How winter affects your cat
There are two main effects of winter in Europe. The days get shorter and the weather gets colder. These two changes are connected, and so is the way they affect your cat. Shorter days trigger the growth of a thicker undercoat. This helps cats retain heat, and even indoor cats that rarely experience the cold will grow more undercoat during this time. At the same time, lower temperatures influence behaviour. Outdoor cats may be exposed to freezing conditions that can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, especially on extremities. As a result, cats naturally look for warm places to sleep and will curl up more often than in the summer to conserve body heat. This is also why our winter bedrolls are called Snugs. Indoor cats are not affected by the cold in the same way, but living in centrally heated environments can dry out their skin and coat, which may require more regular grooming or added humidity.
Winter also changes how much cats move and how their bodies respond. Both indoor and outdoor cats may become less active, which can lead to weight gain. This can be managed with lower calorie food choices or by increasing play to maintain activity levels. Older cats may experience more joint discomfort, and the colder months can place additional pressure on the immune system. At the same time, some cats may actually increase their food intake slightly, as maintaining body temperature requires energy. Understanding these small shifts helps you respond before they become a problem.
Not all cats experience winter in the same way. Some are built for it, while others depend much more on their environment. Thick coated breeds such as Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat or Siberian Cat are well adapted to colder conditions thanks to their dense undercoat and protective outer hairs. Most cats fall somewhere in the middle, including many domestic cats and breeds like the British Shorthair or Burmese Cat, which have enough coat to cope but still benefit from warm indoor spaces. Lean, short coated cats such as Oriental Shorthair, Siamese Cat or Thai Cat lose heat more quickly and rely more on warmth. At the far end are cats with almost no insulation at all, like Sphynx or Peterbald, for whom warmth is not a preference but a necessity. These cats will actively seek out heat, whether that means blankets, heated spots, or simply staying close to their owners.
How does your cat react to the colder weather?
Did you know?
The normal body temperature for a cat typically ranges between 38.2°C to 39.2°C. If a cat’s temperature rises above this range, it could indicate fever or an infection. A lower temperature might be a sign of hypothermia.
Cats lose heat fastest through their ears, paw pads and tail. Curling into a tight ball helps them conserve warmth and maintain body temperature.
