Winter Cat Care: How to Keep Your Feline Friend Safe, Warm and Well

When the temperature drops and the nights draw in, our cats feel the change just as much as we do. Whether your cat is a dedicated sofa surfer or an adventurous outdoor explorer, winter brings a few extra risks and responsibilities for owners.

This guide walks you through practical, vet‑informed ways to keep your cat comfortable, healthy and safe all winter long – with simple product ideas from Chestnut Mill to make winter care easier.

1. Indoor Comfort: Creating a Warm, Safe Haven

Cosy, draught‑free sleeping spots

• Cats naturally seek out warm, elevated places when it’s cold. Help them by:
• Placing beds away from doors, draughty windows and cold floors  
• Offering hooded or igloo‑style beds that trap warmth  
• Adding soft blankets they can knead and burrow into  
• Providing a few options in different rooms so they can choose  
• A supportive, well‑padded bed can make a real difference for older cats or those with stiff joints. Explore our range of cat beds and baskets to find snug, winter‑friendly options for every type of sleeper.

Heating – comfort with safety

• Never rely on open flames or exposed heating elements around cats. Instead:
  
• Use central heating or oil‑filled radiators where possible  
• Ensure any heated pet pads are designed for animals and checked regularly for damage  
• Always give your cat the choice to move away from heat sources – don’t confine them in a very warm space  

2. Outdoor Access: Balancing Freedom and Safety

Some cats insist on going out whatever the weather. You don’t necessarily need to stop them, but a few winter adjustments help keep them safe.

Sheltered outdoor spots

• If your cat spends time outside, try to provide:
  
• A waterproof, insulated shelter or cat house  
• Bedding that stays relatively dry  
• A raised base so they’re not lying directly on cold ground  
  

Even if they have outdoor options, make sure there’s always a warm, inviting bed waiting indoors – a familiar, comfortable cat bed often encourages them to come back in sooner.

Doors and cat flaps

Check daily that:

• Cat flaps open and close freely  
• There’s no ice build‑up around the frame  
• Your cat can still get back in quickly if the weather turns  

In very low temperatures, it’s often safest to keep cats indoors overnight, even if they usually roam.

3. Food, Water and Winter Nutrition

Fresh, unfrozen water

• Cats can become mildly dehydrated in winter if their water bowls freeze or if they drink less.
• Check outdoor bowls several times a day and break any ice  
• Offer multiple water stations indoors  
• Consider a cat water fountain if your cat prefers running water  

Adjusting food intake

Some cats burn more energy in cold weather, especially if they’re outdoors a lot. Others move less and gain weight. Monitor:

Body condition: you should feel ribs under a light layer of fat, but not see them  

Weight: a monthly weigh‑in helps you spot gradual changes  

If your cat is losing weight over winter, speak to your vet about slightly increasing their food or switching to a more energy‑dense diet. Many cats enjoy a mix of dry and wet food; a good quality wet cat food can help support hydration and provide a tasty, warming meal when served at room temperature.

4. Health Checks and Common Winter Issues

Arthritis and joint pain

Cold, damp weather can make stiff joints worse, especially in older cats. Watch for:

• Reluctance to jump onto furniture  
• Hesitation on stairs  
• Grooming less, particularly around the back and hindquarters  
• Sleeping more or seeming grumpier when handled  

If you notice these signs, book a vet check. They may recommend joint supplements, pain relief or simple changes at home – like placing soft beds somewhere your cat can reach without jumping.

Respiratory infections

Winter often coincides with an increase in cat flu and other respiratory bugs. Contact your vet if your cat has:

• Sneezing, coughing or nasal discharge  
• Runny eyes  
• Loss of appetite  
• Lethargy  

Keeping vaccinations up to date is especially important for outdoor and social cats.

5. Litter Trays and Toileting in Bad Weather

Even cats that usually prefer to toilet outdoors may refuse to go out in heavy rain, snow or strong winds.

• Provide at least one indoor litter tray per cat, plus one extra in multi‑cat homes  
• Place trays in quiet, low‑traffic areas away from food and water  
• Use a familiar litter type to encourage them to use it  

Holding urine for long periods can contribute to urinary problems, especially in male cats, so indoor options are important in winter. If you need to add extra trays or upgrade to covered options to contain mess and odour, take a look at our cat litter and litter tray range for practical solutions that suit your home.

6. Winter Hazards to Watch Out For

Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)

Antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats, and even a small amount can be fatal. Reduce risk by:

• Storing all antifreeze products securely and cleaning up spills immediately  
• Avoiding letting cats drink from garages, sheds or puddles  
• Contacting a vet urgently if you suspect ingestion – early treatment is critical  

Gritted roads and chemicals

Road salt and de‑icing products can irritate paws and, if licked off, may cause stomach upset.

Wipe your cat’s paws and fur gently with a damp cloth if they’ve been out on gritted surfaces  

Check between toes for any soreness or compacted ice  

Dark evenings and traffic

Shorter days mean more time in low light, when drivers may struggle to see animals. If your cat goes out:

• Consider a reflective, quick‑release safety collar if they tolerate it  
• Try to keep outdoor time to daylight hours where possible  
• Make sure microchip details are up to date in case they go missing  

7. Beating Winter Boredom: Play and Enrichment

Cats can become bored or frustrated if they’re spending more time indoors.

Play ideas

Aim for a few short play sessions each day, using:

• Fishing‑rod toys and feather wands  
• Soft balls or crinkle toys to chase  
• Puzzle feeders or treat balls to encourage natural hunting behaviour  
• Cardboard boxes and paper bags (handles removed) for hiding and pouncing  

Rotating toys regularly keeps them interesting and helps your cat burn off energy, which can also reduce attention‑seeking or night‑time zoomies.

Safe window watching

Set up a comfortable perch near a window so your cat can watch birds and outdoor activity. A sturdy bed or basket on a wide windowsill can quickly become a favourite winter lookout spot.

If you feed wild birds, position feeders where your cat can’t reach them – high and away from easy launch points – to protect local wildlife.

8. Special Considerations: Kittens, Seniors and Sick Cats

Kittens

Young cats have less body fat and may struggle to regulate their temperature.

• Keep them indoors in cold snaps  
• Provide extra bedding and avoid placing their bed near very hot radiators  
• Supervise any outdoor time closely  

Senior cats

Older cats often need:

• Extra warmth and soft, supportive beds  
• Easy access to food, water and litter without needing to climb stairs  
• More frequent vet checks to monitor arthritis, kidney function and weight  

A well‑padded cat bed in a quiet, warm corner can make a big difference to their comfort.

Cats with chronic illnesses

Conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes or heart disease can make cats more vulnerable to temperature extremes.

• Keep them indoors in very cold weather  
• Follow your vet’s advice closely on diet and medication  
• Contact your vet promptly if you notice any change in appetite, thirst, behaviour or breathing  

9. When to Call the Vet in Winter

Seek veterinary advice urgently if your cat:

• Is very cold to the touch, weak, unresponsive or shivering continuously  
• Has pale or blue gums  
• Is struggling to breathe  
• Has suspected antifreeze exposure  
• Hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours or hasn’t passed urine for 12–24 hours  

If something feels “off”, it’s always better to call and be reassured than to wait.

Final Thoughts

With a few simple adjustments – extra warmth, safe outdoor access, fresh water, indoor litter trays and plenty of enrichment – most cats cope very well with winter.

If you’re getting your home winter‑ready for your feline friend, you might find these collections helpful:

Cat beds and baskets for warm, cosy sleeping spots  

Wet cat food for tasty, hydrating meals  

Cat litter and litter trays to keep indoor toileting clean and stress‑free  

A little planning now will help keep your cat snug, healthy and happy until spring.