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Are cat clothes necessary in cold weather? What to consider

Paige Cerulli
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You’ve seen all the photos of adorable cats in clothing. Sweaters, vests, jackets — the options are endless, and the cats are irresistibly cute. They also look cozy and ready for even cold weather — but is this clothing necessary? While buying your cat’s winter ensemble might be tons of fun, you could be getting into more trouble than you expect. Plus, does your cat really need clothing in colder weather, or is there a better way to keep him warm? While wrapping your cat up in cozy clothing might be well intentioned, it’s not the right move for every cat. Here’s why.

Sphinx wearing a yellow sweater
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Do cats need winter clothes?

Before you start building your cat’s winter wardrobe, it’s important to understand how your cat’s body works. Your cat’s natural coat insulates him against the cold, helping to keep him from getting chilly when the temperature drops during the winter months.

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Adding cat clothes on top of that could actually cause your cat to overheat. If your cat has a normal, healthy coat, he doesn’t need winter clothes unless you’re going to be taking him outside into significantly cold weather.

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There are a few exceptions. A cat who has no coat, such as one who’s recently been shaved for surgery, may benefit from a clothing layer in the winter. Hairless cats may also find a layer of clothing helps keep them more comfortable, but there also are several environmental changes you can make to keep your hairless cat cozy — more on that in the end.

The risks of cat clothes

If your cat doesn’t absolutely need clothes, it’s best to avoid them because clothes can pose safety risks. Clothing can restrict your cat’s ability to move, and clothing that doesn’t fit properly can make your cat uncomfortable.

Clothing also creates a potential hazard because it can easily catch on objects, like trees and furniture. This could lead to injuries to your cat. Keep in mind that cats are also skilled at getting out of their clothing, so your cat’s clothes might repeatedly go missing.

Some cats just don’t take well to wearing clothes, and clothes can be stressful for them. Gradually and carefully introducing clothes can help minimize this, but it’s still important to monitor your cat’s emotional comfort to make sure the clothes aren’t causing more issues than they’re solving.

Kitten on a couch wearing a red sweater
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Strategies to keep your cat warm

Clothes aren’t an ideal way to keep your cat warm, but you have plenty of other practical solutions.

Start by keeping the temperature in your home consistent. Avoid turning the thermostat down when you leave for work, especially during significantly cold weather. By keeping the temperature in your home where it’s comfortable for you, your cat will be comfortable, too.

Consider getting your cat a heated bed if you want to keep him extra cozy. This gives him a special spot to curl up when he’s feeling chilly. A fully enclosed cat bed can also make for a toasty haven where your kitty can stay warm.

Even more importantly, avoid taking your cat outside when the weather gets cold. Temperatures at and below freezing can be dangerous for cats, especially for those who are older or who aren’t in good health. In these instances, it’s best to keep your cat indoors. If you have to take him to the vet, warm up your car first so you can quickly move him from one warm location to another.

You can also look for signs that your cat is cold. Shivering and curling up in a tight ball can indicate that he is uncomfortable and it’s time to turn up the heat.

While cats may look adorable in clothing, putting clothes on your cat isn’t the best solution for cold weather. Instead, it’s better to focus on more natural ways to keep your cat warm. Dealing with clothing can be full of problems, but simple strategies like using a heated cat bed require less vigilance and tend to be safer. That’s not to say your cat can’t ever wear a sweater, or that you have to throw out his wardrobe. Just keep those sweater-wearing sessions short and treat them more as photo opportunities than as long-term strategies to keep your cat comfortable.

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Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
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