If your cat spends the whole winter glued to the radiator, you're not imagining it. Cats are naturally drawn to warm spots, and when the temperature drops, their search for the perfect warm corner becomes a full-time job.
Most indoor cats handle winter just fine. But some — kittens, seniors, very lean cats and short-haired or hairless breeds — feel the cold more than others.
Signs your cat might be cold
- Curling into a tight ball with the tail wrapped around the body
- Seeking out heat constantly: radiators, laptops, sunny windowsills, under blankets
- Cold ear tips and paws when you touch them
- Sleeping more and moving less than usual
- Shivering (less common in cats, and a sign to take seriously)
If your cat seems unusually lethargic, isn't eating or keeps shivering, contact your vet.
1. Give them a warm, raised bed
Floors are colder than you think, especially tiles. A soft bed slightly off the ground, away from doors and windows, makes a big difference. Many cats love beds with raised edges they can tuck into.
2. Create "sunny spots"
Move a cushion or blanket to the windowsill that gets the most winter sun. For many cats, a sunny nap spot is the highlight of the day.
3. Block the drafts
Walk around your home at cat level. Where does the cold air come in? A blanket over a drafty spot, or moving the cat's bed a meter away from the balcony door, can change everything.
4. Keep them moving
Cats get less active in winter, just like us. Two short play sessions a day with a wand toy keep them warm, fit and mentally stimulated.
5. Layers they can choose
Leave a soft blanket on the sofa or bed. Cats like to decide for themselves when to burrow in and when to stretch out. Giving them the choice is better than trying to dress them up.
For cats with outdoor access
- Offer a way back in, or a sheltered, dry spot, at all times.
- Cats sometimes climb into warm car engines in winter. Before starting the car, knock on the bonnet or honk briefly to give a hidden cat time to escape.
- Keep antifreeze and de-icing products out of reach and clean any spills immediately: they're highly toxic to cats.
The short version: a warm bed off the floor, a sunny spot, no drafts and a bit of play. That's winter, the cat way.
This article is general advice and doesn't replace a visit to the vet.