Do Cats Like Snow – 5 Things To Consider

There is every possibility that if you are a first-time pet parent and have a pretty little kitty at home, you might wonder if cats like snow as winter approaches. So, do cats like snow?

Generally, cats don’t like snow. Most felines avoid the cold, wet and squishy textures and instead prefer dry climates. Although kittens are well adapted to the winter season, cats prefer to hunker down in warm spots and avoid snow as well as temperatures below zero.

And, yes, you may have seen a YouTube video or two of cats playing in the snow. But, that is simply because it is next to impossible to make sweeping statements about cats. Some fur babies avoid snow like the plague, and other cats tend to appreciate the change in weather. 

So, let’s take an in-depth look at whether it is safe for your furball to be out and about in freezing weather and to discover whether or not your kitty enjoys the snow.

Do Cats Like Snow

If you look at most indoor cats born and bred to have a safe and warm bed, you will see that such kitties prefer to stay away from wet or cold stuff, even snow. Yes, your cat may sit out on the porch in the summer. But, as winter comes, most cats move indoors and like staying put where it is warm.

But, a few cat breeds native to areas receive a lot of snow that relish frolicking in the snow and chasing a snowflake, such as the Norwegian forest cats, Siberian forest cats, or Maine coon cats. You have to understand that these cats are acclimatized to the weather. And, there is also the fact that felines do evolve to adapt to their habitat.

Such larger breeds of cats have double coats, with the topcoat being long, glossy, and water-resistant and a wooly undercoat for insulation.

Do Outdoor Cats Like Snow

Outdoor felines don’t have the luxury of a hearth and home. These creatures have territories to protect, need to search for food, and attend to their basic needs. 

Nonetheless, even with all that they have to do during the winter months, you will notice that each wild kitty has its hideout where it heads when it needs to get toasty and cozy.

Yet, most outdoor cats seem to prefer snow over the rain. You see, with snow, only the paws and legs get wet. But, with rain pouring down, it gets difficult to stay dry. And when a feline’s fur is entirely wet, it has to exert more energy to move and stay warm.

Is It Safe For Cats To Stay Out In The Snow

Well, if your cat loves to play around in the snow, then you’re going to have to allow it some time out. And, if your kitty happens to be one of the larger cat breeds, then you may at least be a little comforted at the thought that your cat won’t catch a cold too quickly.

But, even with large cat breeds with double coats, you must keep a time check on how much your cat spends outdoors when it is snowing. It is never a good idea to allow your pet to be outdoors when snowing or raining. 

If your pet gets wet through and through, then there is a definite chance that your beloved pet will get the sniffles. Moreover, if the temperature has indeed dropped, then there is the danger of hypothermia and frostbite. 

What Are The Dangers Of Leaving A Cat Out In The Snow

According to animal experts, temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous for most felines. 

There is the apparent danger of hypothermia which can cause your kitty to have several health issues. Some symptoms of hypothermia are difficulty in breathing, severe shivering, lethargy, skin that has gone too cold, and even loss of consciousness.

In the harsh cold winter, cats often suffer from frostbite, particularly on the ears, toes, and tail. And, many times, kitties suffer not directly from the weather but from the exposure to certain chemicals that humans use during the snowy season. 

When cats come into contact with antifreeze, they can suffer from poisoning and may need immediate medical attention. And, your cat’s paws may suffer from injuries such as swollen, sore, or irritated paws as well as interdigital dermatitis as a result of irritation from salt and grit.

And, another issue that has become prevalent in felines is obesity. And, as your kitty will be relatively confined indoors to keep it safe, you will find that you will have to keep a close eye on your cat’s weight and diet. 

Things To Consider

It’s great to allow your fur baby to have a spot of fun in the snow, but remember that your indoor cat isn’t accustomed to so much cold. So, only small doses of fun outdoors will have to do for your furry friend. Cats can suffer from injuries, illnesses, and even death if your kitty is left out too long. Hence, here are a few pointers to keep your feline friend warm and comfy. 

● If you allow your fur baby out, then be sure to provide an outdoor shelter as well. Outdoors shelters serve the purpose of providing a safe sanctuary for your cat while it watches over its territory. Adding heating pads in the outdoor shelter will go a long way to keep your fur baby snuggly. But, it is recommended to keep your cat indoors as much as possible. 

● Also, kitties should never be left alone in the car on a cold day. You see, just as a heat stroke is a possibility for your cat in summers, hypothermia can set in winters. Pets who live outside or feral cats hide under the hood of cars to get warmth from the heated engine of your car. So, be sure to look under the hood before you start the ignition or move your vehicle.

● You need to keep your cat’s bed at a safe distance from the heater and always place a screen before the fireplace. And, if you really must let your pet out, then make sure that you wipe your cat’s paws to remove any grit, salt, or chemicals.

● Furthermore, cats’ sweaters, jackets, and booties are an excellent way to provide some extra protection against falling temperatures. There is a fantastic variety available for cats when it comes to warm clothing for felines.

● When the cold weather takes a turn for the worse, it will help to offer your kitty warm food. There are cat food warmers that can keep your cat’s food as well as water warm. Yet, if you feel that your kitty is on the verge of catching a chill, then perhaps a visit to the vet will prove quite beneficial.