Cats are creatures of comfort and warmth. They love to snuggle up in beds, blankets, and puddles of sunlight. That’s why the winter months can be so hard on them. Fluffy coats aside, all cats love to be toasty. For younger, smaller and elderly cats, it can be even harder to stay warm. During the warmer months and days you can find cats playing and exploring. However, when the cold hits, you’ll often find them tucked away in the warmest parts of the house.
Luckily, we can make safe and warm areas for our cats. A place where they can enjoy the day without having to go into hiding. After all, we want them around us and not tucked far away just because it’s warmer.
Here are some great ways to keep your cat warm during winter:
Maximize Daylight Indoors: Have a place set up in one or two windows in your home where your cat can lounge. Pull a chair over, leave the blinds open, whatever you can do to help them find that beautiful puddle of sunshine they love so much. Your cat will be so appreciative to be able to bask in the warmth of the sun during the cold winter months.
Heated Cat Beds: No better way to keep your cat warm than with their very own heated bed. There are tons of styles to choose from, all you have to do is pick one you think your cat will like.
Consider Litter Box Placement: It’s not uncommon for us to put our cat’s litter in the basement or garage, but when it’s freezing outside this could cause a problem. These areas tend to be very drafty and cold. For cats that don’t do well in the cold this can make them incredibly uncomfortable. Meaning they could start going in other, warmer places, like closets or guest rooms. Another danger that is often found in these places is anti-freeze. An extremely common winter maintenance item. It is also extremely toxic and strangely delicious to some pets. Make sure any toxic chemicals are locked up where your cat cannot get to them.
Combat Drafty Windows: Another drafty place in the house are window sills. But, as we all know, most cats love them. Luckily, you can help keep them warm in the window. Place a padded or heated window perch in their favorite window. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution you can also use a towel or small blanket. Also, try putting about a cup of dry beans in two socks and tying off the top. Place one on each side of the window to help soak up the draft (I’ve tried this, it really does work).
Play with them frequently: Keep up your cat’s level of activity to help keep them healthy all year round. According to Cat Behavior expert, Pam Johnson-Bennett, “Your cat needs the consistency. Schedule playtime once or twice a day, with about 15 minutes for each session. You’d be surprised what a ½ hour a day of playtime and fun can do for a cat’s emotional and physical health.” So make sure to schedule play for them to keep them healthy and happy.
We all want to be cozy and warm in the winter, our cats are no exception. In fact, they are probably some of the coziest creatures ever. They love curling up in a warm ball of fluff. So, if you think your cat is a little chilly, give them a little extra TLC during winter.