Helping Your Cat Adapt to Cold Winter Temperatures

Changing weather means changing needs for your cat, especially during the winter. If you keep your cat indoors (or keep her in just for the winter) she won't be affected by the drop in temperature or the hazards of cold weather. But there are still a few things you can do to give your cat a little extra help.

Indoors

• If she normally sleeps on the floor, consider moving her bed somewhere higher to avoid drafts
• If you have an older cat, or if your cat has arthritis, the cold weather may make her joints stiff and uncomfortable. She may find jumping difficult, so you'll need to help her find ways of getting to her favorite sleeping places, especially if they're high up. Consider moving a chair or other piece of furniture to make a 'ladder' so she won't have to jump as high

Outdoors

• Outdoor cats should be encouraged to keep spending time outdoors to get used to the changing weather. The dropping temperature will encourage your cat’s body to adapt by growing a thicker coat and building up winter immunities
• If your cat has an outdoor shelter, raise it off the ground. Frozen earth will draw out more heat from the shelter than moving air
• Turn the entrance away from the wind and consider laying down extra-bedding. Be careful to avoid anything that will retain moisture and freeze or become moldy

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