How to Keep Cats Warm During Winter in Western Australia
Western Australia might be famous for its sunshine and scorching summers, but anyone who’s spent a winter in the south-west knows it can get genuinely cold — particularly in Perth and the surrounding regions like Port Kennedy, Rockingham, and the Hills. When temperatures dip overnight, or those chilly southerly winds roll in off the Indian Ocean, your cat feels it just as much as you do. Knowing how to keep cats warm during winter isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protecting their health through the cooler months.
Why WA Winters Can Catch Cat Owners Off Guard
It’s easy to underestimate a WA winter. Unlike the more extreme cold of the eastern states, our cool season tends to sneak up on us — and on our pets. Daytime temperatures in Perth regularly range from 8°C to 18°C from June through August, and overnight lows can drop to 5°C or lower in some inland and southern coastal areas.
Cats, despite their reputation for self-sufficiency, are sensitive to cold. Senior cats, kittens, short-haired breeds, and cats with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. A cat that seems “fine” might actually be quietly uncomfortable, sleeping more than usual, or developing health issues that aren’t immediately obvious. If you’ve noticed your cat napping more than normal lately, it’s worth reading about why cats sleep more than usual — sometimes it’s innocent, but other times it can signal something worth checking.
How to Keep Cats Warm During Winter: 7 Practical Tips
1. Create a Warm, Dedicated Sleeping Spot
Cats instinctively seek out the warmest spots in the house, and you can help by giving them a designated cosy retreat. A cat bed lined with a fleece blanket placed away from draughts — think away from windows, exterior walls, and tiled floors — makes a huge difference. Elevated beds or those with enclosed, igloo-style designs trap body heat particularly well.
Avoid placing beds near cat doors or hallways where cold air circulates freely overnight.
2. Keep Indoor Cats Inside During Cold Nights
If your cat has outdoor access, consider keeping them in after sunset during winter. Not only is it colder at night, but wet grass and damp conditions can chill a cat quickly. Wet fur loses its insulating properties, leaving cats far more susceptible to the cold.
This is also a good time to review whether your cat has access to a warm, dry space at all times — especially if you have an outdoor cat that shelters in a garage, laundry, or verandah.
3. Check for Draught Zones Around the House
Take a walk around your home and identify where cold air seeps in — under doors, through gaps in skirting boards, or around poorly sealed windows. Draught excluders and door snakes are inexpensive fixes that benefit the whole household, including your cat.
Cats often curl up on the floor, which means they’re at ground level where cold air tends to settle. A simple rug or mat in their favourite resting area can insulate them from cold tiles or floorboards.
4. Monitor for Skin and Coat Changes
Cold, dry winter air — combined with indoor heating — can affect your cat’s skin and coat condition. You might notice increased flaking, dryness, or your cat grooming more intensely. These can be signs that their skin is reacting to the seasonal change. Learn more about skin problems in cats and when it’s time to seek advice from your vet.
Brushing your cat regularly through winter helps stimulate natural oils in the coat, improving its insulating ability and overall condition.
5. Adjust Feeding if Your Cat Spends Time Outdoors
Cats that spend time outdoors in winter may burn slightly more calories keeping warm. If your cat seems hungrier than usual or is losing condition, speak to your vet about whether a small dietary adjustment is appropriate. Always ensure fresh water is available — cats can become mildly dehydrated in winter because they drink less when it’s cold.
6. Watch for Signs of Cold-Weather Illness
One of the most common cold-weather health concerns in cats is cat flu — a respiratory illness that spreads easily and tends to flare up when cats are stressed or immunocompromised. Symptoms include sneezing, runny eyes, nasal discharge, and lethargy. It’s more common in winter, when cats spend more time indoors in close contact. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly — read more about cat flu signs to know what to look for and when to seek treatment.
Keeping your cat’s vaccinations up to date is the most effective protection against cat flu and related illnesses.
7. Use Safe Heating Options
If you use a heater, fireplace, or heat lamp at home, make sure your cat can’t get too close and burn themselves. Cats are drawn to heat sources and may not recognise the danger of an open flame or a very hot surface. Use fireguards, and avoid leaving portable electric heaters unattended when your cat is nearby.
Pet-safe heated mats — designed to warm to body temperature only — are a popular and safe option for cats that need extra warmth, particularly older cats with arthritis or stiff joints.
A Note on Kittens, Senior Cats, and Those with Health Conditions
Young kittens haven’t yet developed the ability to regulate their body temperature effectively. Senior cats often have reduced circulation and may struggle more with joint pain in cold, damp conditions. Cats managing chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or on long-term medication deserve particular attention during winter.
If you’re unsure whether your cat is coping well with the cooler weather, a winter check-up with your local vet is always a sensible step. Early intervention is almost always easier — and less costly — than treating problems that have been quietly developing.
Keep Your Cat Healthy This Winter
Knowing how to keep cats warm during winter in WA is really about staying observant and proactive. Small changes — a better sleeping spot, keeping them inside at night, checking in on their coat and appetite — go a long way toward making the cooler months comfortable and safe for your cat.
If you have any concerns about your cat’s health this winter, the team at Port Kennedy Vet is here to help. Get in touch with us to book an appointment or ask a question — we’re always happy to help keep your pets happy and healthy all year round.
Similar post: Understanding Perth Winter Illness in Felines
Also read –
Things to do near Port Kennedy
The Best Things to Do in Rockingham
Also visit –
🐾 Leave your little friend with us when on holiday
