How to Keep Cats Warm Without Turning the Heating On

Heating a home during winter is not cheap, but if you have pets that feel the cold, such as shorthair cats, you will want to ensure they are warm and comfortable in winter. Many cat owners do not make any adjustments for their cats during winter, mistakenly believing that they do not feel the cold. But that is not the case at all. But there are ways to keep cats warm without incurring massive heating bills.

Cats love to investigate and snoop around, whether they are kittens still getting a feel for their new home, or older cats that have been with you for years. The good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune on a real tent for cats to show an interest. They will not notice the difference! Use an old blanket as a canopy held up by poles or rods, along with thick blankets as sleeping bags and let your cats explore and set up camp in their own way right indoors.

Seal Windows and Fix Draughts

Seal windows and fix draughts in preparation for the colder winter months. This will help reduce your energy bills when you do eventually decide to turn on the heating. If your cats are keen on sitting on the window sill and looking outside they will be more inclined to return to windows that are well sealed.

Use Old Coats and Blankets to Keep Kitty Warm

If you have old coats and blankets that you no longer use, pull them out of the cloakroom or cupboard, run them through the washing machine and set them up in strategic locations around the home for your cats' personal use. They will burrow underneath the coats and blankets if they are feeling particularly cold and "nest" until they feel warm and toasty.

Cats also like to nest on their owner's laps or underneath their blankets if they are lying down, so give kitty some encouragement and you may well find an extra source of heat lying beside you as you watch TV! Not only will this help keep your cats warm, but it gives you an opportunity to bond with the cats.

Many cat owners mistakenly believe that cats can easily handle the cold winter months, as they have fur to keep them warm. But cats can still feel the cold and should be protected from the effects of the chillier weather. Just run your hand over your cats' backs and you will soon tell that they do in fact feel the cold. Easy ways to keep cats warm without turning on the heating include setting up an inside tent for cats, sealing windows and by using old coats and blankets for your cats' use.

More from this contributor:

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Cats.

How to Keep Cats Warm During Winter.

Should You Allow Your New Kitten to Sleep with You?