Skip to content 
Ensuring proper care for outdoor cats during colder months is crucial to their well-being. To keep outdoor cats warm in winter, provide insulated shelters, offer high-calorie food, and ensure access to fresh, unfrozen water. Simple steps like using heated bedding or positioning shelters away from wind can significantly improve their comfort and safety.
1. Create a Safe and Insulated Shelter for Your Cat
Choosing the Right Shelter Material
The first step in ensuring your outdoor cat stays warm during winter is providing them with a sturdy, insulated shelter. This can be a commercial outdoor cat house or a DIY shelter made from materials that retain heat.
Wooden shelters are among the best choices because wood naturally insulates and holds heat better than plastic or metal. Opt for a small, compact shelter with enough space for your cat to move around but not so large that it loses warmth. If you’re building a DIY shelter, make sure the walls are double-layered, and consider adding insulation between them, such as foam boards or straw.
Plastic is also an option, but it’s essential to ensure that the plastic shelter is thick and reinforced to protect against wind and water. For even better results, line the shelter with reflective materials, such as Mylar, to maximize heat retention.
Elevate the Shelter from the Ground
Keeping the shelter off the ground will prevent cold and moisture from seeping in. Elevate the shelter using wooden pallets, bricks, or other sturdy materials. This setup helps keep the shelter dry, while also reducing the chances of flooding if it rains or snows.
Use Insulating Materials Inside the Shelter
After setting up the shelter, make sure to line the inside with insulating materials that will provide warmth. Straw is one of the best options because it doesn’t retain moisture, and it keeps cats warm by trapping air in its layers. Avoid using blankets or towels as they absorb moisture and can freeze in cold weather, potentially making the situation worse. If straw is not available, shredded newspaper or dry leaves can also be used, though straw is still the top choice for insulation.
Provide a Small Entrance
To minimize the loss of heat, ensure the entrance is small. A cat should be able to fit through comfortably but not much more. This helps trap heat inside the shelter. Consider adding a flap or a curtain at the entrance to further block the wind.
2. Keep the Shelter Dry and Safe from Snow
Seal All Gaps and Cracks
Gaps or cracks in your shelter’s structure can let in cold air and moisture, making it harder for your outdoor cat to stay warm. Use weatherproofing tape or foam sealant to close any small openings. This is especially important around doors and windows. Make sure that the roof is sloped to allow snow and rain to slide off rather than accumulate.
Clear Snow and Ice Regularly
After a heavy snowstorm, it’s essential to clear the area around the shelter so your cat can enter and exit easily. Keep the entrance path free of snow and ice, and regularly shovel around the shelter to maintain a safe, accessible environment.
3. Provide Nutritious Food and Fresh Water
Increase Caloric Intake
In the winter, cats burn more energy to stay warm, so it’s crucial to adjust their diet to meet these increased needs. Offer a high-quality, high-protein cat food that provides the necessary calories for energy. Wet food is beneficial because it helps hydrate your cat and offers more calories than dry food. However, if your cat is particularly active or in need of extra warmth, you might want to add dry food to their meals for extra caloric intake.
Offer Fresh Water
Frozen water can be a major problem for outdoor cats. Ensure fresh water is always available by providing a heated water bowl that prevents freezing. You can find a variety of pet-safe heated bowls on the market that are safe for both outdoor use and feline consumption.
4. Use Cat Heating Pads or Pet Heating Mats
If you’re looking for additional warmth, consider investing in a pet heating pad or heating mat designed specifically for cats. These can be placed inside the shelter, providing direct warmth to your cat’s body. Be sure to choose one with low voltage and automatic temperature regulation for safety.
It’s important to note that heating pads should be used with caution. They should never be placed directly on the ground or left on unattended for too long. It’s essential to make sure your cat can leave the heated area if they become too warm.
5. Monitor Your Cat’s Health and Behavior
Look for Signs of Cold Stress
Even with a warm shelter and adequate nutrition, outdoor cats can still suffer from cold stress if they are exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods. Signs of hypothermia or frostbite in cats include:
- Shivering or trembling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Cold, pale ears or paws
- Slowed breathing or irregular heartbeat
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to bring your cat indoors or get them medical help immediately. Additionally, make sure your cat’s shelter is in a place that offers protection from extreme winds and direct exposure to the elements.
Check for Potential Health Issues
Winter can exacerbate existing health conditions, so make sure your cat is up to date with their vaccinations and regular vet checkups. Cats with arthritis or older cats may have more difficulty handling the cold, and you might need to provide extra care in these cases.
6. Consider Bringing Your Cat Indoors During Extreme Cold
While some cats are naturally outdoor creatures, during extreme cold spells, it’s important to assess the situation and bring them indoors. This is especially true if temperatures drop below freezing, as this can pose a serious risk to their health and safety.
7. Use Outdoor Cat Enclosures or Catios for Added Protection
For cats that enjoy spending time outdoors but need protection from the cold, an outdoor cat enclosure or catio can be an excellent solution. These secure spaces allow cats to enjoy the fresh air while being shielded from the elements. You can even insulate the walls or add heating elements to these enclosures to create a comfortable winter environment.
Conclusion
Keeping outdoor cats warm in winter requires a combination of the right shelter, adequate nutrition, and careful attention to their health. By following the tips outlined above, you can help ensure your outdoor cat stays comfortable and safe during the colder months. Provide insulated shelter, offer nutritious food, use heating pads if necessary, and regularly check on your cat’s well-being to guarantee that they have a warm, secure environment throughout the winter.
