Veterinarian explains: Diseases cats are prone to in winter and how to prevent them

This year has seen a prolonged hot summer, with days that still feel hot even in November. However, there are also days with drastic temperature fluctuations, which may be making both people and cats more prone to falling ill.

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the illnesses that cats are prone to during the winter.

What kinds of illnesses are cats susceptible to in winter?

Respiratory infections such as "cat flu"

Just as respiratory infections increase among humans in winter, there is a similar tendency for them to increase in cats.

These are commonly referred to as "cat flu," which includes respiratory infections caused by feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and chlamydia. Cat flu is caused by pathogens such as herpesvirus, calicivirus, and chlamydia, and cats can become infected if these pathogens remain in the body for long periods or if their immune system is weak. In winter, immune function decreases due to the cold, and the air becomes dry, making it easier for pathogens to enter the body. Therefore, winter can be considered a season when cats are prone to cat flu.

Risk of hypothermia and frostbite

Due to global warming, winters may be less cold than they used to be, but hypothermia can still occur if heating is not used. Extra caution is needed, especially for kittens, elderly cats, and cats with underlying health conditions, who cannot regulate their body temperature well. Additionally, for cats that go outside, body temperature can drop due to the cold at night.

Metal surfaces can become quite cold in winter. In snowy regions, where temperatures drop below freezing, cats can also suffer from frostbite. Although cats are covered in fur, their paw pads and ears—which have less blood flow—can be susceptible to frostbite.

Worsening of arthritis and the impact of cold

Many people experience joint pain in cold weather, and cats with arthritis tend to experience pain during the colder months as well. When it gets cold, muscles and joints become stiff, and blood flow decreases. Also, cats tend to stay still more often in winter due to the cold. Furthermore, they may increase their food intake to store energy for the winter, leading to weight gain. This puts extra strain on the joints of cats with arthritis, which can intensify their pain.

Why are illnesses more common in winter? The relationship between a cat's body and winter

The relationship between lowered immunity and cold

Like humans, cats’ body temperatures tend to drop when it gets cold, which causes stress and decreases the activity of immune cells. As a result, they become vulnerable to pathogens that they would normally be able to fight off. Also, because the air is dry in winter, the mucous membranes in the nose and bronchial tubes dry out, making it easier for pathogens to enter; this is another reason why colds are common in winter.

Poor blood circulation due to cold and its effects

Both humans and cats are homeotherms, meaning they regulate their body temperature to remain constant. When it gets cold, blood vessels near the surface of the skin and muscles constrict to prevent body heat from escaping. As a result, blood flow to the ears and paw pads can worsen, and in extremely cold environments, this can lead to frostbite. Additionally, because blood flow to the muscles decreases, muscle and joint mobility suffers. Cats with arthritis are more likely to experience pain as a result.

Urinary diseases prevalent in winter

Winter is a season when feline urinary diseases increase. In winter, cats often do not want to drink water, leading to decreased water intake. They also tend to avoid using the litter box. Since cats are less active in winter, they are prone to calorie overload and obesity. This increases the risk of urinary stones and cystitis. The cold of winter can also act as a stressor, making the bladder prone to inflammation. If a cat has experienced cystitis or stones even once, there is a high probability of recurrence.

Chronic kidney disease can also worsen in winter. Urinary diseases often become time-critical, so if you notice anything unusual, please see a veterinarian.

Measures you can take at home to prevent winter illnesses

Providing warm bedding and blankets

You might associate cats with sleeping in warm futons, but they generally prefer to sleep in soft, fluffy places. Since cats find their own sleeping spots, they may not necessarily sleep where you want them to. However, because they tend to prefer soft bedding, it is a good idea to provide cat-specific beds or blankets in winter. Many cats do not burrow into blankets, so do not force them to cover themselves if they don't want to. If they seem too cold, use heating to warm the room.

Cats love the scent of their owners, so they will be happy even if you use your old, worn clothes instead of a blanket.

A nutritionally balanced diet and hydration

In winter, a cat's body stores fat to get through the cold season. Significant calories are required to survive the winter. Conversely, if they cannot get enough calories, they will lose weight and their health will deteriorate. However, excessive calories lead to obesity, which is a cause of illness. Feed them a nutritionally complete cat food, and avoid giving too much or too little. The amount of food should be calculated based on the cat's body type. Start by using the guidelines on the food packaging and adjust if you notice any changes in their physique. Veterinary clinics can also advise you on food quantities, so it is a good idea to consult them.

Hydration is also important in winter. Because the air is dry, moisture is lost from the body. Therefore, it is necessary to provide hydration regularly. However, since cats tend to drink less water when they are cold, their water intake in winter naturally decreases. Reduced water intake makes them more prone to various urinary diseases. Avoid placing water bowls in cold areas like near windows, and place them in several locations. Trying different materials like ceramic or glass bowls can also help. If they still don't drink enough, try using feline oral rehydration solution or mixing canned wet food soup into their water. Even just switching from dry food to wet food can increase water intake.

Comfortable room temperature for cats

A comfortable room temperature for cats in winter is about 20–23°C. Keeping temperature fluctuations within 5°C is less likely to affect their health. It is better to use heating on cold days, but be careful not to set the temperature too high. If you use floor heating, ensure that the space where the cat is located does not become too hot. Provide an area where the cat can escape from the heat if needed.

It is not just temperature that is important for cats, but also humidity. Winters are dry, so use a humidifier to keep the humidity around 40–60%.

Health check items for keeping your cat healthy in winter

Notice changes early through daily behavior observation

Common illnesses in winter include respiratory, urinary, and joint diseases. Respiratory diseases cause coughing and sneezing, so they are easier to spot early. Urinary diseases can be caught before they become serious if you track the daily frequency and volume of litter box usage; however, in households with multiple cats or cats that go outside to urinate, it is often difficult to notice urinary problems, meaning they are frequently caught only after they have become severe. It is important to know your cat’s usual litter box habits. Using a device that records the frequency of your cat's urination can also be helpful.

With joint diseases, cats will move less than usual, but this is sometimes misinterpreted as "they are just inactive because it's winter." Observe whether their gait when walking to eat is different than usual. Also, if they react negatively to being touched in certain areas, it could be that they are inactive due to arthritis.

Early detection of disease through regular health checkups

Health checkups lead to early detection of disease. Getting regular checkups helps you know what is normal for your cat, and if there are any abnormalities, treatment can be administered before the condition worsens. If your cat has a condition that is likely to worsen in winter, you can prepare for it during that season. Get a diagnosis before things get bad and be ready for winter.

Health management and precautions recommended by veterinarians

Early examination when illness is suspected

Some people may avoid going out in winter. In fact, the rate of veterinary clinic visits tends to drop in winter. Because of this, not a few owners wait to see if things get better until it is too late. It is common for a cat to be in an untreatable state by the time they reach the clinic. If you think something is even slightly wrong, try to get them checked as soon as possible.

Additionally, most veterinary hospitals close for the New Year holidays. It is necessary to identify clinics that offer nighttime or holiday services.

Joint care and creating a comfortable indoor environment

Cats with arthritis may experience increased pain in winter. Therefore, set up an environment that is gentle on their joints. Use mats or carpets to prevent slipping on hardwood floors, and install ramps for any steps to reduce the burden on their joints.

If they have joint pain, they may stop moving, leading to weight gain, which further exacerbates the arthritis. Have your veterinarian prescribe painkillers or supplements to help relieve their pain.

Summary

Winter is a season where respiratory infections, urinary diseases, and arthritis are prone to occurring and worsening. To get through the winter in good health, maintain your cat's health with regular checkups.

For cats that already have an illness, their condition could change rapidly, so try to provide them with a stress-free life.