As the weather turns colder, many furry friends still prefer life outside. But outdoor kitties need some extra help staying cozy this season.
In this post, I’ll share my top tips for keeping your outdoor cat companions warm, happy, and healthy in even the harshest of winter weather.
How to Keep Outdoor Cats Warm in Winter
To keep outdoor cats warm in winter, provide them with a shelter that is insulated and elevated off the ground, and use straw or blankets to line the shelter for added warmth.
Also, you can place heated pet pads or heated water bowls inside the shelter to provide extra warmth.
Lastly, ensure that the cats have access to fresh food and water at all times to help them maintain their body temperature.
Let’s dive deeper…
Ways of Keeping Outdoor Cats Warm in Winter
Here are some of the most common ways of keeping outdoor cats warm in winter:
1. Provide Warm Bedding
One of the simplest ways to keep outdoor cats warm in winter is by providing them with warm bedding options. Consider the following suggestions:
Blankets or Towels: Place thick blankets or towels in areas where cats frequently rest or seek shelter. These soft materials will help retain their body heat and provide insulation from the cold ground.
Straw: Straw is an excellent insulator and can be used to create cozy nests for outdoor cats. Fill a cardboard box or an old pet carrier with straw, creating a warm and comfortable sleeping spot.
Cat Beds: Invest in cat beds designed specifically for outdoor use. These beds are often made with insulating materials and can offer additional warmth and comfort to outdoor cats.
2. Provide Heated Pads
Heated pads or mats are another effective way to keep outdoor cats warm during the winter season.
These pads are designed to generate gentle heat and provide a comfortable spot for cats to relax. Follow these guidelines when using heated pads:
Safety Measures: Ensure that the heated pads are designed for pet use and have safety features such as automatic shut-off and chew-resistant cords to prevent accidents.
Proper Placement: Place the heated pads in a sheltered area, away from rain, snow, or excessive wind. This will help maintain the pad’s effectiveness and protect it from the elements.
Introduce Gradually: If your outdoor cat is not familiar with heated pads, introduce them gradually to prevent any discomfort or apprehension. Monitor their behavior closely during the transition period.
3. Provide Insulated Boxes
Insulated boxes provide an additional layer of protection against the cold weather. Here’s how you can create a simple insulated box for outdoor cats:
Materials: Use a sturdy plastic storage container or an old cooler as the base for the insulated box. Cut a small entrance hole on one side, ensuring it is large enough for the cat to enter comfortably.
Insulation: Line the inside of the box with thick foam or insulating material. This will help retain the cat’s body heat and create a cozy environment.
Elevate the Box: Place the insulated box on a raised platform or pallet to prevent it from sitting directly on the cold ground. This will further insulate the box and protect the cat from the chilly surface.
4. Provide Elevated Shelters
Elevating the shelters off the ground is crucial for providing insulation and keeping outdoor cats warm during winter.
Direct contact with the cold ground can quickly draw heat from the cat’s body, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
By elevating the shelter, you create a barrier between the cat and the ground, reducing heat loss. This can be achieved by placing the shelter on a sturdy platform, such as wooden pallets or bricks.
In addition to elevation, it’s important to ensure that the shelter is well-insulated. Insulation can be achieved by using materials like straw or blankets, which provide an additional layer of warmth.
Make sure to regularly replace or fluff up the insulating materials to maintain their effectiveness.
5. Face Shelter Entry Away from Wind
Cold winds can significantly impact a cat’s ability to stay warm. By facing the entry of the shelter away from the wind, you can minimize the amount of cold air entering the shelter.
This can be achieved by orienting the shelter so that the entrance faces a wall, fence, or other solid structure that acts as a windbreak.
You can also create a windbreak around the shelter by using materials such as hay bales or boards to block the wind from reaching the entrance.
This helps to maintain a more comfortable temperature inside the shelter and reduces the risk of drafts that can make the cat feel colder.
6. Prevent Food and Water from Freezing
Outdoor cats need access to fresh food and water even during winter. However, freezing temperatures can quickly turn their food and water into ice, making it difficult for them to consume.
To prevent freezing, it’s important to use heated water bowls or invest in specially designed heated water dispensers that keep the water at a consistent temperature.
For food, consider providing multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than leaving large amounts of food out for long periods.
This reduces the chance of the food freezing before the cat has a chance to eat it. Additionally, you can use insulated bowls or place the food in a sheltered area to help keep it from freezing.
7. Provide Weather-Resistant Shelter
During winter, it is important to provide outdoor cats with a weather-resistant shelter to keep them warm and protected from the elements.
Here are some tips for creating a suitable shelter:
- Insulation: Use materials that provide insulation, such as foam or straw, to line the shelter and help retain heat.
- Waterproofing: Wrap the shelter with a weatherproof material, such as a drop cloth or trash bags, to make it waterproof.
- Entrance: Cut a small doorway in one of the shorter sides of the shelter, leaving the bottom of the doorway a few inches above the bottom of the shelter to prevent flooding. Secure the loose plastic around the opening with duct tape.
- Bedding: Place shredded newspaper or straw inside the shelter, filling it up to the bottom of the doorway. This provides insulation and allows the cats to burrow for added warmth.
2. Feeding for Warmth
Proper feeding can help outdoor cats generate body heat and stay warm during winter.
Here are some feeding tips:
- Increased Caloric Intake: Outdoor cats require more calories in cold weather to maintain their body temperature. Consider increasing their food portions or providing high-calorie food options.
- Wet Food: Wet food has a higher water content, which can help keep cats hydrated and regulate their body temperature.
- Heated Water Bowls: Provide outdoor cats with a heated water bowl to prevent their water from freezing and ensure they stay hydrated.
9. Provide Windbreaks and Barriers
Creating windbreaks and barriers can help outdoor cats find shelter from strong winds and cold drafts. Here are some suggestions:
- Natural Barriers: Utilize existing structures, such as trees or buildings, to create natural windbreaks for the cat’s shelter.
- Windbreak Fences: Install windbreak fences or barriers around the cat’s shelter to block cold winds and drafts.
- Strategic Placement: Position the shelter in an area that provides natural protection from wind, such as against a wall or under a porch.
Read more about caring for cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of shelter should I provide for my outdoor cat?
A well-insulated shelter is important for keeping cats warm in colder weather. Look for one with a low entrance/exit to retain heat. Fully enclosed shelters with tops and sides work best. Fill any cracks or holes to block drafts.
How can I make their shelter more warm and cozy?
Add insulating materials inside like straw or an old blanket. You can also use a hot water bottle or heating pad set on low (never directly on the pad) to warm it up before your cat arrives. Regularly clean out wet or dirty bedding.
What about food and water?
Cats still need to eat and drink in the winter! Bring their bowls inside at night so food and water don’t freeze. Use heated bowls and pads if leaving them outside. Check levels frequently.
Any tips for keeping their paws safe?
Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow can irritate paw pads. Consider making booties for your outdoor cat. Paw balm can also help protect against dryness or cracks.
How else can I keep them warm?
Provide cozy sleeping spots near vents or inside if possible. Consider a snug fitting coat or sweater for short outdoor times. Brush your cat daily to distribute natural oils and remove loose fur.
When is it too cold outside for cats?
Most experts recommend keeping cats inside if temperatures dip below 15°F or feel well below freezing for humans. On extremely cold nights, it’s best to have your outdoor cat spend the night indoors.
Read more about cat health conditions.
Conclusion
By providing your furry friends with cozy shelters, layers of straw or blankets, and warm meals, you can help them feel snug and safe even on the chilliest of nights. A little effort on your part goes a long way in ensuring your outdoor cats stay healthy and happy throughout the cold winter months. With the right preparations, both you and your cats can rest easy knowing they’ll remain toasty and toasty.
