Winter can be a magical time of year, – after all, there is nothing quite like snuggling up with a cat indoors during a cold spell. While most cats are notoriously good at finding the warmest spot in the house, the cold weather can present a few risks. Read our advice on how to keep your cat safe, happy and warm during the colder months or scroll down to take our quiz and find out how much you already know.
While some cats are content to swerve the cold weather and stay in bed, others might be keen to head outdoors. To keep you cat warm in winter, you can choose to provide them with a shelter outdoors that is both waterproof, sturdy and secure but most importantly, make sure they have free access to get back indoors, – ideally a cat flap. Some other top tips to keep your cat safe outside during cold weather include:
Our video has a range of tips for keeping cats safe and warm in the winter months, including providing outdoor shelter and checks around the home.
Antifreeze, used in car radiators, screen wash or car de-icers in the winter, is particularly poisonous to cats. The solution contains ethylene glycol, a substance that can prove fatal if ingested. It only takes a small amount to harm a cat too, – whether they conciouslyconsciously drink it or walk through a puddle and then go on to groom their fur. Even just a few licks of antifreeze can cause serious harm, such as kidney failure.
To protect your cat and other cats in the neighbourhood from antifreeze poisoning, you can try the following:
Some cats might prefer to stay indoors during the winter, usually finding a warm spot for a snooze. Warm, comfortable and draught-free places are ideal for your cat, or you can use heat pads or beds that go over radiators to keep them cosy.
If your cat has come in from the snow, wipe off any road grit, salt, or anything that might stick to their paws and fur, – in particular, make sure there is no antifreeze on them. If your cat grooms themselves and ingests any of these substances the substance is ingested, it could make them very unwell or even prove fatal
Provide a litter tray somewhere private (one per cat), that way your cat won’t have to head outside to go to the toilet. Remember to scoop it out daily and completely clean it out once a week
Open fireplaces are lovely in winter but can be a risk to cats. Screen off open fireplaces and always supervise your cat if you have lit a fire
Arthritis is a common condition in humans that causes pain and inflammation of the joints, but it is also common for cats to suffer from it.
Cats with arthritis, particularly elderly cats, can suffer in cold weather particularly as it affects their joints and can make it difficult for them to move. Cats are good at disguising pain too, making it difficult to detect.
Common signs of arthritis in cats include:
If you notice any of these signs, the first thing you should do is take your cat to the vet. They may be able to provide pain relief medication.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for arthritis, but there are a few things you can do to make your cat’s life a little more comfortable, particularly during colder weather.
Autumn and winter bring with it many festivities ,– from fireworks and Bonfire Night to Christmas and other celebrations.
Fireworks can be stressful for cats and they’re likely to become distressed at the loud noises and lights. Making sure they feel safe and happy is particularly important and there are a few things you can try.
Keep them in after dark, providing them with a litter tray, food and water bowls as well as a place to hide
Make sure all doors, windows and cat flaps are closed so that your cat doesn’t panic and escape
If you know your cat is fearful of fireworks, speak to a vet or qualified behaviourist prior to the start of fireworks season so you can put an actionable plan in place
Did you know you can even help your kitten to be less fearful of loud noises like fireworks by getting them used to the sound when they are developing? Find out more about kitten socialisation
Colder weather can present risks for cats, particularly as the nights are darker and the temperature drops.
Hiding or sleeping under cars
Cats that like to be outdoors might crawl beneath a warm car engine to get warm. Tap the bonnet of your car before you start up your engine to avoid a cat getting injured.
Reduced road visibility
As the evenings get darker, reduced visibility makes traffic conditions riskier for wandering cats. If you’re concerned, keep your cat indoors overnight if your cat is happy to be kept indoors.
See also: Cats at night.
Festive dangers
From tinsel to festive flower arrangements, various festive decorations can pose risks to curious cats. Keep potentially dangerous items out of reach and supervise your cat or opt for cat-safe alternatives.
Read more about keeping your cat safe during the festive season.
You might think that catching parasites like ticks or fleas might not be a problem in cold weather, but they can still be found year-round.
Although ticks are usually most active between March and October, some of them are around during the winter months and stay in damp places like woods or tall grass. If your cat goes outside, this is something to consider. As for fleas, they cannot survive in the cold and need warmth, but centrally heated homes provide them with enough warmth to stay active all year round. so they can still spread in winter when we raise the temperature in our homes.
To protect your cat, we recommend discussing your cat’s lifestyle and individual risks with your vet, who can advise which treatment option is best for your cat.
Noticed your cat sneezing or having a runny nose? The symptoms of cat flu are usually caused by various viruses and bacteria. It can make your cat get a sore throat, runny eyes and nose. Other symptoms can present such as muscle and joint pain, fever, loss of appetite and eye ulcers.
All cats can get it, but the most vulnerable to cat flu are kittens, older cats and those with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions.
It’s important to see the vet as soon as possible when you notice any of the symptoms. Maintain good hygiene at home by keeping other cats separate, and a cat that’s ill will need to be kept indoors until they are treated.
All cats are different but in general, anything below about 7°C can start to be unsafe for cats to stay outside, especially for long periods. How risky it depends on the cat and the conditions. Cats at higher risk include kittens, unwell cats, elderly cats or hairless cats. If it feels too cold for you to be outside, it is probably too cold for your cat!
Signs that your cat is too cold include:
Hypothermia in cats is very serious and symptoms get worse as their temperature continues to drop. Serious signs include:
Emergency signs of hypothermia in cats can include:
If you think your cat has hypothermia, bring them indoors right away. Dry them completely if they are wet and warm them gradually. You could try:
Do not use hot water, heating pads or hair dryers or force food or water on them as this can make them unwell.
If your cat is showing any signs of hypothermia, it is important that you take them to the vet as soon as possible.