With all the talk about high energy costs this winter, a lot of us are wondering how we'll keep warm. It's tough when you have to choose between keeping the heat on and buying groceries.
And if you have pets, it's even more worrisome. At least we can put on a sweater or slippers, but cats aren't big fans of clothes!
So, we're going to share 5 budget-friendly and simple ways to keep your indoor cat warm this winter.
#1 Heat Up Together
If you're using your radiators to stay warm, why not give your cat a cozy spot near one? Try to keep their bed close to where it usually is, so they can find it easily.
And be careful about putting it right next to the metal part of the radiator. You don't want them getting burned! You can also buy special radiator beds that hang off the radiator, giving your cat a nice warm spot to snuggle.
#2 Cozy Up in the Warmest Spots
Try to encourage your cat to stay in the warmest parts of your house. Avoid letting them hang out in drafty or poorly insulated rooms. And since some of us keep our cat's litter boxes in those colder spots, you might need to find a new location for them until things warm up.
Try to get those litter boxes out of the mudroom, garage, or wherever they are hiding! Nobody likes to do their business with a draft on their bum, and your cat is no exception.
Remember, cats don't enjoy cold, damp places. So, treat them like a member of the family, and they'll return the favor with purrs and cuddles.
#3 For Outdoor Cats
If your cat loves to explore the outdoors, you might want to limit their time outside during the coldest months. This can be tough, but if you can, try to find a safe and dry spot where they can hide if they get too cold or wet. Make sure it's cozy, out of the wind, and has a dry floor. You can encourage your cat to use this space by putting their litter box and food bowl inside. The familiar scents of their litter box will make them feel safe and comfortable.
But, It's always best to keep cats indoors during the winter months…
If you can keep your outdoor cat inside more, make sure they have plenty of fun things to do! Cats love to explore and play, so provide some toys to keep them entertained. There are all kinds of toys you can buy, like food reward toys, balls with bells, and even a simple feather on a stick. You can even get interactive toys to keep them entertained while you're at work.
But you don't have to spend money on toys. Homemade and eco-friendly cat toys are just as fun and can be made from things you already have around the house.
And if you're looking for a way to encourage your cat's natural instincts while also protecting your furniture, consider a scratching post that doubles as a side table, like the Cat-e-Corner. It's a great way to give your cat a place to scratch and play while also adding a stylish touch to your home.
#4 Sunlight Savings
Cats love to bask in the sunshine. During the day, keep your curtains and blinds open to let the sunlight pour in. Put a cat bed or a cozy blanket in the sunniest spots to create a warm and inviting place for your cat to relax.
#5 Fuel Up and Play
Your cat's normal body temperature is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and keeping it warm in winter takes extra effort. That means they need more energy, and that means more food.
You'll probably notice your cat is hungrier during the colder months. That's normal! Feed them more, or more often, to give them the fuel they need to stay warm.
If you're worried about weight gain, please talk to your veterinarian.
Along with feeding them more, make sure you're playing with your cat more too! Playtime is good for keeping them active and healthy, and it's a great way to warm them up.
How to Tell if My Indoor Cat is Feeling Cold?
If your cat is shivering, sleeping more than usual, curling up tightly, or seeking out warm spots, they might be feeling a little chilly. Those are signs that it's time to make their environment warmer.
Do Cats Get Cold Inside?
You might think that your indoor cats are safe from the cold since they're always inside, but that's not always true! Even though we try to keep our homes warm by turning up the heat and bundling up, some rooms can still feel drafty.
Hypothermia in Cats
One of the biggest concerns during the winter is hypothermia, which can happen if your cat is exposed to the cold for too long. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Weakness
- Slow breathing
- Shivering
- Lethargy
- Feeling cold to the touch, especially on their paws, ears, and tail.
If you think your cat might have hypothermia, act quickly! Move your cat to a warm, dry place away from drafts. Gently wrap them in warm blankets or towels to help raise their temperature. You can also use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad set on the lowest setting, being careful not to make it too hot to prevent burns.
Avoid using direct heat sources like blow dryers, as they can cause injury. If your cat is awake and alert, offer them warm water to drink, but don't force them if they don't want it.
While these steps can help, it's essential to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible, especially if their condition doesn't improve quickly. They may need professional treatment.
When is it Too Cold for Cats?
Extreme cold can be dangerous, even fatal, for cats. Older cats, kittens, and indoor cats are particularly sensitive since they haven't adapted to colder temperatures as well as cats who spend more time outside. Their body weight and fur thickness also affect how well they tolerate cold.
As a general rule, cats shouldn't be left outside when it's below 44°F.
If your cat has been outside and shows any hypothermia signs when they come back inside, contact your vet immediately.
