Do Cats Get Cold? How to Keep Your Cat Comfortable as Temperatures Drop

As soon as the weather starts cooling down, I start pulling out blankets, wearing sweatshirts around the house and reluctantly accepting that summer is coming to an end.

And apparently, the cats notice the change too.

Cats are very good at finding the warmest spot in the entire house. A sunny window, a pile of blankets, the warm laundry you just folded, or your spot on the couch approximately three seconds after you get up — they’ll find it.

But it does make you wonder: Do cats actually get cold?

Yes, they do.

Even though cats have a built-in fur coat, they can still become uncomfortable when temperatures drop. Some cats are much more sensitive to cold than others, and temperatures that seem perfectly comfortable to us may have your cat searching for the warmest blanket in the house.

Here’s how to tell if your cat is cold, which cats are most vulnerable to chilly temperatures and how you can keep your cat warm and comfortable throughout fall and winter.

Do Cats Get Cold?

Yes. Cats can get cold just like people do.

A cat’s fur provides insulation and helps them maintain their body temperature, but it doesn’t make them immune to cold temperatures.

How easily a cat becomes cold depends on several factors, including their:

• Age
• Breed
• Coat type
• Body size
• Body condition
• Overall health
• Activity level
• Environment

A healthy adult cat with a thick coat may tolerate cooler temperatures better than a kitten, senior cat or thin short-haired cat.

And hairless breeds have very little natural protection from the cold, making them particularly sensitive to lower temperatures.

What Temperature Is Too Cold for Cats?

There isn’t one exact indoor temperature that’s too cold for every cat.

Generally, healthy adult indoor cats are comfortable in the same moderate temperatures people typically maintain inside their homes.

But individual cats can have very different preferences.

Instead of focusing on one magic number on the thermostat, pay attention to your cat’s behavior.

If your cat suddenly spends all day burrowed underneath blankets or permanently attaches themselves to the heating vent, they may be telling you they’re chilly.

Outdoor temperatures are another matter.

Prolonged exposure to cold weather can become dangerous, particularly when temperatures approach or fall below freezing. Wind, snow, ice and wet fur can make the situation even more dangerous.

Cats shouldn’t be expected to tolerate freezing weather simply because they have fur.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Cold?

Your cat can’t walk over and ask you to turn up the thermostat.

But they can give you clues.

A cat that feels chilly may:

• Curl tightly into a ball
• Tuck their paws underneath their body
• Seek sunny areas
• Burrow underneath blankets
• Sleep near heating vents or radiators
• Spend more time on your lap
• Seek warm electronics or appliances
• Become less active
• Have ears or paws that feel cooler than usual
• Shiver

That classic little cat “loaf” position can help cats conserve body heat because their paws are tucked underneath them.

Of course, cats loaf when they’re perfectly comfortable too, so one loafing cat doesn’t necessarily mean you need to crank up the furnace.

Look at the whole picture and what’s normal for your cat.

Why Does My Cat Sleep Under Blankets When It’s Cold?

Because blankets are warm!

Cats naturally seek out warm, protected places to sleep.

A pile of blankets provides insulation while also creating the enclosed, cozy environment many cats love.

Some cats will burrow completely underneath the blankets while others prefer sleeping on top.

And then there are cats who somehow manage to position themselves directly in the center of your bed so you’re left sleeping on approximately six inches of mattress.

They’re comfortable.

That’s what matters, apparently.

Why Does My Cat Sleep More When It’s Cold?

You may notice your cat sleeping more as the weather cools.

Cats already sleep a lot — often somewhere around 12 to 16 hours per day, although kittens, senior cats and individual cats may sleep even longer.

Cooler weather and shorter daylight hours may influence their activity patterns.

Plus, when the house is chilly and there’s a warm blanket available, sleeping suddenly seems like a pretty good way to spend the afternoon.

However, a dramatic increase in sleeping shouldn’t automatically be blamed on the weather.

If your cat suddenly becomes unusually lethargic, stops playing, isn’t eating normally or seems unwell, contact your veterinarian.

Which Cats Get Cold the Easiest?

Some cats need a little more help staying warm than others.

Kittens

Young kittens aren’t as good at regulating their body temperature as adult cats.

Very young kittens are particularly vulnerable to becoming dangerously cold and need an appropriately warm environment.

Senior Cats

Older cats may have more difficulty regulating their body temperature.

They may also have arthritis or other conditions that make cold weather uncomfortable.

A warm, soft sleeping area can be especially appreciated by senior cats.

Hairless Cats

Hairless breeds don’t have the insulating fur most cats rely on.

They may need a warmer indoor environment and additional help staying comfortable.

Thin Cats

Body fat provides some insulation.

Underweight or naturally very lean cats may become cold more easily than cats with more body insulation.

That doesn’t mean an overweight cat should be considered better prepared for winter, though. Maintaining a healthy body weight is important year-round.

Cats With Certain Health Conditions

Some medical conditions can affect a cat’s ability to regulate body temperature or tolerate cold.

If your cat has a chronic medical condition, ask your veterinarian whether you should take any additional precautions during colder weather.

How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Warm in the Fall and Winter

Fortunately, keeping an indoor cat comfortable during cold weather is usually pretty simple.

Provide Plenty of Cozy Beds

Give your cat several comfortable sleeping options throughout your home.

Beds with raised sides can help trap warmth, and some cats love cave-style beds they can crawl inside.

Place beds away from cold drafts whenever possible.

Leave Out Extra Blankets

This may be the easiest solution of all.

Put soft blankets in some of your cat’s favorite sleeping spots and let them decide where they’re most comfortable.

Just don’t expect to get those blankets back.

They’re cat blankets now.

Take Advantage of Sunny Windows

Cats are basically solar-powered.

If sunlight streams through certain windows during the day, your cat will probably figure it out before you do.

Consider placing a cat bed, cat tree or perch near a sunny window so they can enjoy the warmth.

Just make sure the window itself isn’t creating a significant cold draft.

Keep Beds Off Cold Floors

Tile, concrete and other hard floors can become chilly during winter.

If your cat’s bed normally sits directly on a cold floor, consider moving it onto carpet or adding additional padding underneath.

Give Your Cat Warm Places to Hide

Cardboard boxes, covered cat beds and blanket forts can all create cozy little retreats.

And we already know cats don’t need much encouragement to climb into a cardboard box.

If you give them a fancy heated cat bed and an empty shipping box, there’s also a very real possibility they’ll choose the box.

Because cats.

Are Heated Cat Beds Safe?

Heated pet beds can be useful for some cats, particularly seniors and cats that seek extra warmth.

But it’s important to use a product specifically designed for pets and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Your cat should always be able to move away from the heat source.

Don’t use human heating pads unattended with your cat. They may become too hot and can potentially cause burns, particularly for animals with limited mobility or reduced sensation.

There are also self-warming cat beds that reflect your cat’s own body heat without using electricity.

Do Cats Need Sweaters in the Winter?

Most healthy indoor cats with normal coats don’t need sweaters.

Their fur already provides insulation.

Hairless cats and certain cats with medical or individual needs may benefit from additional warmth, but clothing should fit correctly and never restrict movement or interfere with normal grooming and bathroom habits.

Some cats also absolutely hate wearing clothes.

If your cat freezes in place, tries desperately to remove the sweater or becomes stressed, forcing them to wear one isn’t worth it.

A warm house and cozy bed are usually much easier solutions.

What About Outdoor Cats in Cold Weather?

Cold weather is much more dangerous for cats that spend significant time outdoors.

Cats can develop hypothermia and frostbite when exposed to extreme cold.

Wet fur makes it even harder for a cat to maintain body heat.

Whenever possible, cats should have access to a warm, dry indoor environment during cold weather.

If you’re caring for community or feral cats that can’t be brought indoors, an insulated outdoor shelter can provide important protection from wind, snow and freezing temperatures.

Straw is commonly used for outdoor cat shelters because it repels moisture and allows cats to burrow into it for warmth.

Blankets and towels aren’t ideal inside outdoor shelters because they can absorb moisture and become cold or freeze.

Don’t Forget About Cats Hiding Near Cars

This is an especially important cold-weather habit to remember.

Outdoor cats sometimes seek warmth underneath cars or even climb into engine compartments.

Before starting your car on a cold morning, especially if outdoor or community cats live nearby, make some noise.

You can knock on the hood, close the car door loudly or otherwise give a hidden cat an opportunity to move away before starting the engine.

It only takes a few seconds.

Can Cats Get Hypothermia?

Yes.

Hypothermia occurs when a cat’s body temperature falls dangerously low.

This is an emergency.

Possible signs of hypothermia can include:

• Intense shivering
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Cold ears and paws
• Pale gums
• Difficulty walking
• Collapse

As hypothermia becomes severe, shivering may actually stop.

If you believe your cat has hypothermia, move them to a warm, dry location and contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

Warm them gradually rather than applying extremely hot objects directly to their skin.

Can Cats Get Frostbite?

Yes.

Frostbite can occur when skin and underlying tissues are damaged by freezing temperatures.

The ears, paws and tail are especially vulnerable because they’re farther away from the body’s core.

Signs may include discoloration, swelling, pain, cold or brittle-feeling skin, blisters or eventually damaged tissue.

Frostbite isn’t always immediately obvious.

If your cat has been exposed to freezing temperatures and you’re concerned about frostbite, contact your veterinarian.

Why Does My Cat Want to Cuddle More in the Winter?

Maybe it’s because your cat loves you.

Or maybe you’re a giant heated mattress.

I’m choosing to believe it’s both.

Your body gives off heat, so curling up next to you is an easy way for your cat to stay warm.

You might notice a normally independent cat suddenly spending more time on your lap, sleeping next to you or snuggling against you once temperatures start dropping.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Because once summer comes back, they’ll probably remember that the other side of the couch exists.

A Cozy Cat Is a Happy Cat

Cats may come equipped with their own fur coats, but they can still feel the chill when temperatures start dropping.

For most indoor cats, keeping them comfortable is as simple as providing a warm home, cozy sleeping spots, extra blankets and somewhere sunny to stretch out during the day.

Pay attention to your individual cat.

If they’re suddenly seeking warmer places, curling up more tightly or spending significantly more time underneath blankets, they may simply be responding to the changing season.

And if your cat suddenly decides you’re their favorite heated bed?

Don’t move.

You weren’t actually planning on getting anything done today anyway.