Winter Coats For Indoor Cats: Do They Need Extra Warmth?

Cats grow thicker coats in the winter to help them retain body heat. This is true for both indoor and outdoor cats, although indoor cats may experience some confusion due to artificial light and central heating. As a result, indoor cats may shed lightly and constantly throughout the year. However, they will still develop a thicker coat during the winter months.

Indoor cats' winter coats

Cats are naturally equipped with a special, ever-changing fur coat to help them adapt to changing temperatures. This is true for both outdoor and indoor cats. In the winter, cats' coats thicken to help them retain body heat. This extra thickness comes from the undercoat, which is made up of finer, shorter, and softer hairs that grow faster during the winter. As a result, indoor cats may appear fluffier and even change colour during the colder months.

The growth of a cat's winter coat is triggered by shorter daylight hours, which cause hormonal changes that initiate shedding before the thicker undercoat grows in. This process is the same for indoor cats, who may experience constant shedding due to the artificial light and controlled temperatures in their homes. While indoor cats may not need their winter coats to the same extent as outdoor cats, the growth of a thicker coat is an instinctual response to the changing seasons.

In the spring, cats will shed their winter coats to prepare for warmer weather. This shedding process is important to remove dead fur, which can cause skin irritation if not removed through grooming or shedding. While indoor cats may shed less than outdoor cats due to the constant temperature and artificial light, it is still normal for them to experience some shedding throughout the year.

To manage shedding, it is recommended to brush your cat regularly, especially during the winter and spring months when coat changes are most noticeable. Brushing can help remove loose and dead hair, keeping your cat's coat and skin healthy while also reducing the amount of hair shed around the house.

Seasonal shedding

Cats in the wild generally shed their coats twice a year: in the spring, to lose their heavy winter undercoat, and in the fall, to prepare for the growth of the next winter's undercoat. However, domesticated cats are exposed to air conditioning in the summer and artificial heat in the winter, which confuses their systems and can lead to constant shedding.

The amount of shedding is influenced by the number of hours a cat is exposed to sunlight, also known as the "photoperiod". Indoor cats are exposed to artificial light and controlled temperatures, which can result in less shedding compared to outdoor cats. They may also experience more constant shedding throughout the year, rather than the distinct seasonal shedding of their outdoor counterparts.

Indoor cats with short hair or single coats, such as the Siamese, Burmese, and Cornish Rex, may not exhibit dramatic seasonal shedding. In contrast, double-coated cats with long, thick fur will be more noticeable shedders, especially if they spend time outdoors and are exposed to temperature changes.

To control shedding in indoor cats, brushing or preening with cat brush gloves is recommended, especially during the spring and fall seasons. Bathing your cat with a gentle, moisturising shampoo can also help loosen and remove shedding hair.

The role of daylight

This process is called the "photoperiod". The number of hours of sunlight a cat is exposed to in a day triggers the shedding process. This is why indoor cats, exposed to artificial light, may shed at any time of the year.

The shorter the days grow, the quicker the winter coat will grow. This is true for all cats, whether they are indoor or outdoor cats.

Grooming tips

Cats will shed their winter coat in the spring, so it's important to brush your cat regularly to help remove loose hair and keep it from spreading around your house. Grooming your cat will also help to reduce the amount of hair that your cat ingests, preventing hairballs.

The amount of daylight a cat is exposed to will trigger shedding, and indoor cats are exposed to artificial light, which can confuse their circadian rhythm and lead to a steady shed all year long. Indoor cats may therefore need to be groomed more regularly throughout the year.

When grooming your cat, always brush with the grain in the direction that your cat’s fur naturally grows. Brushing out knots and mats can be difficult, and some may need to be cut out. If your cat has a lot of mats, you should see a groomer or consult your vet before attempting to remove them yourself.

Long-haired cats can benefit from starting with a shedding rake or comb, which can reach down near the skin and dislodge hair from the undercoat while leaving the outer coat mostly unaffected. Cats with long, flowing fur may require brushing every two days.

Short-haired cats do well with a bristle brush, which can loosen hair trapped near the skin that causes irritation. Short-haired cats with a double coat can get by with a little less brushing than long-haired cats, and those with a single coat can do with even less. But it’s important to maintain regular grooming sessions, especially during the spring shedding season.

With cat hair of any length, it’s a good idea to follow up with a slicker brush, which has smaller bristles and is ideal for collecting cat fur before it starts blowing around your house.

It’s recommended that you start brushing your cat slowly, keeping the sessions short and positive, and stopping before your cat protests. Using treats can help make the experience easier for you and more pleasant for your cat. As your cat learns to enjoy the grooming sessions, you can gradually make them last longer.

Frequent grooming will also help to reduce the amount of fur your cat sheds around your home.

Keeping indoor cats warm

Cats are naturally equipped to handle the cold, growing thicker coats in winter. But that doesn't mean they don't appreciate a little extra warmth when the temperature drops. Here are some tips to keep your indoor cat cosy when the weather turns chilly.

Provide a warm bed

Get your cat a warm bed, ideally one that's self-heating or made from a material that reflects your cat's body heat back at them. You can also buy heated beds that plug in, but make sure to monitor these to avoid the risk of burning. If your cat likes to burrow, a semi-enclosed or cave-style bed could be a good option. If they like to sprawl out, a traditional flat bed is probably best. You can also try adding extra blankets for your cat to snuggle up in.

Choose the right location

Place the bed in an elevated spot to help your cat stay warm—just make sure they can access it easily. If your cat is older, you might need to add a ramp or stairs to help them reach their bed. If they don't like climbing, provide a bed at ground level. You could also put the bed near a window, so your cat can enjoy the sun's warmth. Just make sure to take care of any drafts first.

Adjust the temperature

Keep your home slightly warmer than you usually would. If you're lowering the thermostat at night or when you're out, remember to consider your cat's comfort. Older, thinner, or ill cats may struggle to stay warm, so it's important to provide warm spots within the house.

Keep your cat active

Regular playtime will help your cat stay active and generate body heat. Even older cats can benefit from some gentle movement.

Other tips

• Keep your litter box in a warm part of the house, rather than in a cold garage or basement.
• Keep the air moist with a humidifier to make your cat more comfortable and reduce static electricity.
• Monitor your cat's calorie intake—older cats may need more food to stay warm.
• Make sure your cat has access to fresh water, as this can freeze over in winter.

Frequently asked questions