A Complete Guide to Winter Care for Your Cat

When the temperature plummets and the first snowflakes fall, the postcard image of a cat is one of pure contentment—curled up by a fireplace, basking in the indoor warmth. While cats are masters of finding comfort, this cozy stereotype can mask the very real dangers and discomforts the winter season brings. A cat’s needs change significantly when the weather turns, and providing proper care requires vigilance from their owners, whether the cat lives exclusively indoors or ventures outside. The single most important winter safety measure is, without question, keeping your cat indoors. Cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia just like humans, especially on their delicate ears, paws, and tails. A cat left outside for too long in freezing temperatures is in a life-or-death situation. But the cold itself is not the only outdoor threat. Winter introduces a host of lethal new hazards into the environment. Antifreeze, which often leaks from car radiators, is a notorious killer. It has a sweet taste that is appealing to animals, but even a single lick can be enough to cause irreversible, fatal kidney failure. Any spills must be cleaned up immediately and thoroughly. Similarly, the salt and chemical de-icers used on driveways and sidewalks are toxic. A cat walking through them will later groom their paws, ingesting the corrosive chemicals, which can cause severe mouth ulcers and internal poisoning. Their paws can also become cracked, raw, and painful from the ice and chemicals. Perhaps the most insidious outdoor danger is the car engine. A cold cat will instinctively seek out any source of warmth, and the residual heat from a recently parked car’s engine bay is a common, and often tragic, refuge. When the engine is started, the fan belt can kill or maim the animal. This is why it is an absolute rule of winter to always bang loudly on the hood of your car and check wheel wells before starting the engine, giving any animal hiding inside a chance to escape. For community and feral cats, providing a small, insulated, straw-filled shelter and fresh, unfrozen water can be a lifesaver. But for a household pet, the safest place is firmly inside. However, the indoor environment is not without its own set of challenges. This same pursuit of warmth that leads outdoor cats to car engines will lead an indoor cat to fireplaces, space heaters, and radiators. A cat can get too close, singeing its fur or, more seriously, suffering a severe burn. Fireplaces must always have a sturdy screen, and portable space heaters should be the modern kind that shut off automatically if tipped over. Never leave a cat unsupervised with an open flame or a space heater. The dry air from our central heating systems also poses a problem. This lack of humidity can dry out a cat’s skin, leading to dandruff, itchiness, and a dull coat. It can also irritate their respiratory passages, much like it does our own. Furthermore, the dry air increases static electricity, which can make petting an uncomfortable, “shocking” experience for both you and your cat. Placing a humidifier in the rooms where your cat spends the most time can significantly improve their skin, coat, and respiratory comfort. This dry, cold air also exacerbates health conditions, especially in senior cats. Arthritis is incredibly common in older felines, and the cold weather makes their joints stiff and painful. You may notice your senior cat is less willing to jump to their favorite windowsill perch or has difficulty navigating stairs. You can help by providing soft, extra-warm bedding on the floor and adding pet-safe ramps or steps to their favorite furniture. A comfortably warm house is not just a luxury for them, but a medical necessity. Finally, pay attention to their diet and hydration. An indoor cat in winter often becomes less active, preferring to nap in a sunbeam rather than run around. This means they may need fewer calories, not more, to prevent winter weight gain. Conversely, any cat that does spend time outdoors will burn significantly more calories just to stay warm and will need a food adjustment. Hydration is also key, as cats may be less inclined to drink from a cold water bowl, and the dry air is dehydrating. Ensure they have constant access to fresh water, and consider using a pet fountain to encourage drinking.

Winter, in the end, is a season of cozy vigilance. It requires us to be aware of the invisible threats—the chemical on the paw, the dry air in the room, the hidden ache in their joints—to ensure our feline companions stay as safe, healthy,