How to take care of cats in winter: your essential checklist

From keeping cats warm in the colder months to enjoying a feline-friendly Christmas, read our expert tips for keeping your pets safe and happy all winter long.

---

Winter is a wonderful season to spend some quality time with our cats and enjoy snuggles on the sofa, indoor games and plenty of cosy companionship. But the colder weather, dark nights and Christmas festivities also pose certain risks to felines.

Here’s how to take care of cats in winter – and how to keep your pet safe from seasonal hazards.

How to keep cats warm in winter

As it gets colder, your cat may naturally want to spend more time indoors – especially if they are older or have health issues. Consider keeping them inside on bitter nights, and provide plenty of cosy beds and blankets for your cat to snuggle in to stay warm.

Know the signs of hypothermia

Cats are pretty resilient in the cold, but if they’re out in freezing temperatures for too long, they could develop frostbite or even hypothermia. Signs of the latter include shivering, lack of mental alertness, seeming weak or tired, rigid muscles and breathing difficulties. If you’re worried, take your cat to the vet.

Offer a litter tray

Even if your cat is used to toileting outside, providing an indoor litter tray could encourage them to stay indoors on cold days. Senior cats especially might appreciate this.

Keep an eye on the cat flap

If your cat does venture out, make sure they can easily get back in again. Check regularly that the cat flap doesn’t freeze shut or get blocked by snow.

Look after their paws

When your cat returns from excursions on cold days, use a damp cloth to remove any snow, ice or grit from between their toes. Compacted snow can turn into painful ice balls. It’s also a good idea to towel off their fur after any wet excursions.

Supervise any open flames

Cats like to snuggle up close to heat sources, but make sure they don’t get close enough to be harmed. Use a screen with fires and don’t leave your cat alone around open flames, including candles.

Provide more indoor stimulation

If your cat is spending more time indoors, be sure to provide plenty of stimulating toys and indoor activities to keep them mentally and physically active – and to encourage their natural behaviours.

How to keep cats safe outside

Provide outdoor shelter

If your cat likes being outdoors in winter, consider providing some shelter to help them stay dry and warm while enjoying the outside. You can provide access to your garden shed or greenhouse by installing a cat flap – or offer them a cat house or cat snug.

Remember the dangers of antifreeze

Store antifreeze products securely and wipe up any spills immediately, as these are highly toxic to animals.

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, walking unsteadily, increased urination and shallow breathing. If you suspect a cat has consumed antifreeze, take them straight to the vet.

Check the car

In cold temperatures, cats may curl up beneath car bonnets or under wheel arches to soak up engine and tyre heat. Before starting up your car engine, tap loudly on the bonnet – or better yet, open it to look inside – and check around the car.

Don’t let water bowls freeze

Ensure your cat always has fresh water available, and don’t let outdoor drinking bowls freeze over. Provide bowls both inside and outside, and regularly check if they need a top-up.

Think about a cat safety collar

The longer, darker nights of winter sadly lead to increased traffic collisions involving cats. Consider getting a high-visibility collar for your cat and keeping them inside at night. It’s important that any collar you get fits well and has a quick-release or ‘breakaway’ feature so your cat is able to break free if they get stuck in an awkward spot.

Make sure microchip details are up to date

If your cat roams away from home, ensuring your current contact details are stored on their microchip means they’ll easily be traced back to you.

Keeping cats safe at Christmas

Secure Christmas trees

If your cat likes to climb up the tree, get one with a sturdy base, or secure it so it doesn’t topple over and injure them. Keep delicate baubles as high as possible and regularly clear up fallen needles. Find more tips for cat-proofing your Christmas tree here.

Watch out for toxic festive plants

Mistletoe berries, holly, ivy, lilies, amaryllis, dumb cane, leopard lily, poinsettia and Christmas cherry can all harm your cat if ingested. If you do keep festive plants indoors, place them out of pets’ reach.

Give festive treats in moderation

Don’t overdo it with festive treats or Christmas leftovers for your cat – too much rich food can make them ill. Be sure not to leave leftovers lying around either, as some human foods are bad news for cats, including cooked poultry bones, onions, garlic, raisins (in mince pies) and chocolate.