Outdoor cats can face many challenges when it comes to staying warm, especially during the cold winter months. As cat owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure our feline friends stay safe, healthy, and comfortable regardless of the weather outside. With some preparation and vigilance, you can successfully keep your outdoor cat warm all winter long.
Provide Adequate Shelter
Providing proper outdoor shelter for cats is one of the most fundamental ways to help them stay warm.
Insulated Cat House
Investing in an insulated, draft-free cat house gives outdoor cats a designated place to nestle in and retain body heat. Look for houses made of solid wood, hard plastic or styrofoam with a door flap to keep wind and snow out. Place a generous amount of straw inside for bedding. Position the house in a protected area facing away from prevailing winds. Elevate the house slightly off the ground and ensure it stays dry inside.
Barrels, Boxes or Enclosures
If an insulated cat house isn’t an option, create a shelter using a plastic storage bin, barrel or makeshift wooden enclosure. Cut a hole for an entrance and line the interior with straw to create an insulated place to sleep. Styrofoam coolers also work well to retain heat if lined with bedding.
Heated Cat Bed
For the ultimate winter cocoon, provide a heated cat bed for your outdoor cat. They simply plug into an outlet to provide a toasty nest for cats to curl up in out of the elements. Place it inside an existing shelter for extra insulation.
Garage or Shed Access
Allowing access to unheated garages, sheds, or barns gives outdoor cats a place to get out of the wind, rain, and snow. Install a pet door into the structure and ensure your cat has bedding materials inside to hunker down in. Keep the space free of hazardous chemicals, tools or machinery.
Straw or Hay Piles
Piles of straw or hay make quick, easy shelters to trap body heat. Place them in protected areas out of direct wind and rain. Outdoor cats will appreciate burrowing into these makeshift nests when not able to get into more formal shelters or enclosures.
Provide Warm Bedding
Proper bedding materials are essential for retaining heat and keeping your outdoor cat comfortable.
Straw
Dry straw makes excellent bedding for outdoor cat shelters. It’s insulating, breathable and often readily available. Make sure to replace wet, soiled straw frequently to prevent freezing and keep your cat cozy.
Hay
Hay is similar to straw and makes great bedding for outdoor cats. Ensure it’s kept dry and replace as needed for maximum warmth and comfort.
Towels or Blankets
Old towels or blankets can give your outdoor cat something soft and warm to snuggle into. Make sure bedding is kept clean and dry to properly insulate.
Mylar Space Blankets
Mylar space blankets are lightweight, low-cost emergency blankets that reflect heat extremely well. Line outdoor cat shelters with mylar blankets or wrap them around bedding to amplify warmth.
Cardboard
You can use large pieces of cardboard lined with towels or blankets to create quick insulating layers between the ground and your cat. Avoid getting cardboard wet as it loses insulating abilities when damp.
Provide Warming Aids
Certain products beyond basic bedding can provide additional warmth for outdoor cats in cold conditions.
Heating Pads
Plug-in heating pads made for outdoor use are available to place under or on top of your cat’s bedding. They provide direct warmth perfect for really cold nights.
Hot Water Bottles
Reusable rubber hot water bottles wrapped in towels stay warm for hours. Place them underneath your cat’s bedding to release extra warmth and provide soothing comfort.
Battery Operated Heating Mats
These mats are powered by batteries and emit a gentle heat from underneath to keep cats cozy. They’re useful for warming outdoor shelters that lack electrical outlets.
Pet-Safe Hand Warmers
Tuck a few pet-safe, single use hand warmers beneath your cat’s bedding to provide several hours of direct warmth. Replace them regularly to give your cat consistent comfort.
Infrared Heating Lamps
Infrared heat lamps can safely and effectively provide directed warmth. Position them near (but not directly over) bedding inside indoor garages, sheds or barns your cat accesses to create a toasty refuge.
Provide Plenty of Calories
It takes extra calories and fat reserves for outdoor cats to generate enough internal body heat to stay warm in cold conditions.
High-Calorie Food
Feed outdoor cats high-calorie, protein-rich food during the winter so they can put on some extra insulating fat. Kitten food can work very well for added calories. Provide multiple feeding stations around your property to ensure easy access.
Insulated Water Bowls
Use insulated, heated bowls to provide fresh unfrozen water at all times. Dehydration makes it harder for cats to maintain normal body temperature.
Treats and Supplements
Provide fatty treats like bits of fish, chicken, turkey or meat baby food to give your cat quick energy and calories. Nutritional gel supplements are another great source of additional calories and vitamins.
Provide Warming Accessories
Certain accessories can help boost your outdoor cat’s warmth during cold weather.
Cat Coats and Onesies
Insulated, water-resistant cat coats with velcro or elastic closures add an extra warming layer to your cat’s own fur coat. Onesies and pajamas do the same. Just make sure your cat can still easily use the litterbox!
Bootees and Leg Warmers
Protect exposed areas like paws, ears and legs further with weatherproof booties, socks or leg warmers. This prevents painful frostbitten skin.
Pet-Safe Heat Packs
Self-adhesive pet heat packs (like Hot Paws) stick onto fur and provide safe, gentle warmth. Place them along your cat’s underside, neck, belly or base of tail.
Winter Cat Beds
Find a winter-specific cat bed made with insulation and faux fur/shearling lining for extra warmth potential. Place it inside shelters or structures for amplified comfort.
Keep Air Circulation Low
While ventilation is important in warm months, limiting air flow helps conserve heat in cold weather.
Smaller Entryway
Make your cat’s main shelter entryway smaller for the winter by adjusting or covering doors and windows with cardboard. This reduces cold drafts inside.
Wind Barriers
Erect barriers like tarps, plywood or bales of straw around shelters and entryways to block cold prevailing winds.
Insulated Shelters
Use the most well-insulated shelters possible, like solid plastic and wood structures versus metal shelters that allow more air flow. Prioritize heat retention.
Elevated Beds
Raise beds off the ground slightly to prevent drafts underneath. You can use wooden pallets, cinder blocks or similar sturdy objects to create separation between the bed and snow or frozen ground.
Provide Warm Playtime
Physical activity helps outdoor cats generate more internal body heat. Encourage daily exercise!
Chase Toys
Make sure your outdoor cat has access to chasing toys like balls, streamers or toy mice to get their prey drive going and blood pumping.
Interactive Play
Spend time playing with your cat outdoors during the day when it’s warmer. String teasers, wands and flashlights provoke energy-burning activity.
Insulated Play Spaces
Set up slightly heated, insulated play spaces (like barn lofts or enclosed porch areas) to allow activity in cold conditions while protected from the elements.
Window Perches
Give your cat warm inside spots like cat towers, perches or beds placed near sunny windows to observe the outside world from. This provides mental stimulation and limited indoor heat.
Outdoor Heated Cat Houses
Invest in a heated outdoor cat house designed specifically for activity to provide a warm and enriching play space. Plat heated beds and toys inside.
Give Proper Medical Care
Illness and inadequate medical treatment make cats less able to thermoregulate normally.
Veterinary Checkups
Ensure your outdoor cat receives regular veterinary checkups and all necessary vaccinations/preventatives to avoid illness that can compromise their health. Especially important are FeLV and FIV tests and parasite prevention.
Adequate Nutrition
Feed a nutritionally balanced diet and monitor your cat’s weight/appetite to prevent deficiencies or malnutrition that can inhibit a healthy immune response. Talk to your vet about your cat’s dietary needs.
Dental Health
Take care of your cat’s oral health and have professional dental cleanings done to avoid painful dental disease that can prevent proper eating. A healthy mouth and appetite are key!
Grooming and Parasite Control
Groom your cat frequently to check for parasites or skin issues that can allow illness to take hold. Use prescription flea/tick/ear mite medication as directed by your vet.
Emergency Supplies
Have basic emergency supplies on hand like bandages, styptic powder and an emergency kitten warming disk in case your cat becomes injured or in distress outside and needs first aid before getting to the vet.
Provide supervision
While not always possible for free-roaming cats, try to monitor and limit the amount of time cats spend outdoors in very cold or stormy weather when the risk of hypothermia is high. Pay extra attention to young, elderly or sick cats who may be more susceptible to cold. Providing adequate heated shelter, bedding and warmth aids for outdoor cats goes a very long way in keeping them content and avoiding danger. With preparation and proper supplies, your feline friends can safely enjoy their time outdoors. The investment is well worth it for their health and happiness!
Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping Outdoor Cats Warm
How cold is too cold for outdoor cats?
Once temperatures drop below 45°F, extra precautions should be taken for outdoor cats. Below freezing (32°F) can become dangerous without adequate shelter and bedding. Kittens, elderly or sick cats should not remain outdoors for long once it’s colder than 45°F.
What’s the best bedding to keep outdoor cats warm?
Dry straw and hay are excellent insulators and readily available bedding materials for retaining heat in outdoor cat shelters. Cedar chips or shavings also hold heat well. Avoid using fabrics like towels or blankets that can get damp and freeze.
Should I get a heated cat house for winter weather?
Yes, investing in an insulated, draft-free heated outdoor cat house with a door flap provides an ideal refuge for your cat to stay warm and protected from winter conditions. Place it in a sheltered spot facing away from wind/rain/snow.
How often should I change out bedding for outdoor cats?
Replace soiled or wet straw, hay or other bedding at least every 2-3 days to prevent cold and moisture. Weekly replacement of all bedding materials is recommended to keep insulation fresh and effective.
What’s the best warming aid for outdoor cat shelters?
Safely tucked heating pads, hot water bottles, battery powered mats and pet-safe hand warmers under bedding provide several hours of direct warmth. Heated beds, infrared heat lamps and insulating cat coats/onesies are great too.
How many calories do cold weather outdoor cats need?
Up to 50% more calories! Outdoor cats need extra fat and protein reserves to generate sufficient body heat. High quality kitten food or adding in calorie/fat supplements provides the extra nutritional support they require.
Can I use a heat lamp to warm my barn cats?
Yes, infrared heat lamps are a safe supplemental heating source if positioned nearby (but not directly over) bedding areas. Make sure cords are secured out of reach and flammable materials are removed from immediate proximity. Monitor use.
What’s the best way to give outdoor cats fresh water in winter?
Use heated, insulated cat water bowls. They’re available in plastic or steel and keep water thawed for up to 2 days. Providing fresh water prevents dangerous dehydration that compromises cold weather health.
How do I keep outdoor cats active in winter weather?
Provide access to warm spaces for play like heated sheds or insulated cat runs. Offer chasing toys and interactive play multiple times daily. Window perches let cats sunbathe indoors and watch outdoor activity.
Can I give my cats medication to keep them warm outside?
Never give your cat medication like Tylenol without the direct guidance of your veterinarian, as many human medications are toxic to cats. Safer options for supplemental warmth include heated beds, microwavable heat disks and infrared heating lamps.
Conclusion
Outdoor cats definitely need extra consideration when it comes to staying comfortably warm in cold conditions. But with thoughtful preparation using proper housing, quality bedding, warmth aids, nutrition and health support, you can keep your feline friends cozy all winter long. Be sure to monitor vulnerable kittens, elderly and sick cats extra closely. And on those truly frigid days, try to limit their time outdoors as much as possible. Meeting outdoor cats’ winter care needs takes dedication from pet parents, but will ultimately reward both you and your furry family with health and happiness through the season. So stay vigilant, and enjoy plenty of snuggly time with your beloved cats this winter!