How To Dress Your Cat For Winter Adventures
No one can deny how cute cats look dressed up in sweaters and winter coats. They are adorable! But does your cat need them? How do you know? Where should you start when shopping? We’re here to help break it down for you so that you can dress your cat for winter adventures!
Does my cat need winter clothes?
Cats have thick fur to cover their whole bodies to keep them warm. But different breeds have different amounts of fur. There are hairless breeds, which obviously have no fur, and then there are short-haired, medium-haired, and long-haired breeds. Shorter haired breeds will typically get colder faster than longer haired breeds, which makes sense.
When inside, in your heated home, there is no real reason your cat will need to wear a sweater. Wearing sweaters when they are not needed can increase the risk of your cat overheating. If you are going outside for an adventure though, a sweater may be warranted if the weather is cold enough. A general rule is that if you are cold, your cat is most likely cold too.
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.
How can I tell if my cat is cold?
Shivering
- This will be the most obvious sign. Like people, cats will begin to shiver when they are cold to try to generate heat and raise their body temperature.
Looking for a warm place to bundle up
- If your cat seems to be looking around for shelter or a warm place, is curled up and refusing to walk, or is looking to snuggle up with you, this could be a sign that they are cold.
Lifting or holding up their paws
- Holding up their paws may be a sign that they are cold, especially in the snow. It can also mean that their paws are irritated, from either the snow or salt.
Cold to the touch
- Just like people, their extremities are the first to get really cold. Check their paws, ears, and tails to feel how cold they are. These are the areas most susceptible to frostbite, as blood flow is restricted to these areas in order to try to raise body temperature when they are cold.
What to do if my cat is cold when out for a walk?
When you notice they are cold, pick them up and hold them close to help warm them up. If they are not already, put their sweater on, and booties if they will wear them. Another thing to do is put them in your backpack. You can also bring a small blanket or towel to have in there to make it a bit warmer for them. The best thing to do when they start getting cold is to start heading home. You do not want them to be cold for an extended period of time, as hypothermia or frostbite can occur. Check out our article on dangers cats can face in the winter for more information on those topics.
What should I get to dress my cat for winter adventures?
You want to get a sweater or coat that fits them well. You will need to get multiple measurements of your cat to pick sizes that will fit. Usually, length and chest size are the main measurements needed. Keep in mind that you will need to make sure that it fits over the harness as well. Check to see if the coat comes with a hole on the back to clip the leash onto the harness through. This may not be necessary, but can make it easier. Another thing you want to make sure of is that your cat can comfortably move in the outfit. You do not want it to be too bulky or restricting to them, or they will just be uncomfortable during the adventure. You may also consider getting a jacket one size larger so that you can put layers on them.
You may also want to check out getting some booties for your cat’s paws. Many cats do not like the feeling of them and will not walk in them. If your cat is like this, that is okay. Instead, when out adventuring in snow, keep it short and give them multiple breaks in the backpack. Frostbite is very common on their paws, so always make sure to check them. You may want to bring a towel to routinely wipe their paws of any snow or salt that way get stuck. Try to wipe between each toe if possible too. If your cat does tolerate wearing booties, they are a great addition to their winter outfit and will help protect those precious little paws.
Where can I get cat clothes?
Some great places to check for cat clothes include Amazon, Chewy, Petsmart, and Petco. There are also many small businesses you can check out on Instagram as well, such as RC pet products, Arthemis Clothing, and more. Etsy may have some good shops too.
Keep in mind that some places may not have cat specific clothes, but most of the time, sizes for small dogs work well.
Conclusion:
Always remember that you want to do what is best for your cat. We all know how cute little outfits are for cats, but just be mindful of when that is needed and when it is not. You can always ask your veterinarian for tips on how to decide when a winter coat is needed for your cat, and for other safety tips as well. We wish you fun and happy winter adventures. Be safe, stay warm, and remember that there is nothing wrong with cutting an adventure short to keep our kitties safe! There are many alternatives to outdoor adventures in the winter as well, time to get creative!
