6 Ways to Keep Your Elderly Cat Warm this Winter
With the weather turning chilly, itโs time to think about how we keep our cats warm this winter โ especially our older felines who may be feeling the cold more than all of us! After all, cats may well be natural heat seekers, but they often need a little support as they age to keep them cozy and content.
Here are six simple but effective tips to help you prioritize your elderly catโs care throughout the colder months. But first, why do older cats need extra support?
Why Senior Cats Need Extra Warmth in Winter
Colder temperatures can affect all of us โ but for older cats, the impact can be much more significant. As they age, their bodies become less able to adapt and they will generally be more sensitive to the cold. A drop in temperature can lead to:
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Increased joint stiffness and discomfort
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Reduced mobility
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Greater risk of illness or stress
This is why itโs so important we support our catsโ warmth, promoting comfort, ease of movement, and overall well-being โ all key elements of care for older cats.
Signs Your Cat Might Be Feeling the Cold
Although cats often seek out warmth instinctively, there are some signs to look out for that they may need some additional help to stay warm. This includes:
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Sleeping more
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Curling up tightly
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Seeking out radiators, sunny windowsills, or other warm spots
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Shivering
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Avoiding cold surfaces like tiles or kitchen floors
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Hesitation to move or jump down from high places, especially first thing in the morning
If you notice any sudden changes in your catโs behavior โ particularly in older cats โ you should always speak with your vet in case of any underlying issue.
Otherwise, for more general advice on keeping your cat warm, letโs take a look at what we can do to help.
1. Create a Cozy, Warm Indoor Environment
Keeping cats warm in winter should start with a cozy home setup.
Make sure your senior cat has plenty of soft bedding in draft-free areas, ideally near sunny windows or radiators. Igloo-style beds or cat caves โ essentially, beds with a cover โ are a great idea for helping cats retain body heat while offering a snug sense of security.
Next, place essentials like food, water, and litter trays in warm and easy-to-reach spots. This is particularly important when it comes to elderly cat care as stiff joints can make moving around harder.ย
2. Use Safe Heating Options for Cats
If keeping the whole house warm isnโt practical, consider using a pet-safe space heater in the room your cat spends the most time in. Alternatively, microwavable pet heat pads (always wrapped in a towel!) can be used to offer short bursts of warmth. And thermal self-heating beds are a low maintenance solution that reflect your catโs body heat back to them.
Electric heating beds can also help but should include safety features like chew-proof cords and thermostatic controls โ and should never be left on while unattended. Avoid hot water bottles or general-use heating pads, as they can cause burns and are not safe for cats.
3. Avoid Clothing (Most of the Time!)
Clothes might seem like a good idea for warmth, but they arenโt usually part of an ideal care routine for older cats. Very few cats enjoy wearing clothes as they can feel restricting and can make them stressed or uncomfortable.
That said, if your cat is particularly tolerant or itโs been recommended by a vet, a light fleece vest may offer some warmth. Just make sure your cat is supervised at all times and is content. Never force clothing, as the stress can easily outweigh the benefit.
4. Keep Nutrition & Hydration in Check
When thinking about how to keep cats warm in winter, ensuring theyโre taking in enough food and water plays a big role too. Slightly warming your catโs meals can make them more aromatic and tempting, which can be especially helpful for older cats who may have a reduced appetite.
Adding Happy Snack by FELIWAYยฎ is also a great way to encourage cats to eat, and it can also be useful to build positive associations if introducing cats to something new, such as a cozy bed!
Be sure to place water bowls away from chilly areas and ask your vet whether your catโs current diet is still meeting their wintertime needs.
5. Encourage Gentle Movement to Keep Warm
Another important part of elderly cat care in winter is exercise, which helps with warmth and mobility. Encourage short bursts of gentle movement with play sessions tailored to your catโs age and agility.
Puzzle feeders, feather wands, or soft toys can all be good options for keeping your cat active. Keep it short and sweet โ several small sessions are better than one long one.
6. Use FELIWAYยฎ to Create a Comforting Atmosphere
Winter changes โ like darker days, more time indoors, and changes in our routines โ can all be unsettling for our cats. FELIWAYยฎ Optimum is a great solution here, creating a calm, comforting environment that helps cats to feel more secure.
Simply plug the diffuser into an electrical socket in the room your cat uses the most to support their ongoing emotional well-being.
Winter Safety Tips for Older Cats
Alongside the six steps above, there are a few extra things to keep in mind to ensure your cat stays safe, snug, and out of trouble this winter:
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Keep an eye on open fireplaces and wood burners. If youโre going to use them, make sure to use a screen and supervise your cat.
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If your cat still goes outdoors, check garages, sheds, and near your carโs engine before locking up or starting your car โ youโll be amazed the places cats will climb to in their search for a warm spot!
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Make sure your cat comes in overnight and always has warm, safe spots indoors.
Keep Your Elderly Cat Warm, Happy & Healthy
Now you know how to keep your cat warm in winter, you can ensure they stay cozy and content all season long. By making a few small changes to your home and routine, youโll be showing your feline the love and care they deserve!
For more tips on all things cat care, continue exploring our FELIWAYยฎ blog online. And donโt forget to sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop with everything weโre up to!
