Animals are naturally equipped to resist the cold: their coat constitutes a barrier which retains body heat and repels water. Therefore, even without clothing, the animal can face winter. But cats feel the cold and need us, cat parents, to protect them against cold temperatures.
The density of the coat changes during the year: a cat’s coat will be denser in winter and when the sunny days come back, it will lose its winter coat by shedding. This adaptation mainly depends on the cat’s lifestyle. For example, a cat that lives indoors does not undergo this annual cycle and loses its hair all year round. The cat’s body can get used to its life rhythm, and one subjected to harsh temperatures will have a denser coat and tolerate the cold better.
Cats know how to protect themselves from the cold by finding shelters; they often choose isolated areas. A cat will not hesitate to stay with you if he judges the weather not to his liking: we often see cats spending more time indoors in winter. But how cold is too cold for our feline friends?
What temperature can cats tolerate in UK?
18°C to 21°C is the ideal temperature for cats; anything below that temperature will cause them to feel cold. Cats are very good at regulating their body temperature and can handle temperatures as low as 2° C. However, any temperature lower than that is too cold for cats for more than a few minutes.
How do I know if my cat is too cold? Signs to look out for
Recognising when your feline is cold is very important as a cat owner. There are a few signs you will need to look out for; fortunately for us, these signs are quite explicit and recognisable.
Let's start with the most obvious: a very cold cat will start to shiver or even tremble. If you see your cat in this situation, cover your feline quickly and ensure it doesn't get wet, as they could get sick.
A cold cat will often get into a "ball" position; that is to say, it will lie down, put its paws under its belly, bring its tail to its body, bend its head towards the belly, and stick it inside. This position allows the cat to concentrate all of its heat in one area and the rest of its body will benefit from this heat.
Finally, your cat will look for sources of heat. Indeed, if a feline is cold, it will not hesitate to burrow under the covers of the sofa or your bed, put itself near the fireplace or lie down on a radiator, for example.
Can cats survive cold winters?
Animals are naturally adapted to the cold, and cats select an environment that seems the most comfortable. It will, therefore, know how to regulate itself in bad conditions.
In addition, as an independent animal, its ethological needs often correspond to a certain freedom of movement. So, a cat used to going out will suffer more from the lack of activity than the cold if it had to stay inside.
So, the question you should ask yourself isn’t so much: "Should I let my cat go outside in winter?" but rather, "How can I make my cat's winter outings more comfortable?"
The easiest way is to offer your cat different resting areas inside and outside. Indeed, your cat will choose an area that suits his needs, which may change over the season. For example, a small shelter or a kennel near your front door will allow your cat to wait for the door to open. But cat flaps are the most convenient, as they will ensure total independence for your cat.
At the end of the day, cats are creatures of habits who thrive on routine; therefore, they do not appreciate sudden changes. So, if your cat is used to going outside, he would suffer from inactivity if he had to stay indoors, and vice versa. If an indoor cat isn’t used to going outside, he would be frightened if he had to be left outside. Protect your cat from the cold, whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat.
Should I let my cat go outside in winter, or is it dangerous for its health?
Like us humans, cats have a more fragile immune system with the cold, and it is a riskier period for infectious diseases, but there are no diseases specific to this season for cats.
When it comes to letting your cat go out in winter, you can't typically use clothing to protect it against the cold as you might with a dog. Not many cats will tolerate wearing a coat, and there's also the risk of getting stuck somewhere like a branch. Therefore, if you want to let your cat go outside, make sure they go out in the daytime (not early in the morning and not late at night).
Don’t let your cat stay outdoors all night, as temperatures can be extremely low.
If frostbites appear on your cat when he goes out, it is possible to cover them with petroleum jelly, which forms an insulating barrier against frost (to be used in particular on their paw pads in case it gets very cold and there is a risk of frost). Don't hesitate to see your vet if you notice frostbite on your cat.
How to keep my cat warm in cold temperatures
If a cat is used to being outside, cold temperatures won’t stop him from hunting, marking his territory and going on his daily walks in search of company. Even the rain or snow won’t stop them. So, as a cat parent, you must make sure that when your feline comes home, all soaked and cold, he is warm and dry.
Here are our best and warmest tips to help your feline spend the winter in great shape without the risk of catching a cold or getting sick.
Tip 1: Take care of your cat’s paws
The cold and the snow can harm your cat's particularly sensitive pads. Use a towel to wipe his paws when he comes home. If necessary, run them under lukewarm water. Check if he has walked long in the snow and that the pads do not show injuries or blisters caused by the cold. In these sometimes extreme winter conditions, dry skin, cracked or chapped, painfully weakens your cat's paws. They must be preserved from drying out because of the cold, the ice, the snow, and the morning frost. Apply a repairing balm suitable for caring for your cat's pads and do not use products for dogs, their sensitivity is not the same.
Tip 2: Prepare a nice and warm bed
Although your cat doesn't like change, he certainly won't be averse to sleeping closer to a heat source, especially in extreme cold temperatures. You can also add blankets to his bed, guaranteeing a cosy sleep.
Tip 3: Adapt your cat’s diet
If you have an indoor cat, you don't need to change their diet. On the other hand, if you have an outdoor cat, they will need a richer diet. Indeed, fighting the cold requires energy, and an additional caloric intake is necessary. The cat draws its energy from proteins and lipids, which constitute 90% of its needs; it is necessary to increase the complete ratio while taking care not to unbalance it. Ask your veterinarian for advice on how to adapt its ration.
However, be careful not to give too much food to your indoor cat or a cat who will spend more time indoors, it is actually the opposite that will happen: Your cat will have less activity and he can gain weight during the winter.
Tip 4: Dry your cat when it comes home
Your cat comes home wet from the snow or the rain; you must quickly dry him to prevent them from catching a cold. Even if he hates it... Then, let him settle down near a heat source. If your cat has frostbite or cracks on their pads, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Tip 5: Maintain your cat’s naturally insulating coat
Don't panic; feline coats are renowned for their thickness and resistance to cold. However, when a cat gets wet, it loses its natural insulation and therefore, it’s important to dry your cat when he is wet. Additionally, be sure to untangle hairballs and brush your cat's coat regularly as well.
Tip 6: Maintain a good temperature inside your house
The ambient temperature of your house should be around 22°C in winter. In bedrooms, the temperature should be slightly lowered by a few degrees. Does your cat love heat and regularly rubs herself against heaters? Do not turn off your heating during the day if this is the case.
Tip 7: Install a cat house outside
A cold cat will automatically seek heat. To warm up, he may take refuge under a car or against a tyre. Before starting your vehicle, check if your cat isn’t there. To avoid these particular situations, offer your feline an outdoor shelter to protect himself from bad weather (wind, rain, snow, thunderstorms, etc.) and nice big blankets.
