When the southerly blows in and the mornings turn frosty, most of us reach for an extra blanket. Our cats are doing the same thing, they just cannot tell us about it. Cats are famous for seeking out warm spots, from sunny windowsills to the washing fresh out of the dryer, and that instinct is a clue: cats do feel the cold. Australian winters are mild by world standards, but overnight temperatures across much of the country drop into single digits, and many of our homes are poorly insulated and unheated overnight. This guide covers which cats feel the cold most, the signs to watch for, how to keep your cat cosy and safe, and when to call the vet.
Do cats really feel the cold?
Yes. A fur coat helps, but domestic cats are not built for long spells in cold, wet or windy weather. They rely on shelter, sunshine and snug bedding to stay comfortable, and a cat whose coat gets wet loses much of its insulation. Most healthy adult cats cope well with an Australian winter indoors, but they will start hunting for warmth as the temperature falls.
A good rule of thumb from RSPCA NSW: if it is too cold for you to be outside, it is probably too cold for your pet.
Which cats feel the cold most?
- Kittens and senior cats, who regulate their body temperature less efficiently
- Short-haired, hairless or very lean cats, with little insulation
- Cats that are unwell or recovering from illness, or that have lost weight or muscle
- Cats with arthritis, whose stiff joints ache more in the cold
- Outdoor and indoor-outdoor cats, exposed to wind, rain and cold nights
Signs your cat is too cold
Cats are good at hiding discomfort, so watch their behaviour:
- Constantly seeking out heaters, warm appliances, sunny spots or your lap
- Curling into a tight ball with paws and tail tucked in
- Ears, paws or the tip of the tail feeling cool to the touch
- Reluctance to move, low energy or sleeping much more than usual
- Shivering, a clear sign your cat is struggling to stay warm
Shivering that will not stop, weakness, very slow breathing, stiffness or unresponsiveness can point to hypothermia, which is an emergency. Wrap your cat loosely in a dry, warm towel and call your vet or an emergency animal hospital straight away.
Create warm resting spots
The easiest win is giving your cat somewhere snug to retreat to. Cats lose heat through contact with cold floors, so:
- Lift beds off cold tiles and floorboards and line them with fleece, a blanket or an old jumper.
- Offer a covered or igloo-style bed, or a blanket your cat can burrow under. Enclosed beds trap body heat.
- Keep beds away from draughts from doors, windows and vents.
- Give them choices. Set up a few resting spots at different warmth levels, including some up high, so your cat can move as they please.
- Make the most of the sun. Leave curtains open where the winter light streams in.
International Cat Care notes that older cats, and those that are inactive or have lost muscle or weight, especially benefit from lots of warm, draught-free places to sleep.
Use heat sources safely
Warmth-seeking can land cats in trouble. Every winter, vets see pets burned by heaters, fires and heating products. Keep these rules in mind:
- Guard heaters and open fires. Use a fireguard or screen, never leave a portable heater running unattended, and keep your cat from sleeping pressed against heaters.
- Choose pet-specific heat pads only. A low-voltage pad made for pets, with an automatic shut-off and a chew-resistant cord, can help an older or thin cat. Cover it with a blanket, heat only part of the bed so your cat can move away, and switch it off when you go out.
- Skip hot water bottles and wheat bags. Their temperature cannot be controlled, and RSPCA advice is to avoid hot water bottles because of the temptation to chew.
- Keep your own electric blanket for you. Human electric blankets and heated throws can run too hot for pets, and cords should be kept out of reach of curious teeth.
Our guide to heater and heated-bed safety has more detail, including burn first aid.
Check under the bonnet
One of the most dangerous winter habits is a cat napping in a car engine for the lingering warmth. International Cat Care warns that cats curl up in wheel arches, between the wheels or under the bonnet of recently driven cars. Before you start the car on a cold morning, bang firmly on the bonnet, check around the wheels, and give any cat time to get out. See our guide to cats hiding in car engines.
Car-related winter hazards do not end there. Antifreeze (engine coolant) tastes sweet and is highly toxic to cats, so clean up any spills and store it securely.
Food, water and play
- Watch portions. Indoor cats that slow down in winter can quietly gain weight, so go easy on extra treats. Cats that still spend time outdoors burn more energy keeping warm and may need a little more food. Your vet can help you get the balance right.
- Keep them drinking. Some cats drink less when it is cold, which matters for the kidneys and urinary tract. Refresh bowls often, try several water stations around the house, and consider a pet water fountain or adding wet food. Our guide to winter urinary problems in cats explains why this matters, especially for male cats.
- Keep playtime going. A daily wand-toy session beats the winter blues, burns a few calories and keeps joints moving. Our indoor cat enrichment guide has plenty of ideas.
Outdoor and indoor-outdoor cats
The safest place for a cat on a cold, wet night is indoors. Keep kittens, seniors and unwell cats inside during cold snaps, and bring all cats in to sleep when temperatures get very low. If your cat goes out during the day, make sure they can always get back inside, or have a dry, insulated, raised shelter out of the wind with bedding that is changed when damp. Bringing cats in at night also protects local wildlife and keeps you on the right side of local cat curfew rules in many council areas.
Senior and arthritic cats
Cold weather is hardest on older cats, particularly those with arthritis, which is far more common in cats than many owners realise. Stiff joints tend to ache more in winter. Watch for:
- Hesitating before jumping, or no longer using high spots
- Trouble getting in and out of the litter tray
- Less grooming, especially along the back and hips
- Sleeping more, or being grumpy when handled
Help by providing beds that are easy to reach, ramps or steps up to favourite spots, and a litter tray with a low side. If your cat seems sore or is slowing down, book a check-up. There are safe and effective treatments, but never give human pain relief, because many common painkillers are toxic to cats. Our guide to arthritis in cats covers the signs in more detail.
When to call your vet
Most winter care is simple home comfort, but some signs need professional advice:
- Persistent shivering, weakness, stiffness or lethargy
- Not eating, or drinking noticeably less or more than usual
- Laboured breathing, sneezing or a runny nose and eyes
- Straining in the litter tray or passing little or no urine, which is an emergency, particularly in male cats
- Signs of pain or reluctance to move
When in doubt, a quick call to your local clinic is well worth it.
Frequently asked questions
How cold is too cold for a cat?
There is no single number, because age, coat, body condition and health all play a part. Most cats are comfortable at normal indoor temperatures. Once outdoor temperatures drop into single digits, especially with wind or rain, keep vulnerable cats inside and make sure every cat has a warm, dry place to retreat to.
Should I keep my cat inside at night in winter?
Yes. Cold, wet nights are when cats are most at risk, and keeping them in also protects wildlife and keeps them away from car engines, fights and traffic. Many Australian councils now require cats to be contained at night anyway.
Is it safe to use a heat pad for my cat?
A pet-specific, low-voltage heat pad with an automatic shut-off is fine if it is covered with a blanket, only heats part of the bed and is switched off when you go out. Avoid human heating pads, electric blankets, hot water bottles and microwaved wheat bags.
Do cats need to eat more in winter?
Outdoor cats may need a little more food to stay warm. Indoor cats that sleep more often need the same or slightly less, so watch their weight and adjust with your vet’s guidance.
Do cats get colds in winter?
Cats do not catch human colds, but sneezing and runny eyes are common signs of cat flu, which vets often see more of in winter as cats spend more time indoors and in boarding. Vaccination and good hygiene help prevent it.
Key takeaways
- Cats do feel the cold, and kittens, seniors, lean, short-haired and unwell cats need the most protection.
- Watch for warmth-seeking, curling up tight, cool ears and paws, and shivering.
- Raised, covered, draught-free beds and sunny spots are the simplest and safest warmth.
- Use only pet-specific heat pads, guard heaters, and skip hot water bottles and wheat bags.
- Bang on the car bonnet before starting the engine on cold mornings.
- Keep cats in on cold nights, keep them drinking and playing, and see your vet about stiffness or signs of illness.
This article is general information for Australian cat owners and is not a substitute for advice from a registered veterinarian. If your cat is unwell or struggling with the cold, contact your vet.
