Winter Cat Care: What Vets Want You to Know About Keeping Your Feline Healthy and Warm

The weather has turned severely cold recently. With flu season upon us and many people falling ill due to the cold, it’s worth noting that cats, like humans, can also suffer health problems during cold weather.

In this article, I would like to explain how to manage your cat's health during the winter.

Cat illnesses that are especially common in winter

Some feline illnesses see an increase in incidence during the winter months, specifically "urinary tract diseases." These include cystitis, urolithiasis, and kidney disease.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that can cause symptoms such as inability to urinate, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. While canine cystitis is often caused by bacterial infections, cats frequently suffer from "idiopathic cystitis," where the condition occurs without a specific known cause. Although the exact cause of idiopathic cystitis is not fully understood, it is believed to be linked to stress. It often occurs in winter, and it is thought that cold-induced stress may be a triggering factor. Other factors include multi-cat households, reduced activity levels, and decreased water intake.

Urolithiasis

Urolithiasis refers to the presence of bladder stones. These stones can form in the bladder or kidneys, potentially blocking the flow of urine or causing blood in the urine. If a stone moves into the urinary tract, it causes intense pain. In addition to being unable to urinate, symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite may appear. If stones form in the kidneys and prevent urine from reaching the bladder, the kidneys can swell, a condition known as hydronephrosis. If a cat is unable to urinate for several hours, it can lead to acute kidney failure, which is life-threatening.

Kidney Disease

It is no exaggeration to say that most elderly cats suffer from chronic kidney disease. In winter, water intake tends to drop, which reduces the volume of blood reaching the kidneys. This increases the workload on the kidneys, leading to the onset of kidney disease. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease include loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and passing urine that looks like water.

Additionally, cats with kidney disease are prone to constipation, which requires extra attention during the winter months.

Winter cold protection measures

Taking steps to protect your cat from the cold is essential for their well-being. The key is to minimize temperature fluctuations and keep the area around their litter box warm.

Minimizing temperature fluctuations

The comfortable room temperature for a cat is said to be around 22°C (72°F). Large fluctuations in temperature can cause stress, potentially leading to cystitis. Try to provide an environment that isn't too cold.

If you leave the heat on while you are out, ensure there is a space where your cat can move away from the direct airflow. Since heating can dry out the air, provide more water than usual. If you prefer not to use the heater, blankets will help keep them warm.

If you leave the heating on while away, be sure to take precautions against mischief, such as protecting cords to prevent chewing. If possible, use heaters or hot water bottles that don't have exposed cords.

Infectious diseases like cat flu are more common in winter. Maintaining a stable temperature environment is crucial to preventing stress and keeping their immune system strong.

Keeping the litter box area warm

If the litter box area is cold, cats may avoid it and end up holding their urine. Holding urine increases the risk of cystitis and urolithiasis. While you might have placed the litter box in a cool spot during the summer to prevent overheating, try to keep it in a warmer location during the winter.

Some people place litter boxes near windows, but since cold air from the window can chill the area, it is better to move them slightly away.

Make sure your cat stays well-hydrated in winter

Indoor heating makes it easy for moisture to evaporate from the body. Cats tend to drink less water when it’s cold, which can lead to unintentional dehydration. Dehydration increases the incidence of urinary tract diseases.

Forcing your cat to drink can cause aspiration pneumonia, so it is important to create an environment where your cat will naturally want to drink.

Place fresh water in multiple locations

Cats generally only drink water that is close to them. This tendency becomes stronger as they age. Set up water stations in several places within your cat’s activity area, but be sure to avoid placing them near the litter box.

Although preferences vary by cat, most prefer fresh water. Be sure to change the water at least once a day.

Change the water bowl

If your cat won’t drink, changing the bowl can help. Cats are said to prefer materials in the following order: ceramic > glass > plastic > stainless steel. Trying a ceramic bowl may be effective.

Some cats prefer running water, so trying a water fountain-style bowl might also be worth a shot.

Dealing with cats that are reluctant to drink

Elderly cats can be particularly stubborn about drinking water. If their diet consists mainly of dry food, adding wet food is a good option. Flavoring the water is another strategy. Adding some juice from wet food or flavoring the water with chicken broth can encourage drinking. There are also oral rehydration solutions specifically for cats on the market.

Summary

Winter cold is a major enemy for cats.

Urinary tract diseases in particular can be recurrent and life-threatening. Conditions like kidney disease are irreversible and require lifelong management. Please take proper preventative measures to help your cat avoid these illnesses.