01/09/2025
BRRRR! Hope you're all staying warm - kitties included! and speaking of, I found some good information through the SPCA so I thought I'd share:
Do Cats Get Cold?
Unless they're a very short-haired or hairless breed, cats typically have warm coats, and (hopefully) they stay inside. However, they can still get cold. For instance, they might get outside unexpectedly on a chilly day or find themselves stuck in a cold area of your house, like the basement, attic, or an uninsulated crawlspace.
They can also get cold if you turn the heat down too far or if it goes off unexpectedly while you're out. Keep your cat's comfort in mind when you turn down the heat as you're leaving the house. If it's especially cold out, you may want to leave it up a few degrees.
How to Keep Cats Warm in Winter
A loving cuddle on the couch together is one of the best ways to keep your cat—and yourself—warm in the winter. Here are some other tips to help your cat stay cozy:
• Leave out a soft blanket, towel, or pet bed in a warm room so they can snuggle up on their own when they want to rest.
• If you have an older cat with arthritis, consider buying them a pet bed designed to soothe aching joints, which may bother them more in the colder months.
• Feed them a nutritious diet, which will help keep their coat thick and healthy
• Make sure your heating system is reliable, especially if you need to leave your cat home alone for long stretches of time.
You can also warm up your cat by initiating an interactive game. Invite them to swat at a safe cat wand, hunt mice toys, or chase ping pong balls. Some cats love an obstacle course of cardboard boxes and paper bags, which you can set up easily. Just be sure to supervise them while they play and put the boxes and bags away when you're done.
Do Cats Get Dry Skin in the Winter?
Your cat's skin can get dry in the winter, just like ours. Dry skin may appear red, scaly, and flaky. If it's especially itchy, your cat may bite or scratch at it, causing sores and scabbing. Check your cat's skin regularly for any issues all year round but especially during the winter. If you notice any problems, visit your veterinarian for treatment advice.
Can Cats Get Fleas in the Winter?
You might think fleas wouldn't be a problem in winter, but they're attracted to our warm houses when it gets cold outside. They may take a ride inside on your dog, your clothing, or an animal that gets into the house, which is something that can happen more often in the winter. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to combat fleas in the colder months.
Do Cats Sleep More in Winter?
Your typical cat might sleep anywhere from twelve to sixteen or even up to twenty hours a day. In the winter months, they may sleep even longer than usual in response to shorter daylight hours or changes in your routine, such as an earlier bedtime.
You don't necessarily need to worry about extended cat naps during the winter. However, you should contact your veterinarian if your cat is especially lethargic, missing meals, refusing to play as usual, or showing signs of illness like a messy coat. There may be more going on than extra winter ZZZ's.
Do Cats Get Seasonal Depression?
We can't tell exactly what's going on with our cats emotionally, but you may notice your cat is less engaged, sleeping more, and even looking a bit sad in the winter. Maybe they're down because they have less time to bask in the sun. Or perhaps they're responding to our own winter blues. Cats can be very in tune with our emotional states and may reflect back your feelings of restlessness or listlessness in the winter.
There are lots of ways to help keep your cat happy and engaged during the colder months. For instance, buy them a new toy or sprinkle a little catnip on an old favorite toy to renew their interest in it. Teach them a new trick like waving, shaking hands, or lying down. It can take patience and effort to train a cat, but it can be a fun bonding experience that's worth the time.
Another idea is to set up a bird feeder near a window for your cat's entertainment. Add a sturdy perch to the windowsill where your cat can sit comfortably and watch the birds come and go. Make sure the window is secure so your cat can't harm the birds or get hurt trying.
(And what would a City Kitty post be without and bunch of adorable kitty pics? Enjoy and... wait for it...STAY WARM!)
