How to keep cats warm: tips for heating up indoor and outdoor kitties

Cats famously aren’t big fans of the cold. While some cats can tolerate it for a little while, they aren’t adapted to deal with that winter chill like us and dogs.

But cats, more famously, aren’t usually forthcoming with how they feel. So, how can you tell if your cat is cold? What are the key signs to look for, and how can you keep your cat warm?

Discover how to keep cats warm, as well as the signs that they’re too chilly, below.

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How to keep cats warm

Keeping cats warm in winter needs a bit of preparation and quick reactivity. For most pet parents, your home should be warm enough, and you don’t need to worry unless you see signs your cat is cold.

Thankfully, most cats can take care of themselves and regulate their own temperature, like curling up in a ball on your lap. But if your cat is prone to being cold, or you notice they’re chilly, here’s what to do.

Proactive steps (before it gets cold)

Keeping your cat warm means making small changes to your home and their bed (if they let you) in advance.

Allow for indoor access (if your cat is the outdoor type)

Outdoor cats are more exposed to the cold and bad weather, so allow for indoor access if your cat’s the outdoor type. This’ll mean they can easily get in if they’re cold.

Consider getting a thicker or elevated bed

Buying a thicker, warmer bed or choosing to get an elevated one means your cat will be much warmer when they rest.

Get rid of drafts

Making your home draft-free will benefit both you and your cats. But we know this isn’t always possible, so at a minimum, move your cat’s bed to somewhere with no or minimal drafts.

Prioritise natural warmth

Little touches, like getting the habit of opening curtains when it’s sunny, can allow your cat to rest in some extra warmth during the day.

Move your cat’s bed to a warm spot

Move your cat’s bed (they may not be happy with it) to a warmer part of the house.

Provide more, thicker blankets

Something as simple as preparing more or thicker blankets can be enough to offset the colder temperatures.

Regulate your home’s temperature

If you can, have your central heating come on at sensible times of the day.

Spread out resources

In multi-cat households, keep multiple warm beds and water bowls around in different locations. This will prevent one cat from claiming it. It’ll help make sure all of your cats have access to warmth when they need it.

Reactive steps (if your home’s already cold)

Apply gentle heat

Don’t rush to heat your cat up as quickly as possible. Gradually expose them to more heat over time to prevent shock.

Dry them if they’re wet

Wet cats will feel colder, so dry yours if they’ve taken a dip somewhere they shouldn’t or got soaked in the rain.

Give them warm water

If your cat is eating and drinking, offer them some warm water. But don’t force them to drink it.

Move your cat to a warm, dry environment

Take them to a dry, warm environment as soon as you can.

See a vet if it’s serious

If your vet has a few troubling symptoms and doesn’t seem to be improving, then see a vet. It can indicate a deeper health problem.

What not to do if your cat’s cold

• Don’t use things like hairdryers or electric blankets. These intense heat sources are too strong and can lead to burns and shock.

• Never heat your cat up quickly - you need to do it gradually, and rapid heating can lead to shock.

• If you suspect frostbite, don’t rub it or touch it. Just let the vet sort things out.

Heating safety: human tools to avoid

We recommend being vigilant with:

Fireplaces

Cats love fireplaces, but you need to keep vigilant when they’re near them. They’re a real risk, especially if you have an open, wood-burning fire. Our guide on pets and fireplaces discusses more.

Heated blankets

Heated blankets can cause problems for cats as they’re typically made for humans. They’re far too hot, leading to potential problems like burns, electric shocks, and overheating.

We wouldn’t recommend using and if you do, only do it under close supervision. A pet-specific heated bed or blanket is better, as they feature safety features like automatic shut-offs and don’t get too hot.

Human heating pads

Pet-safe heating pads are fine for cats. But human heat pads aren’t; they’re too hot and lack the proper safety guidelines of pet-safe options.

Space heaters

Only use these if you’re in the room with your cat and you can keep an eye on them. Never leave them in the room unattended with one, and don’t leave one on when you’re not at home. It’s a danger for both the cat and your home.

Ways to keep your cat warm if you can’t turn on the central heating

We know energy and heat bills are very high these days, so it’s understandable you may want to keep the heating off for part or most of the day. After all, it isn’t your fault - there are times when we need to prioritise our financial security.

But that doesn’t mean your cat (or you) has to be cold. So, if you’re wondering “how do I keep my cat warm without turning on the central heating?”, we’re here to help.

Thankfully, a lot of the advice we’ve already shared in this article helps here, including:

• Buying pet-safe heating options, like heat pads or self-heating beds

• Closing off cold rooms

• Creating a raised bed so your cat is away from the cold floor

• Creating warm, cosy spaces in the warmest parts of the house

• Eliminating drafts

• Keeping your cat well-fed and hydrated

• Making an indoor den out of a cardboard box

• Placing beds near sunlight so your cat can bask

• Playing with your cat to warm them up through movement

• Using a warm (not hot) water bottle on their bed (read our hot water bottle safety guide first)

• Using extra layers of fleece blankets or similar

How do you know if your cat is too cold?

We have detailed guidance in our cats and the cold guide, but in short, key signs your cat is too cold include:

Early signs

• Body position, like curling into a ball

• Cold to touch

• Seeking out warmth, like a fireplace or the sun

• Shivering

Severe signs (when you need to see a vet)

• Breathing changes

• Coordination problems, like confusion, clumsiness, or difficulty walking

• Lethargy

• Loss of consciousness

• Muscle stiffness

• Pale, blue-tinged gums

• Slow heart rate

Can cats actually survive in the cold?

We’ve discussed this in detail in do cats feel the cold guide. But in short, cats are able to adapt to the cold, but only for a very short time. They aren’t adapted to stay out in the elements for long, and pet parents should focus on keeping their cats warm when the weather gets cooler.

Your cat will naturally seek out heat and shelter when the chill hits, and wild cats still find ways to survive. But it isn’t so much about if a cat can survive something; it’s more a question of if your cat is comfortable and happy, which they won’t be in the cold.

Cats who are especially vulnerable to the cold

Elderly cats

Older cats can suffer from issues like arthritis, which worsen in the cold, and generally “feel” the cold more due to a lack of fat and muscle mass compared to younger cats.

Hairless breeds

Hairless cats, like Sphynx cats, don’t have a coat to keep them warm, meaning they’re more exposed to drops in temperature.

Thin cats

Underweight cats lack the body fat and muscle of cats who weigh a healthy amount, which causes them to feel the cold more sharply.

Unwell cats

Cats who are unwell - whether it’s a mild or chronic issue - can be less tolerant of colder temperatures.

Young kitties

Kittens, much like elderly cats, lack the body fat and muscle of adult cats. They haven’t fully grown their coat, either, which makes them more vulnerable.

What to do if your cat doesn’t seem to warm up

If you’ve tried changing the environment and moving your cat to a warmer area, but if they’re still chilly, you can try making changes to their nutrition.

For example, increasing their calories a little can help them offset the cold over the long-term, and you can even warm up food gently to encourage appetite, warm up your pet, and maintain hydration.

Even if it’s cold, you must make sure your cat is getting enough water. They can be aquaphobic, but dehydration can significantly impact temperature regulation.

If you have attempted everything and your cat still seems cold, please see your vet. It can indicate a deeper problem.

What to do if you have an outdoor cat

Outdoor cats shouldn’t be left to deal with the cold on their own. You can help them, too. Some ways to help outdoor cats in the cold include:

• Build a protective, insulated shelter with additions like straw bedding.

• Increase calories for outdoor cats since exposure to the cold will mean they’ll burn through more in a day.

• Using heated water bowls to prevent water freezing, which makes sure outdoor cats stay hydrated.

Critical outdoor safety to consider

Antifreeze

Be vigilant about spills of antifreeze (they're highly toxic) and consider using pet-safe de-icing salts for pavements, as standard rock salt can burn paws.

Tap your cat hood

Always tap loudly on your car's hood before starting the engine. Cats often climb near the warm engine block or tires for heat.

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