settles low.
Sweaters and Extra Heat for Hairless Breeds
What if your cat still seems cold? This is common with hairless breeds like the Sphynx, which have little or no coat to trap body heat. A well-fitting cat sweater or bodysuit can make a real difference. You can also tuck a warm-water bottle wrapped in a towel or an old sweater into their favorite napping spot. As a bonus, a piece of clothing that carries your scent adds a familiar, comforting touch along with the warmth. Make sure any bottle is warm rather than hot, and always leave your cat a way to move off the heat if they get too toasty.
Turn Off the Heater When You Leave
Powerful space heaters warm a room quickly, but leaving one running when no one is home is genuinely dangerous. There is a real risk of fire, and a cat that presses up against a hot surface can suffer serious burns. The American Veterinary Medical Association lists space heaters among common household hazards for pets, so switch yours off before you head out and rely on warm bedding and a well-insulated room instead.
Insulate the Windowsill
Cats love a good windowsill. There is always something to watch outside, from birds and squirrels to passing people and cars. In winter, though, that sill can get very cold, and a favorite lookout becomes a chilly perch that leaves your cat sitting on a freezing surface for long stretches. The fix is simple: insulate it. Lay down a cushion, a folded blanket, or a small bed, and for even better coverage add a soft mat across the whole sill. Washable, non-slip pet mats work nicely here; many roll up for storage and can go straight into the washing machine. A little insulation lets your cat keep watch in comfort all season long.
Serve Food and Water at Room Temperature
One basic rule of cat care matters even more in winter: food and water should always be at room temperature. Cold food straight from the refrigerator is unappealing and hard on the stomach, so let it warm up before serving. At the same time, resist the urge to heat things up as a kindness. Your cat does not want warm water or a hot meal to take the chill off; room temperature is exactly right.
Dry Your Cat Thoroughly After a Bath
If you bathe your cat during the winter months, dry them completely as soon as you finish, first with towels and then, if your cat tolerates it, with a hairdryer on a low, warm setting held at a safe distance. A damp cat caught in even a mild draft can easily get chilled, so never let your cat wander off wet. For more general guidance on cold-weather pet care, the ASPCA is a reliable resource.
These simple steps go a long way toward keeping your cat cozy, even in the depths of winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is too cold for an indoor cat?
Most cats are comfortable in the same indoor temperatures people are, roughly the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. Below that, thin-coated, hairless, very young, senior, or unwell cats start to feel the chill and appreciate extra bedding or a sweater. If a room feels cold to you, assume it feels cold to your cat too, and provide a warm, draft-free spot.
How can I tell if my cat is cold?
Watch their behavior. A cold cat often curls into a tight ball with the tail wrapped around the body, seeks out heat sources such as radiators or sunny windows, tucks their paws underneath themselves, and may shiver. Cool ears, paws, or the tip of the tail can also be a clue. If shivering is persistent or your cat seems lethargic, contact your veterinarian.
Do cats need sweaters in winter?
Most cats with a full coat do not, and many dislike wearing clothing. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx and thin-coated cats are the exception and can genuinely benefit from a well-fitting, comfortable sweater indoors. If you do use one, make sure it does not restrict movement and remove it if your cat seems stressed.
Is it safe to use a heating pad for my cat?
A pet-safe heating pad with a low, regulated temperature can be a good option, but avoid human heating pads, which can run too hot and cause burns. Always give your cat room to move off the pad, and skip supplemental heat entirely for kittens or cats that cannot easily move away from it on their own.
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