Is My Cat Cold? How to Keep a Cat Warm in Winter

Pet lovers, especially those who are going to keep a cat for the first time, ask frequently, “Do cats get cold in winter?” The answer to their question is yes. Cats are more prone to colds than humans. 

It is an interesting fact that cats can maintain their body temperature in hot weather by dissipating heat but are not very good at warming their bodies in cold weather. In a reduced temperature, they look for a warm shelter, start cuddling, or roll up their body in a compact ball to increase their body temperature. That is why cats get cold easily and become sick.

In this article, we will learn in detail how your cat can get cold, how to tell if your cat is cold, and how to keep it warm.

Which Types of Cats Are More Prone to Cold?

Cats undoubtedly have fur coats that protect them against extremely cold weather. But regardless of heavy fur, they are vulnerable to low-temperature sickness if they are unable to find a warm place. 

But how do you know which traits make your cat sensitive to cold? Some types of cats are listed below that are more exposed to cold weather as compared to others due to their special characteristics. 

1. Outdoor Cats

Outdoor cats are more likely to become colder than indoor cats because they are exposed to weather conditions. They also interact with other cats, which increases their chances of catching a cold virus.

2. Cats with Low Body Fats

Cats with slim and lean bodies have more chances of getting hypothermia due to less body fat. The fat layer around the body works as an insulator and prevents the loss of body heat. 

3. Kittens

Kittens are younger cats that can not regulate their body temperature in the first three weeks after their birth. During this time, their mother helps them to warm their body. Later, they start regulating their body temperature themselves.

4. Hairless Breed Cats

As mentioned earlier, fur coats help cats maintain their temperature by serving as a heatproof sheet and reducing their body heat loss. Cats with hairless bodies can dissipate heat and are more likely to get chilled. 

5. Less Active Cats

Active felines who love to play generate more heat in their bodies and do not become frigid easily compared to those who do not play and spend more time in bed.

How to Know If My Cat Gets Cold?

In winter, kitties get viral or bacterial infections that affect their upper respiratory system, and we refer to it as cold. But if you want to check whether your cat is suffering from a cold or not, check its paws, tail, and ears. If these body parts are cold, it is a sign that your kitten gets chilled.

To find out if your cat has a cold or another type of infection, you can look for some common symptoms listed below.

• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Fever
• Drainage from eyes
• Lethargy
• Absent appetite
• Sneezing and coughing
• Difficult breathing
• Redness of eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Sniffles

How to Keep a Cat Warm in Winter?

Cats have a higher body temperature (100.5F-102.5F) than humans. Therefore, when the outside temperature gets lower than 6 to 7 Celsius, every cat needs a warm place to maintain its body heat. But how can you keep your cat warm? Here are some methods that can help you to keep it temperate. 

Nebulization

With decreasing temperature, there are more chances that your cat will get a lung infection. To prevent or treat your pets from a respiratory infection or cold, nebulization proves helpful. This is a type of steam therapy that helps moisturize the lungs, keep them warm, and remove the lung and throat secretions effectively.

To perform this hot cat bath therapy, close all the windows and doors of your bathroom and open the hot water tap in the tub. Water must be hot enough that the room fills with steam. Now, keep your cat inside for 15 to 20 minutes. This will be a good cure for a mild cold. 

Concentrate on Good Food

A cat's body needs more food to generate more metabolic heat and keep its fat level high, preventing it from getting cold. Therefore, try to give your cat more calorie-containing food to prevent a cold. However, if your cat gets cold and suffers from an illness, you should give it a soft and warm-up diet. It will help it swallow easily and get more heat and energy to recover. 

Arrange a Warm Bed

Having a warm bed for your little friend is also a great idea to maintain its body temperature. There are different types of warm beds available in the market. For example, electric hotbeds are good for this purpose. These beds are designed so that once they hit the required temperature, they stop heating. Self-heating beds also prove helpful to keep your buddy warm.

Do Not Keep Bed on Earth

The temperature rises with an increase in height, so try to keep your cat’s bed on an elevated surface from the earth.

Dress Up Your Cat with Sweater

Mostly, cats do not wear dresses or sweaters. But if your cat is comfortable dressing up, you can use a thick, cozy sweater to avoid the cold. However, you need to keep the sweater's size perfect so that it does not irritate it while walking. 

Keep Your Cat Indoors

Keeping your cat indoors in winter is better than outdoor activities. You can do this by increasing indoor playtime and offering food treats to limit it inside the house. These activities also boost their body heat and avoid catching a cold. 

Final Words

Cats are more sensitive to colds and need more protective measures to avoid winter infections. So, monitoring your cat’s health condition and taking preventive measures is important to keep your little kitty safe and happy. Moreover, if your cat gets cold, try to warm it using the methods explained above. In severe conditions, we recommend visiting an expert vet immediately for emergency treatment. 

FAQs

How cold is too cold for cats?

Cats feel comfortable at 32 Fahrenheit or above. Below this temperature, your cats may get cold. 

Does sharing your bed with your cat help to warm it?

Yes. In winter, cats need a warm place to sleep and maintain their body heat. Your body heat will help them to be comfortable and avoid cold. 

Should I give a bath to my cat in winter?

No. Cats need heat in winter, so do not put them in water or under a shower. Besides, we recommend using alternative ways to clean their body and ensure hygiene.

Do cats sleep more in winter? 

Yes, you will notice your cats sleep more in winter because they use their instinct to store more energy. It also increases their fat deposition and prevents them from getting cold.