Winter may feel cozy to us, but for our cats, the colder months bring real challenges. Despite their natural fur coat, cats can feel the cold, experience dry skin, drink less water, and become more inactive during winter. As pet parents, we need to understand how winter affects them and what small changes can make this season more comfortable.

This guide covers six essential winter cat care tips, each paired naturally with a helpful Catit product to improve your cat’s comfort—without sounding promotional. Whether you’re concerned about hydration, grooming, warmth, or indoor activity, this winter care guide has everything your feline needs.

1. Build a Warm & Safe Winter Sanctuary

When the temperature drops, cats instinctively seek warm, secure places to curl up. Cold floors, drafty corners, and shaded areas can make them feel uncomfortable, so creating a warm winter sanctuary becomes essential. Layer soft blankets, use thick bedding, or place their sleeping spot near sunlight to keep them cozy throughout the day.

A warm environment not only supports their comfort but also helps regulate body temperature, which is especially important for kittens, senior cats, and short-haired breeds.

Helpful winter product:
3 in 1 Catit Play Circuit Ball Toy With Cat Grass Toy – Though designed for enrichment, its raised base and interactive layout naturally encourage your cat to spend more time in a warm, active corner of the house.

2. Keep Your Cat Hydrated with Flowing, Fresh Water

One of the biggest winter challenges for cats is reduced water intake. Cats drink less during cold weather, which can lead to dehydration, kidney stress, and urinary tract issues. Stagnant water becomes even less appealing in winter, making hydration an important focus for pet parents.

Flowing water attracts cats because it mimics natural streams and stays fresher for longer. This simple change can dramatically improve your cat’s winter hydration.

Helpful winter product:
Catit Flower Fountain – Its gently circulating water encourages cats to drink more often, helping maintain proper hydration during colder months.

3. Make Smart Winter Nutrition Adjustments

Cats may burn extra calories in winter as their bodies work harder to stay warm. Monitoring their weight, appetite, and energy levels helps you understand if their diet needs small seasonal adjustments.

Small, consistent meals throughout the day support their metabolism and help prevent both underfeeding and overfeeding. Additionally, keeping a regular feeding schedule can reduce winter laziness and maintain healthy energy levels.

Helpful winter product:
Catit PIXI Smart Feeder – Perfect for winter feeding routines, it helps maintain portion-controlled, timely meals even on busy days.

4. Encourage Indoor Activity to Prevent Winter Laziness

Cats tend to sleep more in winter, which often reduces their physical activity. While rest is important, too much inactivity can lead to boredom, weight gain, and behavioral issues. Interactive play is key to keeping your cat active and mentally stimulated indoors.

Winter is the ideal time to introduce toys, challenge their instincts, and provide them with interesting activities to prevent the “winter slump.”

Helpful winter product:
Catit Senses 2.0 Super Circuit – A highly engaging track toy that motivates cats to move, chase, and stay active, even on the coldest days.

5. Maintain Coat & Skin Health with Gentle Winter Grooming

Winter air is dry, which can lead to flaky skin, dull fur, and increased tangles—especially for longhair cats. Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils, improves coat texture, and reduces shedding. It also strengthens the bond between you and your feline companion.

Spot-check for dryness, mats, or skin irritation during grooming sessions, as these signs often increase in winter.

Helpful winter product:
5 in 1 Catit Cat (Longhair) Grooming Kit Tool – A complete grooming set designed for long-haired cats, helping maintain a soft, shiny coat throughout the winter season.

6. Keep Their Environment Draft-Free & Comfortable

Cats thrive in warm, stable environments. Cold drafts, open windows, and chilled tiles can make them uncomfortable or even cause them to avoid certain spaces—especially the litter area. Ensuring your home is draft-free and maintaining a warm setting helps your cat stay relaxed and confident.

A cozy, well-placed litter box plays a huge role in keeping their routine consistent during cold weather.

Helpful winter product:
Best Catit PIXI Top-Entry Litter Box / Cat Litter Toilet Accessorie – Its enclosed, elevated design helps reduce exposure to cold drafts and offers a warm, private, winter-friendly litter environment.

Final Thoughts: Help Your Feline Enjoy a Safe, Warm & Happy Winter

Winter doesn’t have to be stressful for your cat. By making a few simple adjustments-providing warm spaces, ensuring proper hydration, encouraging indoor exercise, maintaining coat health, and setting up a comfortable environment-you can transform winter into a cozy and enjoyable season for your feline friend.

With thoughtful care and the right products integrated naturally into their routine, your cat stays warm, healthy, active, and happy all winter long.

Quick FAQs

1. Do cats feel cold in winter?

Yes – especially short-haired or indoor cats. They may seek warm spots, sleep more, or reduce movement.

2. How can I keep my indoor cat warm in winter?

Provide warm bedding, keep them active with toys, and avoid cold areas of your home.

3. Should cats drink more water during winter?

Yes. Cats naturally drink less in winter, so using a fountain helps prevent dehydration.

4. Can cats get sick in winter?
   Yes. Sudden temperature drops can lead to respiratory infections, joint stiffness, and lowered immunity. Keeping them warm and indoors helps prevent common winter illnesses.

5. Do indoor cats need extra grooming in winter?
Absolutely. Winter increases shedding and dry skin. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, improves circulation, and keeps their coat healthy and warm.