With their gorgeous fluffy coats, it’s easy to think that our moggies don’t feel the cold the way we do. But is that really true, or can cats get cold? Today, we’re discussing how to tell if your kitty is chilly and sharing effective ways to keep them snug and warm.
Do cats feel the cold?
This question has a simple answer. Despite their fur, just like us humans, cats do feel the cold. In fact, not only can cats get cold, but they may actually feel the chill more than we do. Our feline friends have a naturally higher body temperature than us (38-39°C compared to our 37°C). One reason for this is that their ancestors were desert-dwelling wildcats, so they’ve evolved to prefer hotter weather.(1) Their higher body temperature means kitties need to stay a little warmer than people to be comfortable. Which explains why we often find them curled up in a patch of sunshine or on top of the radiator!
While it’s true that cats can get cold, this doesn’t mean they all feel the same way about chilly weather. For example, kittens and older moggies usually get cold more quickly, as do animals who are unwell, hairless, or skinny. Conversely, felines with thicker fur – like Siberians and Norwegian Forest Cats – tend to be better at tolerating low temperatures. However, even these breeds of cat can get cold if the mercury drops enough.
Your fluffy friend’s fur does a great job at insulating them from the elements. It traps body heat and keeps a layer of warm air next to their skin, helping them stay comfortable. You’ll almost certainly have noticed that your cat grows a thicker coat in winter for this exact reason. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need our help to keep cosy during frosty weather. We’ll talk about how to tell if your cat is too cold and ensure that they stay snug below. But first, at what temperature should you be concerned about your pet’s welfare?
How cold is too cold for cats?
Can cats get cold? Yes. How cold is too cold for them? It depends. For kittens, senior moggies, skinny cats, those with a thin coat, and hairless breeds, 10°C will probably feel uncomfortable. If your fur baby is unwell, even 15°C might be too chilly for them. On the other hand, if your feline friend is healthy and fluffy, they should be ok until temperatures reach 7°C. Of course, these figures are only general guidelines, so it’s important to monitor your pet as the weather gets colder.
Should you let your cat go outside on cold days? You can – but always make sure they’re able to come back in the house when they want to. Most kitties are good at knowing when it’s too chilly and they need to come indoors and warm up.
However, if the mercury drops below freezing, you should keep your cat inside. Yes, even if they meow by the door and turn those big eyes on you! If they really want to get some fresh air, they can, but keep an eye on them and bring them in after a few minutes. Allowing them to stay outside for too long puts them at risk of medical issues like hypothermia and frostbite. This is especially true if it’s also windy and rainy or snowy. Likewise, when faced with extreme conditions like storms or blizzards, it’s wise to keep your moggy indoors. And if your pet does go out in icy weather, make sure their cat flap doesn’t freeze shut.
So, if different cats can tolerate different temperatures, how do you know when your kitty is cold?
How to tell if your cat is cold
Not only can cats get cold, but low temperatures may pose a risk to their health. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot that your kitty is too cold, because they aren’t vocal about telling us. That makes it extra important to monitor their behaviour and body language for signs that they’re feeling chilly.
For example, most moggies will seek out a cosy nook to curl up in when they’re cold. They might also cover their nose with their tail to keep it warm. If you see your cat doing this outside, bring them indoors. And if they’re doing it in the house, follow the tips in the next section to warm them up.
If your furry friend stays cold for too long, their body temperature may drop dangerously low. This could lead to hypothermia. At first, they will shiver to try and warm up, but as they get colder this reflex might stop. Other symptoms of hypothermia in cats include:
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Weakness and lethargy
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Being cold to the touch (especially their paws, nose, and ears)
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Slow heart rate and breathing rate
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Pale gums
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Confusion or clumsiness
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Loss of consciousness or collapsing
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, take them to the vet immediately. Hypothermia can be extremely serious and even fatal if you don’t deal with it.
Another dangerous condition your kitty is at risk of in freezing weather is frostbite. Symptoms of this include:
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Cold and fragile skin
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Blackened or dead skin
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Swelling, blisters, or ulcers
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Discolouration of the skin (e.g. it looks blue, grey, or red)
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Pain when you touch the affected area
Again, take your pet to the vet straight away if you spot any of these symptoms.
Top tips for keeping your cat warm in winter
Our feline friends are adept at finding warm spots in the house to curl up in. However, when the weather is especially chilly, they might need some extra help from us to stay comfortable. For example, if your kitty goes out in the rain or snow, dry them off with a towel when they return (assuming they’ll allow you to!). They will feel the cold more if their coat is damp.
Can cats get cold in the house? Of course. If you feel chilly inside, they probably do too. You can help by providing them with snug places to relax in. That could be a heated cat bed, a bed that hooks over the radiator, or a box lined with blankets. Place it away from draughty areas and in direct sunlight for maximum comfort levels. And remember that the two of you can share body heat! Cuddling up together is one of the most effective (and enjoyable!) ways to stay warm.
Another tactic to try is encouraging your kitty to play. If you can get them moving around when it’s chilly, they’ll naturally generate more body heat. Should your cat wear clothes when it’s cold? In most cases, this isn’t necessary, and it could even cause your pet stress. However, if you have a hairless, old, or unwell moggy, you might want to consider trying it.
If your cat usually goes to the bathroom outside, we recommend getting an indoor litter tray for them to use in winter. That way, there’s no need for them to brave the chill if they don’t fancy it!
Helping stray and feral cats in cold weather
Because they live outdoors, feral cats tend to have thicker coats and be better at coping with the cold than our pampered pets. However, that doesn’t mean they enjoy it. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help stray cats in your area during periods of chilly weather.
For instance, you could build a shelter for them in your garden or leave out some food and water. It’s also possible that neighbourhood cats could try to sneak into your shed or garage to stay warm. As such, take care not to lock or trap them inside when you shut the door. Alternatively, you might consider installing a cat flap so they can come and go as they please.
There are also some specific safety considerations to think about – for both your cat and others – during the winter. As an example, some animals are attracted to the residual heat of car engines during cold weather. Always check your bonnet, wheel wells, and beneath your vehicle before starting the engine to ensure no kitties are sheltering there.
In addition, antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats even in small amounts. Be careful not to spill any when you use it, keep the product out of reach, and clean up any leaks thoroughly. Finally, because it gets dark earlier, animals are at greater risk of accidents on the road during the winter. Be vigilant when you drive and consider keeping your own fur baby inside after sunset.
Can cats get colds?
While cats don’t get the same colds as we humans do, they can catch something similar. Cat flu, or a cat cold, is a form of upper respiratory disease that’s usually caused by a virus. Although cold weather isn’t directly responsible, it may make moggies more susceptible to the condition by weakening their immune system.
Cat cold symptoms are comparable to those of human colds, and include:
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Sneezing
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Coughing
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Runny nose
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Red and watery eyes
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Dribbling
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Sore throat and lost voice
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Fever
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Sleeping more than usual
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Ulcers in the mouth and/or eyes
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Appetite loss
If your pet is experiencing any of these, take them to the vet (especially if they’re still a kitten). The illness is contagious and can easily spread to other cats, so keep your kitty isolated to prevent this. Don’t worry about getting it yourself though – humans can’t catch cat flu (and neither can dogs).
In the majority of cases, these cat cold symptoms should clear up within about ten days. The easiest way to prevent your moggy from suffering with severe cat flu is to have them vaccinated. This won’t stop them from catching the illness, but will greatly reduce the severity of their symptoms if they do. Speak to your vet for more information about vaccinating your pets.
What to do if your cat has a cold
Although there’s no cure for the condition, your vet can recommend cat cold treatment options. If your kitty’s symptoms are mild, they probably won’t need any medication. However, in more serious instances, it may be necessary for them to take antibiotics, eye drops, or anti-inflammatories. Either way, you can help your fur baby recover as quickly as possible by:
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Wiping their nose and eyes with a cotton wool pad soaked in warm water. This helps remove any discharge and allows them to breathe more easily. It also enables them to smell their food, which might encourage them to eat.
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Making sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water to drink so they stay hydrated.
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Dishing up appetising and wholesome meals. At Boosie, we offer a range of functional foods you can add to your kitty’s bowl to support their wellbeing. For example, our organic reishi mushroom powder could help look after their immune system and ease stress.(2)
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Warming their meals to encourage them to tuck in.
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Sitting with them in a steamy room (e.g. the bathroom after a hot shower) to relieve their congestion. Don’t leave them alone or force them to stay if they don’t want to, though! A humidifier can also help with this.
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Keeping your kitty warm and cosy, and ensuring they have a quiet space to rest in.
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Trying to keep your moggy’s life as stress-free as possible. For example, don't make any big changes to their environment or routine while they’re recovering.
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Keeping their bedding, food and water bowls, and toys clean to avoid reinfection.
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Offering them as much love and attention as they want!
Can cats get cold?
Not only can cats get cold, but frosty weather could be harmful to their health. As a general guideline, if the temperature feels chilly to you, it probably feels chilly to them too. Luckily, there are plenty of things we can do to keep our fluffy friends warm and snug. When the mercury drops, keep them inside and make sure they have a cosy bed to curl up in. Stay vigilant for signs of hypothermia, frostbite or cat flu, and book a vet appointment if you have any concerns. And we won’t blame you if you use the winter weather as an excuse for an extra cuddle!
