Outdoor Cats in Winter: Helpful Tips

Especially in winter, cats like it just as warm as we humans. This is why some people who are out on leave like to stay at home during the cold season, while others dare to go outside despite the cold and go on the usual forays. Here are some valuable tips for your velvet paw’s winter outings.

Day-lovers in summer – stay-at-home in winter

Cats that are used to being outside regularly and like to patrol can become real couch potatoes in winter. In general, their warm winter fur protects them from cold weather and snow, but sometimes they prefer the cozy warmth. In this case, it is completely normal for your velvet paw to go outside less often or not at all in winter – then you should by no means force it to do so. Now that she’s indoors all day, she lacks the variety she would normally get in nature. Here she is dependent on a little entertainment and cat amusement on your part.

Window sills become scenes

If your kitty doesn’t want to go outside, she likes to watch the spectacle outside from inside. To make sure she is nice and cozy, you should clear the window sills so that she has enough space to sit and watch. A cuddly pillow or doilies round off the cat scene.

animation and employment

Of course, your cat’s daily spirit of activity must also be satisfied in winter. Keep them busy with extra toys like cat rods, balls, and intelligence toys. Or does your tiger prefer scratching boards? Then quickly assemble and the fun can begin!

Kittens must stay indoors

As funny as it may seem to see a kitten waddling through the snow, kittens of three or four months are unfortunately not yet prepared for the low temperatures and the wet. They don’t yet have a warm undercoat and the snow doesn’t roll off their fluffy, thin fur, so it gets soggy in no time and makes the little ones tremble quickly. You can let your kitten explore the cold water for a few minutes, but then it should quickly get back into the warmth.

Cat flaps for outdoor cats

Some cats dare to step outside when the temperatures are cold and like to stalk their familiar surroundings. Check every now and then whether your cat is in front of the door . This is how she signals to you that she wants to be let out. If you work or are not at home all day, it is advisable to install a cat flap. These are available in different variants. This gives your kitty the freedom to come and go whenever she feels like it.

Thermal huts – comfort for those outdoors in winter

If you can’t or don’t want to attach a cat flap, you can still make your tiger comfortable outside. It gets very cold, especially at night, and your cat needs a warm shelter. Thermal huts offer good winter protection for your cat and, equipped with straw, blankets, and polystyrene, they are warm and cozy retreats. You should make sure that the hut is on a raised surface stands – so wet and cold ground don’t stand a chance. In addition, the hut should preferably have a sloping roof so that rain and snow do not lie on it. Styrofoam plates between the walls insulate the house and keep your outdoor cat warm in winter. To prevent drafts from entering, you can build an additional entrance inside the hut and cover it with a cloth or a thin blanket – this way your velvet paw can get in, but the cold air can’t.

In addition, water and something to eat should always be available in the thermal hut. Pay particular attention to the fact that the water does not freeze and do not use metal bowls, as these get very cold and, in the worst case, your cat can get its tongue caught on it. Ceramic bowls and heatable bowl mats that prevent freezing are recommended here. Alternatively, you can also place hot-water bottles and pillows under the bowls, this will slow down the cooling process and your velvet paw can use the water source for longer.

winter fat? Sure, of course!

In winter it can be a bit more. Not only the winter fur is an important warmth factor for your tiger, but also has a somewhat thicker layer of fat – because fat keeps you warm. And for outdoor roamers in winter who like to stalk through the snow, it is essential for survival. Therefore, you can increase the food portions a little during the cold season, but you should not overdo it.

Watch the falling snowflakes comfortably from inside or brave the cold and explore the winter landscape on your own paws – every cat is different. You can do justice to both with our tips in the cold season. It is important that their natural urge to be busy is satisfied and that outdoor cats can retreat to warm accommodations at any time in winter.