A Day in the Life of a Winter Cat: A Kitty's Point of View!
As winter rolls in, it brings shorter days, chilly nights, and a slower pace. While felines are masters of comfort, in winter, we cats like to add a few things to our daily routine to cope with the colder season. From sunbathing in warm spots to seeking stimulation indoors, I adapt to winter in fascinating ways.
So, from morning to evening, let me take you through my purr-fect day as a cat in the winter and share some of my favorite winter cat care tips to help you humans make sure your feline friends get the care and comfort they deserve.
Morning – Waking Up Warm
If you’re already a cat parent, you’ll know that kitties love warmth no matter the season. As I wake up from my cozy sleep spot, my winter morning begins with a slow stretch and a quick scratch at my scratching post to get ready for the day. I tend to wake up a bit later during winter, thanks to the darkness, and I know some of my older cat friends might be slower in the mornings, especially if they have sore joints.
If you want to know how to keep a cat warm in winter, setting up a soft, insulated bed away from any drafts is a sure way to keep us comfortable. I also love sleeping in the sun, so my pet parents have placed blankets in sunny spots, like the windowsill, so I can soak up the warmth all year round!
Mid-Morning – Mental Stimulation
For me, a cat that likes outdoor adventures, the cold and dark weather in the winter makes me want to stay inside a bit more. Therefore, for me and my fellow indoor cat friends, mental and physical stimulation is important to keep us entertained and active.
As a cat in winter, my pet parents make sure I have plenty to keep me entertained, like activity feeders and toys. And at the weekends we spend quality time together playing. Puzzle feeders and activity balls help with my movement and problem-solving, while interactive play with wand toys lets me practice my hunting behavior and get some exercise. Sometimes, I even get a catnip-filled toy, which adds an extra bit of fun to my morning routine!
Winter Nutrition
Now, on to my favorite part of the day, food! The chilly days can affect our energy, appetite and hydration, so nutrition is important when caring for cats in winter. Since we cats are the smartest animals (wouldn’t you agree?), we need a balanced diet to keep our brains sharp and bodies in good health.
If you’re unsure of the right diet for your kitty, it’s always a good idea to check with the humans at the vet clinic. This ensures that your cat’s food meets their energy and life stage needs, especially during the winter when they may be less active.
The warm indoor air from the heating can also make us feel thirstier, so don’t forget to keep fresh water within paws reach. My winter cat care tip to encourage your kitty to drink more is to use a water fountain, offer slightly flavored water (like spring water from a tuna tin), or add moisture to their meals. On those colder mornings, my humans even heat up my food a little to give me some extra warmth to start my day.
Afternoon – Rest and Relaxation
As I’ve mentioned, us cats are experts in rest and relaxation. So, the afternoon calls for a nap! We take our sleep seriously, so it’s important to respect your cat’s need for quiet snooze time and leave them undisturbed in their chosen spot.
If you want some advice on how to keep your cat warm in winter as they nap, a few tips include:
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Provide multiple soft spots around the home, including elevated perches and hideaways. Cats may prefer different areas at different times of the day for warmth or quietness.
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Create peaceful areas away from noise and human activity.
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Plug in FELIWAY® Optimum to release messages of enhanced serenity to your cat, helping them relax in a reassuring environment.
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Consider how they can access their favorite places, especially for senior cats. They may need some steps to help them get up or down and might appreciate a thicker, warmer bed.
Although I love my time indoors, some of my furry friends are outdoor cats. For how to keep cats warm outside, make sure that they have access to a well-insulated shelter that’s elevated to protect them from cold wind and rain. Fill it with blankets or dry straw bedding and make sure they have access to enough food and unfrozen water.
Evening – Winding Down
When the day comes to an end, I can sometimes get more active due to my crepuscular nature, so a short play session before bed helps me release some of my energy. After my zoomies, my humans and I wind down as I sit on their lap, which is a great way for me to share their warm body heat!
At the end of the day, I often enjoy a gentle grooming session, which always ends with a delicious Happy Snack by FELIWAY®, which is a fabulous way to spend time with my caregiver. This lickable treat is not only tasty but also helps me relax before bedtime and is one of my favorite parts of my routine.
However, not all cats find close contact comfortable, so don’t force it. I’ve got some pals that love their humans… just from a distance. For similar friends, provide options for them to spend time with you, such as a nearby cat tree with an elevated platform or snuggly bedding on the sofa nearby.
When caring for a cat in winter, it’s important to watch for any signs of seasonal stress. At this time of year I notice changes like more visitors, louder noises and decorations being put up. All of these changes from my norm can make me feel uncomfortable. When my pet parents recognize my stress signals, they can help me avoid these situations and keep me feeling more at ease.
Find more insider tips and tricks from our resident cat by browsing our other kitty point of view articles, or continue exploring our FELIWAY® blog online. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop with everything we’re up to!
