When the temperature drops, your cat notices first. They curl into tight balls, steal your spot on the couch, and press up against every warm surface in the house. Here's how to keep an indoor cat warm and comfortable all winter, with simple, safe ideas that don't involve cranking up the heating bill.
1. Give them a warm bed off the floor
Floors, especially tile and concrete, pull heat away from the body. A raised or insulated bed keeps your cat away from that cold surface. A self-warming cat bed uses a thermal layer that reflects your cat's own body heat back to them, with no cords or electricity.
2. Move beds away from drafts
Check for cold air near doors, windows and vents. Even a favorite spot can turn chilly in winter. Move beds into a quiet corner of a warm room.
3. Make the most of sunny windows
Sunbeams are free heat. A window perch lets your cat soak up the sun during the day, which is why so many cats claim the window in winter.
4. Layer up with blankets
Fleece throws on the couch, a blanket in the cat carrier, a folded towel in a cardboard box: cats love burrowing into soft layers. Wash them weekly so they stay fresh.
5. Keep them active
Play generates body heat and fights winter boredom. Two short play sessions a day with a wand toy, or a scratcher with a ball track they can bat on their own, keep indoor cats moving.
6. Groom regularly
A clean, untangled coat insulates better than a matted one. Brushing a few times a week also cuts down on winter shedding. A self-cleaning slicker brush makes it quick.
7. Be careful with heat sources
- Never leave a cat unattended near space heaters, candles or fireplaces.
- Check car engines and wheel wells before driving; outdoor cats sometimes shelter there.
- If you use any electric pet warmer, follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
Which cats need extra warmth?
| Cat | Why |
|---|---|
| Senior cats | They often seek out warmth more as they age. |
| Short-haired and hairless breeds | Less fur means less insulation. |
| Kittens | Small bodies lose heat quickly. |
| Thin or recovering cats | Ask your vet about the right setup. |
The cozy winter setup
Our favorite combination: a window perch for sunny daytime naps and a self-warming bed for chilly nights. Get both as the Cozy Window Set and save $14.99 automatically. Free US shipping.