When the cold weather arrives, many homes get freezing at night and first thing in the morning, especially if they don't have central heating or it's switched off at bedtime. Knowing whether your cat is cold isn't always easy, because cats don't complain: they show it in their own way. Here are the signs to look out for and what you can do at home so your cat gets through the winter comfortably.
Signs that your cat is cold
- It curls up into a very tight ball, with its tail covering its nose and paws.
- It seeks out sources of heat: your lap, the bed, the sun by the window, the laptop or the radiator.
- It burrows under the blankets or inside the wardrobe.
- Its ears, paw pads and the tip of its tail feel cold to the touch.
- It sleeps more than usual and moves less.
- It shivers, a less common sign that needs attention.
Which cats feel the cold most
Kittens, older cats, very thin cats and those with an illness lose heat more easily. The same goes for short-haired cats and, above all, hairless breeds such as the Sphynx. If yours is in one of these groups, it's worth getting your home ready as soon as possible.
How to help a cold cat at home
- Keep its bed off the floor and away from draughts. Tiled floors and spots near doors and windows are the coldest places in the house. A raised bed, a shelf or a chair with a blanket works much better.
- Give it an enclosed hideaway. Many cats love igloo-style beds or a simple cardboard box with a fleece blanket inside: their own body warms the space.
- Leave blankets within reach. A folded blanket on the sofa or on your bed, if you let your cat up there, soon becomes its favourite spot.
- Make the most of the sun. Raise the blinds in the morning and keep the windowsill or the sunny corner clear.
- Let it into the warmest rooms. If you only heat the living room or the bedroom, don't shut the door on it.
- Put the litter tray and water somewhere that isn't freezing. If the litter tray is on an enclosed balcony or in a cold sunroom, some cats may avoid using it.
Stoves, fireplaces and heaters: handle with care
Cats love warmth and sometimes get too close. To avoid accidents:
- Put a guard in front of the fireplace or wood-burning stove and don't leave your cat alone near the fire.
- Choose stoves and heaters that switch off automatically if they tip over, and never cover them with blankets or clothes.
- If you put a hot-water bottle in its bed, wrap it in a thick towel and check that it isn't too hot.
- Don't leave your cat alone with a switched-on electric blanket designed for people.
If your cat goes outdoors
On cold days, cats look for shelter in warm places, including the engines of recently parked cars. Before starting the engine, bang on the bonnet a few times to warn any cat that may be hiding there. If yours goes out, make sure it can get back in or has a dry shelter protected from the wind.
Food and water in winter
A cat that spends a lot of time outdoors may burn more energy in the cold. Even so, don't increase its portions on your own initiative: check with your vet, especially if it tends to put on weight. Always keep its water fresh and clean; some cats drink less in winter, so it's worth placing more than one water bowl around the house.
When to see the vet
If your cat is very cold to the touch, shivers non-stop, is listless or struggles to move, warm it up gradually with a blanket and call the vet straight away. The same applies if, even with the house warm, it's always hunched up and off its food: the cold may not be the only cause.
Do you have a dog too? See how to tell if your dog is cold. And to keep your home warm without sending your bills through the roof, here's how to heat your home without spending much. For your cat's everyday needs, take a look at the Velia Select shop.