Our domestic cats descend from heat-loving desert cats, and the cold weather in this area can be hard for them. As the mercury dips, you might find your family feline curled up in a pool of sunshine, on a fuzzy blanket, or in another cozy napping spot. At Cozy Cat Suites cat boarding in Herndon VA, we believe in helping our furry family members stay warm this winter with a few simple steps.
What steps can you take to keep your cat warm?
1. Keep your cat inside.
This might just be the easiest way to keep your cat safe, warm, and healthy all season long. Secure your home to protect against accidental escapes, and protect your cat from slipping outside. Inside cats will naturally stay warmer and protected from inclement weather, like ice and snow. Whenever possible, keep your cat out of unheated rooms and spaces, too, like the basement or garage. These might be convenient places to put the litterbox or other large, cumbersome cat furniture, but they tend to be cold and uncomfortable for kitties. Move your cat’s accessories to warmer spots, like the laundry room or a disused bathroom, until temperatures warm up again.
2. Provide plenty of cozy spots for your cat.
Take note of your cat’s favorite napping spots, and add cozy decor, like fuzzy blankets or heated cat beds, for extra warmth when they need it. Consider placing their favorite items, like cat trees, in sunny south-facing windows, so they can soak up the heat more effectively.
When you leave for work or school, don’t turn the heat down as a cost-saving measure. Instead, check that the thermostat is set to a temperature that’s still comfortable for your cat, especially on those really cold days.
3. Keep your cat active.
Have you ever noticed that you get colder when you’re sedentary? Cats do, too. Running, jumping, and playing don’t just keep them physically and mentally healthy: They help keep their blood pumping while regulating their body temperature. Daily play sessions are especially important for cats that are used to enjoying outdoor time and help keep boredom at bay.
Along with helping your cat maintain an active lifestyle, review their dietary needs when the seasons change. Aging cats can lose weight when temperatures drop, which can leave them feeling the bite of winter’s chill more intensely, while younger cats may put on a bit of weight with the more sedentary lifestyle that comes with winter. The right diet can keep your cat at the right weight for their age, health status, and lifestyle.
Is Your Cat Chilly? Know the Signs
Cats can’t tell us when something is wrong. Part of Northern Virginia cat care means watching for signs that your cat is uncomfortable or cold can help you catch issues before they cause problems.
Your cat might be chilly if they:
- Are cuddlier than usual or actively seeking lap time
- Puffing out their fur or curling into a tight ball
- Have cold toe “beans,” ears, or nose
- Are routinely seeking out warm spaces, like your laptop or the radiator
- Are shivering
Help your cat warm up with a warm blanket or lap, or bump the thermostat a few degrees. If you notice your cat is consistently cold even though the room isn’t cold, it might be time to talk to your vet about switching up your Northern Virginia cat care routine.
At Cozy Cat Suites, we always keep things cozy and warm. Whether your cat needs a gentle grooming, nail trim, or a stay in one of our luxury suites, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to find out more or to schedule your cat’s visit to our cat boarding in Herndon VA.
