Mary Allen
Do cats get cold in winter and do they sleep more? The answers to the most important winter questions about cats can be found here.
For a cat, too, winter brings some changes. If you want to make sure that your cats have everything they need on cold days, you should definitely know the answers to the most important questions about keeping cats in winter.
Do Сats Get Cold in Winter?
Yes, cats can suit too. But connective tissue and fatty tissue protect the paws from the cold and if your cat is outdoors, it has a thick winter coat that keeps it warm. Depending on the breed and individual, cats can withstand temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees.
But be careful: every cat freezes in winter in icy temperatures or at the latest when it gets very wet. Early detection of dangerous hypothermia in cats can be life-saving.
Also: kittens under the age of six months should never go out in the snow – they still lack the warming undercoat and the water-repellent insulation of the fur blanket.
Can Cats Catch a Cold?
Yes, cats can catch a cold too. Drafts, viruses, or bacteria are possible triggers. Cats with a cold should not be allowed outside and should be checked out by a vet. It is therefore important that you recognize the symptoms of a cold in cats.
Caution: You can get infected from your cat with a cold. It is, therefore, better to keep your distance if your cat is showing symptoms of a cold.
Should Cats Be Given Less Freedom to Roam in Winter?
No, it doesn’t have to be. Cats usually do well in the cold as long as they have ample opportunities to warm up in between. Your cat knows best whether to go outside in the winter or whether to snuggle up at home. Don’t force them to go out in the cold.
Do Cats Sleep More in Winter?
Yes, cats show winter fatigue. Cats typically need up to 16 hours of sleep a day. In winter it can also be 22 hours. So that the muscles don’t break down and the layer of fat doesn’t grow, you can encourage your cat to exercise more with exciting game ideas.
How Do Cat Owners Heat and Ventilate Properly in Winter?
If there is a lot of heating, the air is very dry, so dandruff can develop in the fur. Brush your cat more frequently in winter to stimulate blood flow to the skin. Vegetable oil in the feed can also help.
It is also important to ensure sufficient humidity during the heating period. Handed out bowls of water or damp towels will help. They should open the windows fully every two hours. Never leave the windows tilted: there is a high risk of injury for your cat!
Do Indoor Cats Also Get Winterfell?
Yes, but to a lesser extent. The fur of outdoor cats adapts to the temperatures so that the cat does not freeze in winter and does not sweat in summer. Indoor cats don’t change and develop fur much because their environment is always warm. However, unlike outdoor cats, they shed their hair all year round.
Are Cats Allowed to Sleep Outside in Winter?
Yes, even in sub-zero temperatures. However, you can set up a warm spot for your cat outside so that it has a warm retreat when it doesn’t want to go into the apartment in the evening.
A small warming hut with a cozy blanket or straw offers the cat sufficient protection against the cold on icy nights.
Is it Dangerous if the Cat Eats Snow?
No, it is not. However, painful inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) can occur if the cat eats too much snow. If there is road salt on the snow, it can also be dangerous for the cat.
Outdoor cats can also consume road salt when grooming themselves. The consequences can be vomiting or diarrhea.
Do Cats Need to Be Warmed Up After Going Outside?
Yes, you should rinse your cat’s paws with lukewarm water after it’s been outside in winter. Salt residues are also removed in this way. Vaseline or milking fat care for the stressed cat’s paws.
Drying off is not a must – your cat can do this on its own. A soft towel can be used to help her if your cat allows it.
Can Cat Fur Be Cut in Winter?
With a long-haired cat that lives exclusively in the apartment, the fur can be shortened a bit. If you remove too much fur, the cat will freeze. Outdoor cats should not be clipped in winter at all.
Some cat breeds even have “snowshoes”, i.e. tufts of fur between the toes that prevent them from sinking into the powdery snow. These include the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Siberian.
Can Cats Find Their Way in the Snow?
Yes, even if there is a lot of snow, cats can still orientate themselves. Familiar noises, familiar houses, or trees help them. The cat’s sensitive nose continues to pick up urine marks through the snow.
If the snow is not too deep, even in winter, cats can move quietly and hunt successfully. Provided there is still enough non-hibernating prey nearby.
Can Cats Get Sunburned in Winter?
Indeed yes, the reflective snow can cause sunburn in your cat. Cats with light coat color, light ears, and bridge of the nose are particularly affected. Sunburn is the leading cause of skin cancer in cats. A cat-friendly sunscreen with high UV protection can protect your cat from sunburn.
In winter, many things just work differently than in the other seasons. But if you take these tips into account, you and your cat will also be prepared for icy temperatures.