How to tell if your cat is cold (and other care tips) 

We all know how well cats are able to hide their pain, so it can be tricky to figure out if they’re feeling discomfort. Here are our top winter care tips for cats.  

How to tell if your cat is cold 

With their big, fluffy coats, it’s hard to imagine your cat feeling the cold like we do, but they definitely do! And prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can even be dangerous for some cats.  

Kittens, older cats, or sick cats will all be more susceptible to the cold, as well as hairless breeds.  

If your cat is curled up into a tight ball or lying in a hunched position with fluffed fur, they may be feeling chilly. Gently touch the tips of their ears and their paw pads. If these are cold to the touch, then you might want to get your cat a warm blanket!  

Keeping cats warm and safe indoors  

It’s generally recommended to keep cats indoors in temperatures below 10 degrees to keep them safe and avoid potential hypothermia.  

Keep your cat entertained indoors with plenty of playtime and attention. Check out these DIY toy ideas for inspiration!  

If your cat absolutely insists on getting out, make sure they have access to a warm, dry outdoor shelter of some kind. 

Watch out for antifreeze poisoning  

A big danger for outdoor cats at this time of year is antifreeze poisoning. Exposure to antifreeze can be lethal for cats, so keep any bottles clearly labelled and out of reach. Clean up spills thoroughly and keep your cats away until it’s safe again.  

Signs of antifreeze poisoning include vomiting, sleepiness, difficulty breathing, and seizures. If you suspect your cat has been exposed to antifreeze, take them to the vet immediately. The sooner the treatment, the better their chance of survival.  

Avoid other seasonal hazards  

Festive decorations such as poinsettia plants and even Christmas trees can be dangerous for cats. Poinsettia, mistletoe and holly are all poisonous to cats and should be kept well out of reach at all times. Other festive poisons include chocolate, grapes, raisins, and alcohol, so keep curious kitties away from the mince pies!  

Keep an eye out for curious kitties and electric lights or ornaments. They could really hurt themselves if they tried to chew on them.  

Finally, the needles on real Christmas trees can get stuck between paw pads or cause blockages if ingested. Make sure and clean these up regularly if you plan to have a real tree. Christmas tree water can also contain fertilisers, and other poisons, so keep thirsty cats away!