Essential Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe in Severe Winter Weather

Guest Blog

Anything below seven degrees Celsius is too cold for a cat to go outside, according to Medivet. With the average winter weather in the UK between two and seven degrees Celsius, coupled with the fact that temperatures often drop to just below zero, bringing your cat indoors is imperative to their health and safety. However, there’s more to think about than simply knowing when it’s too cold for your cat to go outside, especially when it comes to severe weather. From the risks to how you can keep your cat nice and warm, here’s what you should consider if you’ve recently adopted an outdoor cat.

The dangers of winter weather

While cats with heavy coats are generally alright in cold weather, there are a variety of risks to be aware of. For starters, antifreeze that is used in cars is extremely toxic — even a small amount ingested can result in death, so it’s essential to keep any antifreeze properly contained and to clean up spills/leaks immediately. Winter weather will also lead an outdoor cat to seek warmth wherever possible, meaning that they may hide out in the wheel wells or the engine compartment of cars, making it important to always check for your cat before starting the car. Cats — like humans — can catch respiratory diseases like cat flu, which can bring on symptoms such as sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, and watery eyes, according to Medivet. Hypothermia is another danger that cold weather can pose to your cat, and occurs when their body heat drops to extremely low levels. Medivet goes on to underline that symptoms of hypothermia in cats involve pale lips/gums, a loss of coordination, low energy, and shivering that will suddenly stop when their temperature is dangerously low, highlighting just how crucial it is to bring your cat indoors when temperatures are low — or when a winter storm is approaching.

Bringing kitty indoors

Staying well-informed and alert regarding the weather in your area is essential in order to keep your cat safe and out of harm’s way. While keeping a warm shelter for your cat outdoors can give them a safe place to go in cold weather, staying on top of the forecast will ensure you’re well aware of the potential for low temperatures and snow storms, thus giving you plenty of time to bring kitty indoors beforehand. That said, having the right supplies is essential to ensure they’re comfortable when indoors. In addition to a litter box, food/water dishes, and toys, a cozy bed can make all the difference.

Preparing a sleeping area that’s set with warm blankets that are away from any drafts will help provide your cat with the perfect indoor retreat. Setting your cat up on the couch is just one option, though if you’re worried about your furniture and have multiple seating options, setting your cat up on one that has a more pet-friendly fabric can help in preventing any mishaps. Microfiber, for instance, is a good fabric choice if you have pets because it’s highly stain-resistant, though can attract fur. Linen is another durable choice for pet owners, but it can be tough to clean, and while cotton is a great choice, it likely won’t withstand excessive scratching. Needless to say, there are benefits and downsides to many materials, which is why covering the couch with a blanket and having a lint roller (and cleaning products) on hand will ensure you’re prepared for any potential mishaps while protecting your seating from the wrath of kitty claws.

Additional precautions worth taking

Setting your cat up in your home will ensure you’re prepared to ride out a winter storm together, though there are additional precautions you can take. If you have a large property and your cat tends to roam, microchipping can help locate them before a storm arrives. In addition to preparing a warm outdoor cat shelter and a space for them inside, cat-proofing your home is ideal in ensuring that your fur-child will be safe when indoors. This includes keeping any breakables out of reach, putting away any cords/cables, and closing or locking any cabinets. Ensuring that any toxic items (such as certain houseplants, foods like chocolate, cleaning products, etc.) are put away and out of reach is also essential.

For those who have recently adopted an outdoor cat, preparing for winter is vital in ensuring their safety — especially when it comes to winter storms. By understanding the risks, staying on top of the weather forecast, and preparing your home, you’ll be able to keep kitty both safe and warm.