If you’re wondering whether cats get cold through their fluffy coats, the answer is yes. The cool winter weather not only impacts our lifestyle, but it also affects our feline friends too.
Follow these tips to keep your cat warm and toasty this winter.
Make sure their bedding is as warm as it is comfortable
Cats love having a cosy space where they can feel sheltered and secure, and you may find that some outdoor cats may prefer to wriggle their way inside to escape the winter chills.
Petbarn has a range of comfy cat beds that will keep your kitty warm. Get them a cat igloo they can snuggle into and coax them in with their favourite blanket or treat. Or get an open-topped basket bed, donut bed, or hammock to get them off the cold floor as they watch the world go by.
Where should you put your cat’s bed?
Great places you can keep their bed are on your bed or couch, on a high shelf, at the top of their scratching post. Another prime position is near the heater, though make sure not to put it too close due to fire risk.
What about cats that need a little bit of extra warmth?
For kittens, senior cats and other felines that feel the cold more acutely, like hairless Sphynx, provide them with a microwavable heat pad to cuddle with. Cover the heat pad with a towel to prevent burns.
Encourage them to be active
Most cats will move at their own pace and create their own exercise. However, some indoor cats will need to be encouraged to exercise when the weather turns cold.
Help your cat stay healthy by engaging in extra playtime, for example, rolling ping pong balls for them to chase and using other cat toys that encourage movement.
Watch their food intake
Remember that cats eating the same amount of calories but exercising less will soon put on weight.
For more physical and mental stimulation during mealtimes, try hiding small amounts of food in different places around your home which will encourage your cat to sniff and search for their food.
Make sure you’re feeding your cat the optimal diet for their age, breed and lifestyle by using our Food Finder tool.
Watch for the signs of arthritis
Cats can develop arthritis at any age, but it’s most common in senior cats over the age of seven.
Symptoms of arthritis can become especially pronounced during winter if your cat becomes cold and inactive. By learning the signs of arthritis, you can recognise them early on and take action to care for your pet before their joints become too sore.
Signs of arthritis in cats include:
- Difficulty jumping or hesitating to jump onto furniture
- Matts in their coat (because they find bending to groom themselves painful)
- Uncharacteristic aggression or aloofness
- Soreness when they’re patted or picked up
If your cat is showing any of these symptoms of arthritis, book an appointment at your local Greencross Vets where they can create a multipoint plan to manage your cat’s arthritis.
Stay up to date with your their flea, tick, and worm prevention
While parasites are more active during the warmer seasons, they live in our environment all year round. Check the current level of parasite risk in your local area with PetWatch.
It’s very important for your cat’s health that you continue to provide them with flea, tick and worm prevention in the winter months.
Pet parents commonly experience outbreaks of fleas in winter, especially in homes with carpet, as the indoor heating creates an ideal opportunity for the residual flea eggs and larvae in the environment to hatch and thrive.
Make sure to use our Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finder tool to understand which combination of products will keep your cat safe from parasites.
Brush them regularly
Don’t forget to regularly brush your cat in winter, especially if they’re a breed with an undercoat or an older cat with arthritis.
Using a good quality brush to remove unwanted fur is an important routine to maintain in winter to ensure that your cat doesn’t develop mats or knots, which can cause pain and discomfort. This will also enhance the bond between you and your kitty.
Explore our range of cat grooming products to find the right items to keep your cat healthy this winter.
Petbarn has everything you need to keep your furry friend warm this winter. Visit your local Petbarn store for expert advice on how to keep your cat comfortable in the colder weather.