Cats in winter - six tips to help your velvet paw survive the cold

Created: 12/29/2022, 8:30 am

By: Anna Heyers

Dogs are seen in winter with a jacket or protective socks - but do house cats also have to be protected from ice and snow?

The answer is clear: yes.

Cats also react to the changes that winter brings.

If you want to make sure that your velvet paw feels comfortable despite the wet and cold, you should pay attention to a few things in the cold season.

1. Cats get cold in winter

However, outdoor cats in particular usually have a thick winter coat and their connective and fatty tissue protects their delicate paws from too much cold.

Depending on the breed - and the cat's own feelings - up to minus 20 degrees are not a problem.

The important thing here is to listen to the cat.

She shouldn't be forced out and be able to come back in if she wants to.

Cats, ideally chipped and neutered, often like to roam through gardens and fields.

They don't come into so much contact with the harmful road salt or grit - in contrast to most dogs.

Outdoor cats in particular often want to go outside in winter too.

That's not a problem as long as the owners have a warm, sheltered place for their fur nose when they return.

© Cavan Images/Imago

Note: Caution is advised in freezing temperatures or if the animal has become very wet.

Hypothermia could be in default here.

A dry cookie is especially important.

By the way, kittens under the age of six months should never go into the snow.

2. Bedtime - especially in winter

If you think your cat only sleeps in the winter, you're not entirely wrong.

Instead of the usual 16 hours, the velvet paw sleeps up to 22 hours in winter - a day.

Winter fatigue doesn't stop at the mini robbers either.

Especially when you can doze undisturbed in your favorite place.

But so that the muscles don't break down and the cat doesn't get out of shape, you should encourage it to play from time to time.

Maybe a special cat toy will help?

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3. Proper heating and ventilation

Your pet's fur is dull and a bit scaly?

This could be due to the heating air being too dry.

Here it is important to have a brushing session more often if the cat is willing.

Alternatively, a little vegetable oil in the feed also helps.

Additionally, bowls of water or damp towels can help increase humidity during the cold months.

This benefits people, animals and even indoor plants - just like regular airing.

Open the window fully once every two to three hours.

Be careful with the tilt position: This can lead to life-threatening injuries in cats.

4. Winter fur for indoor cats?

Yes.

But unlike outdoor cats, who are regularly out and about in wind and weather, the winter coat of indoor cats is not nearly as thick.

This is because apartments tend to be many times warmer in winter than nature in front of the door.

And that makes a thick winter coat superfluous.

Disadvantage: Indoor cats tend not to shed as vigorously as outdoor cats when they change their fur.

On the other hand, indoor cats like to shed their hair all year round (less vigorously) - and even greet the postman from time to time.

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5. Leave cat outside overnight?

Even at temperatures below zero, this is not a problem at all for most outdoor cats.

But they will definitely be happy if they have a dry, warm retreat.

This can be access to a shed or the basement, or a warming hut with a cozy blanket or straw.

A water and feeding station should also be provided.

This also helps stray cats, by the way.

And don't be surprised if there's a small present for you on the threshold in the morning.

Despite the snow, cats are excellent at finding their way around, smelling – and hunting.

6. The snow and the cats

Have you watched your cat eat snow?

Don't worry, in small amounts and away from roads or footpaths it's usually not a cause for concern.

However, if the cat eats too much snow, it can lead to gastritis.

Road salt, such as that used to prevent slippery paths and roads, can also become a hazard.

When consumed in excess, they often lead to diarrhea or vomiting.

Since this can also become a problem when grooming your own fur, try at least cleaning the cat's paws with a damp washcloth or cloth.

Better: Rinse under lukewarm water and check for injuries.

A bit of milking fat or Vaseline ensures that the paws don't get too dry and cracked.

But be careful: too much and you'll see the cat sliding across the tiles afterwards.