A general rule of thumb is that if it’s too cold for you outside, it’s too cold for your cat.
Many factors affect a cat’s safety in cold weather. In terms of age, both young and elderly cats are at the greatest risk. Kittens have less body fat and are less able to withstand the cold. Older cats may also have a lower body fat percentage and other health issues that affect their tolerance for cold.
It is strongly recommended that all pet cats stay indoors, as this significantly extends their life expectancy. Indoor cats have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years, while outdoor cats typically live only 2 to 5 years.
If your cat is too cold, you may notice the following signs: lethargy, dilated pupils, slow heart rate, shivering, skin that feels cold to the touch, slow or labored breathing, weakness, reluctance to eat or drink, hiding, and darkening of the ears or other body parts, indicating frostbite.
The best way to protect cats from cold temperatures is: Provide them with a warm shelter. Warm mats and windproof cat houses will help keep them warm. Many cats will enjoy lying in front of a sunny cat house or curling up on a fluffy mat to stay warm.
The shelter must be placed in an area away from predators, and the cat should feel comfortable sleeping inside. Be sure to include some type of warm bedding to help the cat retain heat. At Clawsable, our cat houses all come with heating pads to provide a more comfortable experience for your cat.
