With the weather turning chilly, it’s time to think about how we keep our cats warm this winter—especially our older felines who may be feeling the cold more than all of us! After all, cats may well be natural heat seekers, but they often need a little support as they age to keep them cozy and content.
Here are six simple but effective tips to help you prioritize your elderly cat’s care throughout the colder months. But first, why do older cats need extra support?
Colder temperatures can affect all of us—but for older cats, the impact can be much more significant. As they age, their bodies become less able to adapt, and they will generally be more sensitive to the cold. A drop in temperature can lead to:
This is why it’s so important we support our cats’ warmth, promoting comfort, ease of movement, and overall well-being—all key elements of care for older cats.
Although cats often seek out warmth instinctively, there are some signs to look out for that they may need some additional help to stay warm. This includes:
If you notice any sudden changes in your cat’s behaviour—particularly in older cats—you should always speak with your vet in case of any underlying issue.
Otherwise, for more general advice on keeping your cat warm, let’s take a look at what we can do to help.
Keeping cats warm in winter should start with a cozy home setup.
Make sure your senior cat has plenty of soft bedding in draft-free areas, ideally near sunny windows or radiators. Igloo-style beds or cat caves—essentially, beds with a cover—are a great idea for helping cats retain body heat while offering a snug sense of security.
Next, place essentials like food, water, and litter trays in warm and easy-to-reach spots. This is particularly important when it comes to elderly cat care as stiff joints can make moving around harder.
If keeping the whole house warm isn’t practical, consider using a pet-safe space heater in the room your cat spends the most time in. Alternatively, microwavable pet heat pads (always wrapped in a towel!) can be used to offer short bursts of warmth. And thermal self-heating beds are a low maintenance solution that reflect your cat’s body heat back to them.
Electric heating beds can also help but should include safety features like chew-proof cords and thermostatic controls—and should never be left on while unattended. Avoid hot water bottles or general-use heating pads, as they can cause burns and are not safe for cats.
Clothes might seem like a good idea for warmth, but they aren’t usually part of an ideal care routine for older cats. Very few cats enjoy wearing clothes as they can feel restricting and can make them stressed or uncomfortable.
That said, if your cat is particularly tolerant or it’s been recommended by a vet, a light fleece vest may offer some warmth. Just make sure your cat is supervised at all times and is content. Never force clothing, as the stress can easily outweigh the benefit.
When thinking about how to keep cats warm in winter, ensuring they’re taking in enough food and water plays a big role too. Slightly warming your cat’s meals can make them more aromatic and tempting, which can be especially helpful for older cats who may have a reduced appetite.
Be sure to place water bowls away from chilly areas and ask your vet whether your cat’s current diet is still meeting their wintertime needs.
Another important part of elderly cat care in winter is exercise, which helps with warmth and mobility. Encourage short bursts of gentle movement with play sessions tailored to your cat’s age and agility.
Puzzle feeders, feather wands, or soft toys can all be good options for keeping your cat active. Keep it short and sweet—several small sessions are better than one long one.
Winter changes—like darker days, more time indoors, and changes in our routines—can all be unsettling for our cats. FELIWAY Optimum is a great solution here, creating a calm, comforting environment that helps cats to feel more secure.
Simply plug the diffuser into an electrical socket in the room your cat uses the most to support their ongoing emotional well-being.
Alongside the six steps above, there are a few extra things to keep in mind to ensure your cat stays safe, snug, and out of trouble this winter:
Now you know how to keep your cat warm in winter, you can ensure they stay cozy and content all season long. By making a few small changes to your home and routine, you’ll be showing your feline the love and care they deserve!
For more tips on all things cat care, continue exploring our FELIWAY blog online. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with everything we’re up to!