Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, it’s important to take precautions to protect your feline family member during the winter.   

In colder months, your cat may be less physically active and spend more time indoors, meaning they’re more likely to occupy themselves by exploring around your house. Kitties are also prone to seeking out small, dark spaces to snuggle up – such as underneath a car – which may seem cozy to them, but can be a dangerous sleeping spot! (Have a pup at home? Read our winter wellness tips for dogs, too!)  

Here’s how to keep your feline friend happy, healthy and safe this winter.  

Should I keep my outdoor cat inside for the winter?

In the cold months, it’s safest to keep your cat indoors as much as possible to protect them from the chill and other winter hazards. At the very least, outdoor cats should come inside at night, when the temperatures are at their lowest.   

If your cat is used to spending a majority of their time outside, ensure they have access to some type of shelter – whether that’s a shed, barn, or cat shelter box where they can be warm, dry, and protected from the elements. It’s also important to make sure outdoor cats have plenty of access to non-frozen water!  

Should I feed my cat more in the winter?

Every kitty is different, however, indoor cats tend to have a more stable eating routine from one season to the next. So although they may crave a little more kibble out of boredom, it’s not necessary to up their meal portions.  

Studies have shown that less natural light and colder temps boost the appetites of our feline friends. In order to curb this desire and help your cat maintain a healthy weight, be sure to provide plenty of playtime and exercise throughout the day. A fun enrichment toy could be the perfect solution to burn off some energy inside!  

Here are 6 winter wellness tips to keep your cat safe, happy and healthy:  

1. Cat-proof your home

If your cat will be spending more time than usual indoors during the winter, carefully store away any harmful household products. This includes antifreeze, batteries, cleaning products, and household chemicals that can be harmful to your pet if ingested. Be mindful of open flames, including fireplaces and candles that a kitty may accidentally knock over, causing a dangerous situation. Never leave a candle or other open flame unattended.  

Don’t forget about house plants! Many plants can be poisonous to cats if ingested – such as poinsettias, which are popular as home decor in the winter but are highly toxic to pets. Move house plants out of reach of curious kitties. If your cat does get into something they shouldn’t, call a veterinarian or animal poison control right away.  

2. Check under your car and tap on the hood

Cats love to take shelter in any cozy place they can find, especially when it’s cold. Under the hood of a car is a common place cats will hide away. By simply knocking briefly on the hood of your car before getting in, you can alert any kitties hiding to get a move on! Check under your car too, and make a few noises to startle any cats who are nestled up. That way, when you start your car you won’t accidentally harm a sleeping cat.  

3. Use pet-safe ice melt

Normal ice melt contains a variety of chemicals that you do not want your pet to eat. If ingested, they could experience medical issues ranging from vomiting to dehydration. If your outdoor kitty spends some of their winter time roaming around your yard, be sure to use pet-safe ice melt! The popular brand Safe Paw Ice Melt is non-toxic and can cover twice the area as rock salt.  

4. Provide your cat with a warm place to sleep

Supply your kitty with plenty of warm blankets, pillows, and/or a pet bed to keep them feeling cozy and safe this winter. Creating a safe place for them to snuggle up is a great way to get them feeling relaxed, especially since their humans will likely be spending more time inside during this season. Just as we can get overstimulated when more people are in our spaces, so can our feline friends!  

5. Keep an eye out for frostbite and hypothermia

Cat owners should be extra cautious if their kitty spends the majority of their time outdoors. Typically, 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below is too cold for cats and prolonged exposure could result in hypothermia and frostbite. Senior cats and young kittens are more susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia – as they have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and kittens lack the extra buffer of hair and body fat.  

You can help prevent frostbite and hypothermia by keeping your cat indoors, limiting time outside for outdoor cats, and providing a cozy sweater and plenty of blankets. If your cat does enjoy spending some of their time outdoors, make sure they have proper shelter while outside such as a garage, shed, or cat shelter box.  

Signs of hypothermia in cats can include:  

  • Shivering
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Shallow breathing

If you suspect your cat is showing symptoms of hypothermia, wrap them in a warmed blanket or towel and call a veterinarian right away.  

6. Microchip your kitty this winter

Microchipping is an easy and safe procedure that could ultimately save your kitty’s life if they ever get lost! This winter, consider making an appointment for your cat to get microchipped. If someone found your cat wandering and lost, they could bring them to a veterinarian or shelter who could look up your kitty’s identification tag and contact you right away.   

This quick and non-invasive procedure can be done right here at JM Pet Vet Clinic. Call today to learn more and book an appointment: 508-588-5661