Outdoor cats can face many challenges, especially during cold weather. To help outdoor cats stay warm and comfortable, some pet owners provide bedding like blankets in outdoor shelters and resting areas. Blankets seem like an intuitive choice since they provide warmth and comfort indoors for house cats. However, using blankets outdoors poses some potential problems and risks for cats.
Protection from the Elements
While many pet owners provide blankets for their outdoor cats in cold weather to help them stay warm, experts advise against using blankets or towels outside (The Humane Society). This is because blankets and towels can actually pull body heat away from a cat, leaving them colder than without any covering. As cats lie on blankets and towels, the fabrics absorb their body heat. Over time, this will lower the cat’s body temperature and put them at risk of hypothermia.
Instead of blankets, outdoor cat shelters made of wood or hard plastic with plenty of insulation are better equipped to retain a cat’s body heat and keep them warm (Do feral cats need blankets in cold weather?, 2023). The shelter should be just large enough for the cat to turn around in and sleep comfortably. Smaller is better to conserve body heat. The floor should also be elevated off the ground and lined with insulation or styrofoam to prevent cold from the ground.
Providing outdoor cats a properly insulated shelter is key to protecting them from harsh winter weather. Their shelter should retain heat while allowing for ventilation and drainage.
Provides Comfort and Security
For outdoor cats, blankets can provide comfort and feelings of security. A cat’s sense of smell is much stronger than humans, so blankets contain familiar scents that are reassuring. Sleeping on a familiar blanket helps cats feel safe and relaxed when resting outside. The blanket essentially becomes a mobile territory for the cat, allowing them to carry around recognizable scents. This can be very comforting for cats as they explore and sleep in an outdoor environment filled with unfamiliar smells. Having their own blanket helps outdoor cats feel more secure.
Potential Hazards
While blankets may seem like a cozy option for outdoor cats, they do come with some potential hazards that cat owners should consider. Blankets used outdoors can easily get wet, dirty, or soaked through during rain or snow. A wet blanket provides no insulating value and can actually draw heat away from a cat’s body, putting them at risk of hypothermia. Damp blankets may also harbor fleas, mites, mold, or bacteria that can cause skin irritation or illness in cats.
According to advice from pet health site PetMD, blankets used outdoors should be checked frequently and replaced when dirty or wet [1]. Allowing blankets to remain wet or soiled can create an unhealthy environment for cats. Regular cleaning, drying, or replacement is advised.
Entanglement Risk
One of the main risks of leaving blankets or loose bedding with cats unsupervised is that the cat may become entangled or trapped inside (1). Cats, especially kittens, can easily get their claws or teeth caught in loose strings, holes, or frayed edges of a blanket. If they panic or struggle while caught in the blanket, this can cause further injury or stress. According to PetMD, inappropriate or unsupervised use of blankets can even lead to death by strangulation in some cases (2).
To avoid entanglement risks, it’s best not to leave loose blankets in your cat’s bed or play area when unsupervised. You can also trim any loose strings or tears in the blanket. However, the safest approach is to avoid loose blankets altogether and instead use soft, fitted pet beds for your cat’s comfort.
(1) https://www.quora.com/How-can-cats-breathe-under-a-heavy-blanket
(2) https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/blanket-safety-for-pets
Allergens and Irritants
Certain materials used in blankets can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation in cats. Wool blankets in particular may cause issues for cats with wool allergies. The proteins found in wool can provoke an allergic response, leading to symptoms like itchy skin, rashes, and hair loss (Source). Other fabric types like cotton or synthetic fibers are less likely to cause allergies, but may still irritate sensitive skin.
Blankets can also harbor dust mites, mold, and other allergens that can cause problems for cats. Dust mites in particular thrive in the warmth and humidity of blankets. Cats with dust mite allergies may experience symptoms like itchy skin, scabs, and hair loss when exposed (Source). Frequent washing and drying blankets on a hot setting can help kill dust mites and remove allergens.
To avoid issues, observe your cat’s reaction after introducing a new blanket. Discontinue use if you notice signs of skin irritation or allergies. Opt for hypoallergenic materials and wash blankets regularly to minimize risks.
Better Alternatives
While blankets may seem like an easy solution for keeping outdoor cats warm, there are some better alternatives to consider. Here are some options that can provide warmth and protection without the risks:
Heated Cat Beds
Heated cat beds are a great option for keeping outdoor cats warm through the winter months. These beds are insulated and contain a heating element that keeps the inside several degrees warmer than the outside air temperature. Many also have a protective cover to keep out wind, rain and snow. Heated beds are available in plug-in and battery-powered models so you can place them conveniently around your property 1.
Insulated Shelters
Insulated outdoor cat shelters are another good alternative to blankets. These houses are constructed to retain heat and keep drafts out. They often have double walls, insulation, small entrances and are elevated off the ground. You can add warm bedding like straw inside for additional warmth. Make sure shelters are in protected areas and offer some weatherproofing 2.
Indoor Housing
The best way to keep cats warm is to bring them indoors, especially in extreme cold. If adopting the cat inside your home isn’t possible, you may be able to provide temporary indoor housing overnight or during bad weather. Basements, garages, porches or isolated rooms can give outdoor cats a warm, safe place to stay in winter.
Consider Your Cat’s Needs
When deciding whether a blanket is right for your outdoor cat, it’s important to consider their unique needs and preferences. An older cat or one with health issues may appreciate the extra warmth and cushioning of a blanket more than a younger, healthy cat. Older cats often have thinner fur and fat layers that reduce their natural insulation. Joint pain and arthritis may also make hard surfaces uncomfortable without some padding. Additionally, cats who are sick, recovering from surgery, or on medication may need help regulating their body temperature. For these cats, a blanket can provide much-needed relief and security.
However, most young and middle-aged cats who are used to being outdoors likely have the natural instincts and coat thickness to handle weather conditions. Healthy outdoor cats maintain their body heat well through physical activity and thick fur layers designed to repel moisture. They may not require or even want the encumbrance of a blanket while roaming, climbing, hunting, and patrolling their territory. Observe your individual cat’s habits and behaviors to determine if a blanket will likely enhance or interfere with their outdoor activities.
Proper Maintenance
If you do provide an outdoor blanket for your cat, proper maintenance is crucial. Any blankets or bedding should be washed at least once a week to prevent the buildup of dirt, pests, and allergens that could be harmful to your cat [1]. Check the condition of the blanket frequently as well, looking for ripped seams, holes, frayed edges, and other damage that could entangle your cat or fail to provide enough protection. Replace any blankets that are overly worn. With proper maintenance, an outdoor blanket can provide comfort without undue risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blankets are considered poor bedding for outdoor cats for several reasons. While blankets may seem like a good way to provide warmth and comfort, they can actually put cats at risk of overheating or catching their claws. Blankets also absorb moisture and can harbor allergens. Better alternatives like straw or mylar are more suitable for outdoor cats.
The main benefits of blankets are providing insulation and comfort. However, blankets can overheat cats or get damp, making cats cold. Cats may also get claws or teeth caught in loose threads. Allergens like pollen or mold can collect in cloth.
Straw allows air circulation so cats don’t overheat. Mylar reflects body heat back to the cat. Proper outdoor shelters are also key to protecting cats from the elements. Considering your specific cat’s needs and properly maintaining bedding is important as well.