Cats are good at finding warm spots, but winter is still hard on two groups in particular: older cats with stiff joints, and cats that spend time outdoors. A warm bed, a dry shelter, and a few simple safety checks make a big difference when temperatures drop.
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This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat seems unwell, very cold, or in pain, contact your veterinarian.
Why Winter Is Harder on Senior Cats
Many older cats have arthritis, even if they hide it well. Cold weather can make stiff joints feel worse, so you may notice your cat jumping less, sleeping more, or hesitating before using the stairs or litter box. Senior cats also tend to lose muscle and body fat, which makes it harder to stay warm.
Keeping a Senior Cat Warm Indoors
Give Them a Warm Bed Off the Floor
Floors near doors and windows can be drafty. Move your cat’s bed to a warm, quiet spot, and raise it slightly off cold tile if you can.
- A self-warming bed or mat reflects your cat’s own body heat back to them with no electricity. The Bedsure Self-Warming Cat Mat is a simple, low-cost choice for cats 8 to 30 pounds
- For cats with arthritis, the Bedsure Self-Warming Egg Foam Pet Mat combines self-warming fabric with supportive egg-crate foam
- Many cats love an enclosed space. The Bedsure ComfyFleece Dual-Layer Cat Bed has deep, wraparound sides, and the Bedsure Faux-Linen Cat Tent gives a cozy, covered hideaway
Consider a Low-Heat Electric Mat
For thin or very senior cats, a pet heating mat can help. The Bedsure ReflexHeat Pet Heating Mat is designed for indoor use or a covered shelter and has built-in protection against overheating. With any heated pet product:
- Place it so your cat can easily move off the heat if they get too warm
- Cover only part of the bed, so there is a cooler area too
- Check cords regularly for chewing or damage
- Be extra careful with cats that have trouble moving, because they may not get off the heat on their own
- Never use a human heating pad, which can get much hotter
Make Favorite Spots Easier to Reach
If your cat used to jump to the couch, bed, or a window, pet stairs or steps help them keep their routine without a painful leap. A low-entry litter box is also easier on sore hips and knees.
Keep Up With Water and Vet Visits
Cats often drink less in winter, and kidney disease is common in older cats. Keep fresh water in several places, and consider a cat water fountain if your cat likes moving water. Fall is a good time for a senior checkup to talk about arthritis, weight, and pain management.
For more on setting up your home, see our checklist of essential cat supplies.
Helping Outdoor and Community Cats Through Winter
Keeping cats indoors is the safest choice in cold weather. But many people care for barn cats, community cats, or a cat that refuses to stay in. These steps help them get through the cold.
Provide a Dry, Insulated Shelter
A good outdoor cat shelter is small, raised off the ground, insulated, and has a doorway just big enough for a cat. A small space holds body heat better than a large one.
- The Bedsure Outdoor Cat House has a waterproof exterior, a raised base, and heat-reflecting walls, with no electricity needed
- For covered spots such as a porch, garage, or barn, the Bedsure Heated Outdoor Cat House adds a heated pad with overheat protection, plus door flaps to block drafts
- Face the door away from the wind, and keep the shelter out of deep snow and standing water
Use Straw, Not Blankets
It may seem kind to put a blanket or towel in an outdoor shelter, but fabric soaks up moisture and can freeze. Straw stays dry, and cats can burrow into it. Hay is different from straw and also tends to hold moisture.
Use Electric Heat Safely Outdoors
- Only use heated pet products in covered, sheltered areas, following the maker’s instructions
- Use a properly grounded, GFCI-protected outlet
- Protect cords from moisture and from chewing
- Check the setup regularly, especially after storms
Keep Food and Water From Freezing
Cats need extra calories to stay warm in winter. Feed fresh food daily, since wet food can freeze quickly. A heated outdoor water bowl keeps water from turning to ice. Choose plastic or ceramic bowls rather than metal outdoors, because tongues can stick to frozen metal.
Winter Dangers for All Cats
Car Engines
Cats sometimes climb into a warm engine compartment or wheel well to escape the cold. Before starting your car in winter, knock on the hood or honk the horn to give a hiding cat time to get out.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol tastes sweet and is extremely poisonous to cats, even in tiny amounts. Clean up spills right away, store containers tightly closed, and consider products made with propylene glycol, which are less toxic. If you think your cat has licked antifreeze, call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.
Ice Melt and Salt
Salt and some ice melts irritate paws and can upset the stomach if a cat licks them off. Use a pet-safe ice melt around your home, and wipe your cat’s paws if they have been outside.
Space Heaters and Fireplaces
Cats love to curl up near heaters. Never leave a space heater running unattended, keep it where it cannot be knocked over, and use a screen in front of fireplaces.
Signs a Cat Is Too Cold
- Shivering
- Weakness, sluggishness, or unusual sleepiness
- Cold ears, paws, or tail
- Pale or grayish skin on the ear tips or tail, which can be a sign of frostbite
- Hiding in unusual places to find warmth
If you notice these signs, bring the cat somewhere warm, wrap them loosely in a dry towel, and call your veterinarian. Do not rub frostbitten areas or use direct heat such as a hair dryer.
Quick Winter Checklist
- Warm, raised bed away from drafts
- Self-warming or low-heat mat for senior cats
- Pet stairs and a low-entry litter box for stiff joints
- Fresh water that is not freezing
- Insulated, raised shelter with straw for outdoor cats
- Knock on the car hood before starting
- Antifreeze stored safely and spills cleaned up
- Pet-safe ice melt
- Senior vet checkup before the coldest months
A little planning keeps cats comfortable and safe all winter, whether they are snoozing by the window or living in your barn. If you also have an older dog, see our guide to keeping your senior dog comfortable this winter.
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