Sarah-Jane Molier BVM&S MRCVS

Cats are well known for being creatures of comfort! Many cats will naturally seek a warm, cosy place to curl up when it’s chilly. However, winter and the colder weather can pose a few risks for our feline friends. With colder weather fast approaching, now’s the time to prepare! Here’s our advice on caring for cats in cold weather.  

Cold weather  

As the temperature drops it’s important to ensure that your cat has access to warm, dry spaces at all times. Just as with people, very young kittens and elderly cats are particularly susceptible to cold weather and hypothermia. However, any cat can be affected. Cats with underlying medical conditions are also at higher risk, such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease. 

Here are some simple measures you can take to keep your cat safe and warm this winter: 

  • Ensure your cat has access indoors at all times.  
  • Regularly check that your cat flap is working, since they can freeze shut in cold weather. 
  • If you don’t have a cat flap, leave them inside when you aren’t home to let them in and out. 
  • During winter, consider keeping your cat inside overnight, when temperatures are at their lowest. You could lock the catflap once they come in for their tea. 
  • Even if your cat usually toilets outside, it’s a good idea to have a litter tray inside over winter. That way, your cat has the option to stay inside if they prefer, if it gets too cold. Senior cats will especially appreciate this! 
  • If your cat is (semi-)feral and can’t be brought inside, it’s important that you offer them a safe, warm, dry shelter during winter. Ideally this should be raised off the ground and contain plenty of insulation and bedding (such as straw and blankets). Make sure you check their water regularly too, in case it freezes over. 

Cats tend to show a natural preference for warm spaces, and usually love nothing more than curling up on a radiator cat bed, or by the fire. With that in mind, be careful with fires, electric radiators, and open heat sources. Use guards where possible, so your cat doesn’t get too close and burn themselves. 

This preference for warm spaces can mean cats are drawn to snoozing under a car bonnet or in a warm shed. Always check your garage and / or shed before closing it up, in case your cat has taken refuge there from the cold. Similarly, give your car bonnet a bang or sound the horn before starting your engine, to ensure any snoozing kitties move to safety first. 

Dark nights 

With dusk getting earlier and earlier, the dark nights offer another reason to keep your cat inside overnight in winter. Dusk is the most dangerous time for cats (and humans!), as visibility is poor, so they are at greater risk of being hit by a car. If your cat is out and about at dusk, or in the dark, it’s safest to get them a quick-release fluorescent cat collar, so they can be seen more easily.  

Road Salt 

Rock salt is scattered on our roads and pavements in winter to prevent ice forming and to keep us safe. While most cats are quite discerning about where they choose to walk, if your cat does walk through rock salt and it sticks to their paws, it can cause irritation. Cats are also very good at keeping themselves clean, so are highly likely to lick the offending salt off. This in turn can lead to drooling, tummy ache, sickness, diarrhoea and excessive thirst. You can keep your cat safe by checking your cat’s paws when they come inside in winter, especially when you know the gritters have been out. Give their paws a quick wipe to remove any road salt. 

Cats and Antifreeze 

Antifreeze is one of the most serious winter dangers for cats. Ethylene glycol in antifreeze is highly toxic to cats, even in small quantities. Anti-freeze can spill from car radiators, from people topping up their cars, or from knocked over bottles left lying around in sheds or garages. Cats tend to like drinking from puddles and other outdoor water sources, and antifreeze tastes sweet, so cats are at higher risk of antifreeze poisoning. 

Early signs of antifreeze poisoning in cats include: 

  • Sickness 
  • Wobbliness (walking like they are drunk) 
  • Drinking and weeing excessively 

The cat may then seem better for a short period, 12-24 hours after ingestion of the antifreeze. However, 24-36 hours later, antifreeze toxicity causes acute kidney injury.  

So, later signs of antifreeze poisoning in cats include: 

  • excessive drooling,  
  • lethargy or depression, 
  • poor appetite,  
  • sickness,  
  • diarrhoea, 
  • bad breath, 
  • seizures, 
  • collapse and  
  • death. 

Sadly, antifreeze toxicity is frequently fatal, especially as it is usually diagnosed late. 

If you are using any antifreeze products, keep them well out of reach of your cat. Clear up any spills straight away, and keep your cat away from the area. You should never use antifreeze to prevent outdoor water sources from freezing (such as ornamental ponds). 

Winter Health 

The cold weather can also exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, or cat flu. A good quality complete cat food, plenty of warm cosy beds and some extra TLC are in order! If you notice any changes in your cat, or have any concerns, don’t delay in getting them checked by a vet.  

Many cats are less active in the colder weather, meaning you’ll need to keep an eye on their weight. Obesity carries significant health risks for your feline friend, such as increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and liver disease. You may need to reduce the amount you feed them, or increase their exercise by playing toy chasing games inside. Conversely, cats that spend a lot of time outdoors in winter may need a little extra food, as they are burning more calories to stay warm. 

Since it is a legal requirement, all UK cats should now be microchipped. The start of winter is a good time to check that your details are up to date with the microchip database, in case your cat gets into trouble or gets lost. The microchip database is not related to the details you register at your vet practice, so you need to update them both separately. 

Arthritis in cats 

Arthritis and joint pain gets worse in cold or damp weather. If your cat is arthritic, you may notice that they are stiffer in cold weather. They may be slow to rise after a sleep, reluctant to jump, poor at grooming themselves, sleep more, or limp. If you notice any of these signs, take them to a vet to discuss options, even if they are already on treatment. Arthritic cats may need extra pain relief over the winter months.  

There are measures you can take at home to support your arthritic cat through the winter too. Consider: 

  • Ramps or staged steps to their favourite high places 
  • Plenty of warm, padded beds  
  • Easy access radiator beds 
  • Raising food and water bowls slightly off the ground, so your cat doesn’t need to bend down to reach them 
  • Putting down non-slip runners on any hard or slippery floors 
  • Easy access, low sided litter trays (even for outdoor cats, so they don’t have to go outside if they don’t feel up to it)  
  • Brushing your cat more regularly, as arthritic cats often can’t groom themselves properly. 
  • Ensuring they are a healthy weight, to take pressure off their joints 
  • Encouraging them to maintain gentle, regular movement, so their joints don’t seize up. 

Cats hide signs of pain and illness very well, so if you notice any changes in their behaviour, or have any concerns, book a health check with their vet sooner rather than later.  

Winter can be a magical time! Cats can make the perfect companions in cold weather; often content to curl up on a blanket with you. However, winter does bring a few challenges for your feline friend, so be prepared. Take some steps now, to keep your cat happy and healthy through the colder months.