Helping Your Cat Adapt to Cold Winter Temperatures

Changing weather means changing needs for your cat, especially during the winter. If you keep your cat indoors (or indoors just for the winter) they won't be affected by the drop in temperature or the hazards of cold weather. But there are still a few things you can do to give your cat a little extra help.

Indoors

• If your cat normally sleeps on the floor, consider moving the bed somewhere higher to avoid drafts
• If you have an older cat, or if your cat has arthritis, the cold weather may make joints stiff and uncomfortable. Jumping may be difficult, so you'll need to help your cat find ways of getting to their favourite sleeping places, especially if they're high up. Consider moving a chair or other piece of furniture to make a 'ladder' so they won't have to jump as high

Outdoors

• Outdoor cats should be encouraged to keep spending time outdoors to get used to the changing weather. The dropping temperature will encourage your cat’s body to adapt by growing a thicker coat and building up winter immunities
• If your cat has an outdoor shelter, raise it off the ground. Frozen earth will draw out more heat from the shelter than moving air
• Turn the entrance away from the wind and consider laying down extra-bedding. Be careful to avoid anything that will retain moisture and freeze or become mouldy

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