Are cats cold in winter? A complete guide to keeping them warm when you're away or in their bed

During the cold winter, when you leave the house for work or shopping, you probably worry, "Is my cat cold?" or "Will they catch a cold?"

What is particularly worrying is leaving your cat home alone in winter. Should you leave the heater on, or is there another way to keep them warm? Many owners probably lose sleep over concerns about fires and electricity bills.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the room temperature needed for cats to spend winter comfortably, ways to keep them warm without using an air conditioner, and how to manage their safety while you are away.

Do cats get cold in winter? Don't miss these signs

As the children's song goes, "cats curl up in a kotatsu," cats are not fond of the cold. Since their ancestors originally lived in the desert, they are relatively resilient to heat, but they are vulnerable to the cold of a Japanese winter.

When your cat feels "I'm cold!", they might exhibit the following signs:

• Curling into a ball and staying still (the "cat roll")
• Fluffing up their fur
• Climbing onto your lap or into your blankets
• Having cold ears or paw pads

If your cat is huddled up small or their ears feel cold, it might be evidence that the room is too cold.

Winter is a season when cats are particularly prone to "cat colds" (such as Feline Herpesvirus or Feline Calicivirus) as well as "stomach issues" like diarrhea or loss of appetite. Taking measures against the cold is very important.

What is the comfortable room temperature for cats in winter?

It is said that the room temperature cats find comfortable in winter is around 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F). A good guideline is the temperature at which a human feels comfortable wearing just one thin long-sleeved shirt.

Also, not just the temperature, but humidity is important as well. Winter tends to be dry, which allows viruses to become more active, so try to maintain a humidity level of 50–60% using a humidifier.

Increasing the humidity also prevents static electricity. Many cats dislike that sudden zap of static! (Sometimes they even blame their owners for it...)

Using an air conditioner is recommended for long periods alone

For cats living in cold regions where the temperature doesn't rise much even during the day, or for cats left alone for long periods, it is recommended to leave the air conditioner on, as it carries less risk of fire or burns.

Set the temperature to around 20–23°C and use the automatic mode to keep it at a steady, comfortable level.

If it gets particularly cold in the evening, you can turn off the heating when you leave and set a timer so that it kicks in by late afternoon.

Beware of dryness and dehydration!

Leaving an air conditioner on all day will inevitably dry out the room. Cats are not very good at hydrating themselves, so there is a concern for dehydration due to the dry air.

Use a humidifier in conjunction with the heater, or place extra water bowls around to ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Ways to keep warm without an air conditioner

"I feel guilty leaving the air conditioner on for just a quick shopping trip or a half-day away."
"I want to know about non-electric methods in case of a power outage."
"I turn off the air conditioner when I sleep, so I'm worried if my cat is cold."

For such owners, here are ways to keep your cat warm without an air conditioner.

Turn off the heating just before you leave

For a half-day away, a kotatsu or heated carpet is convenient.Turn it to "high" to warm the area, then turn it off and unplug it just before you leave. It will stay warm for a while, allowing your cat to warm themselves as they please.

Kotatsus can be a suffocation risk, so it's safer to lift the blanket slightly to create an entrance. When using a heated carpet, placing a blanket the cat can crawl into will help keep them warm for longer.

It is also useful to have a "pet kotatsu" or "pet heater" that comes with an automatic shut-off feature once the temperature exceeds a certain level.

Provide a dome bed or a cardboard box

A dome-shaped bed or a tube-shaped bed with a roof traps heat well, allowing your cat to stay warm using their own body heat.

If you don't have a special bed, just placing a blanket inside a cardboard box makes for an excellent insulated room. Making the entrance a bit smaller helps retain the heat better.

Provide a pet-safe hot water bottle

A pet-safe hot water bottle, whether the type you fill with hot water or the type you heat in the microwave, has no power cord, so there is no risk of electric shock or fire. They are safe to use in crates or on cold nights.

To prevent low-temperature burns, be sure to wrap it in a dedicated cover or a thick towel before placing it in the bed.

Ensure access to a sunny spot

If leaving during the day, sunlight is the best heater. Place their bed near a window that gets direct sun. However, since the area near the window gets cold quickly after the sun sets, it is important to provide an alternative space away from the window if you will be gone past sunset.

Troubles to watch out for in winter

Heating appliances are essential for keeping your cat warm in winter. However, there are several points to watch out for when you leave them alone.

Fire

Oil heaters, gas fan heaters, and halogen heaters pose a fire risk and should not be used while you are away.For peace of mind, unplug them so they cannot be turned on by accident.

Burns

Heating appliances like stoves and heaters can cause burns if your cat touches them.When you are home, use fences to enclose them, and avoid using them while you are out.

Also, when using heated carpets or pet heaters, be careful of "low-temperature burns." Use the low setting and ensure there is no direct skin contact. Avoid settings where the cat has no room to move away if they get too hot, and do not use them for long periods for cats who are immobile or bedridden.

Electric shock

If your cat chews on the power cord of a heating appliance, there is a risk of electric shock.Cover the cords and make sure to unplug them when you leave.

Dehydration/Dryness

Using an air conditioner dries out the room significantly. This can lead to dehydration in cats, so use a humidifier to keep the humidity around 50–60%. This also helps prevent infections and static electricity. It is also safer to provide extra water stations so they can easily hydrate.

Summary

For cats, the winter cold can be a major cause of health problems. When leaving your cat alone or when they are sleeping at night, try to prepare by keeping the following points in mind:

• Aim for a room temperature of 20–23°C and humidity of 50–60%
• If not using an AC, utilize dome beds or hot water bottles
• For long absences, use an AC and don't forget to manage humidity
• Open-flame heating is a no-go while you are away
• Watch for burns and electric shocks (unplug when not in use)

For cats that are sensitive to the cold, or for kittens and senior cats who have trouble regulating their temperature, putting them in cat-friendly winter clothing can also be an effective strategy.

Take proper measures against the cold and help your cat get through the winter in good health!