Do Cats Need Sweaters in the Winter? (2024)

FAQs

Do Cats Need Sweaters in the Winter? ›

Cats have many different ways to regulate their body temperature, and blocking their skin and fur with a sweater can disrupt their body's natural processes. In fact, wearing a sweater could cause your cat to overheat and potentially suffer from symptoms of heatstroke.

“A sweater is really only needed when they are going into a cold environment,” Dr. Lorraine A. Corriveau, DVM, a small animal primary care clinician at Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, says of hairless cats—like Sphynx—in particular.

Thick sweaters or coats are generally not a good idea though, especially for cats with thick, long coats. In fact, adding an extra layer to your cat's already warm fur may cause your pet to overheat.

There is no magic number to tell us when a cat will need a sweater. Some cats handle cold better than others, based on their fur length and their individual ability to maintain body temperature. What you can do is watch for signs to see if your cat is cold, and if they seem cold, put a sweater on them.

Wearing clothes doesn't come naturally to pets and it can cause them stress, especially cats. Stressed cats might groom themselves a lot, be aggressive towards you or make more noise than usual. Dogs might show they're stressed by licking their lips, yawning or panting.

Don't use blankets, towels or folded newspaper; they absorb body heat and chill cats who are lying on them. Forego hay too, which may irritate noses and cause allergic reactions.

Cats have many different ways to regulate their body temperature, and blocking their skin and fur with a sweater can disrupt their body's natural processes. In fact, wearing a sweater could cause your cat to overheat and potentially suffer from symptoms of heatstroke.

A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not coarse or brittle, and healthy skin should be supple and clear, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy.

Feral cats seek out abandoned buildings, deserted cars, and even dig holes in the ground to keep warm in winter months (and cool during the summer heat).

No cat should be left outside without shelter once the temperature drops below freezing. Cats can only survive for 3 to 4 days in weather around or below 20°F. 👉 Outdoor cats shouldn't be out all day and night when temperatures are averaging 45°F (7°C) Go to source or colder.

Do indoor cats get winter coats? ›

As the days get shorter and the cold sets in, your clever kitty will start to grow more fur to keep them warm and snug through those chilly autumn and winter months. They feel the cold, too, you know. Expect your pet to look fluffy and for its coat to be a little longer and shaggier than it is in summer.

The Drift Kitty Coat was designed specifically with cold-weather cat explorers in mind, offering a waterproof fabric outer layer and cozy fleece inner lining for warmth. The T-fit shape provides a secure fit, while the back zipper means you can easily access their harness.

Overall, a cat's fur is a remarkable adaptation that allows them to stay warm in colder temperatures. However, it's important to remember that even with their fur, cats can still get cold, especially if they are exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.

Many cats dislike wearing any type of clothing, so the key is to go slowly and not force a cat to wear a sweater if he really resists. “Put the head through, and then you can put the front feet in and see how the cat tolerates that,” Sikule recommends.

A blanket that is used appropriately is safe for your pet and provides them warmth and comfort. If your pet is seemingly uncomfortable with a blanket, make sure they are in a space where they have an option to not use it, either by having it removed or by being able to move away from it.

Cats are fastidious animals that spend a great deal of their day grooming themselves. Wet fur is extremely uncomfortable for a cat and often takes a long time to dry. Wet fur is also heavier than dry and thus makes a cat less nimble and easier for predators to catch. There is also the shock factor.

Yes, cats can feel the cold. As they aren't used to extreme weather, they can develop hypothermia and frostbite, so it's best to keep your cat warm during winter months. Extra care should be taken for young and elderly cats, as they will feel the cold more than healthy adult cats.

A soft bed and plenty of blankets can provide your cat with plenty of warmth during the winter. Hammock beds that attach to a radiator or a covered igloo bed can give your feline friend a cosy and snuggly place to sleep.

How cold is too cold for indoor cats? Cats prefer warmth but will be okay in rooms hovering between 50-60 degrees. This is not ideal for them though, and you'll likely notice your cat seeking out additional heat by snuggling up to a radiator, blanket, or you!

Some cats can get comfortable quickly, while others may be opposed to wearing the sweater and may take more time. It is important to understand your cat's limitations by looking at how they react. Some signs to look out for include: Excessive pawing and scratching at the sweater.