How can I tell if my dog or cat is too cold?

While some signs are obvious, like shivering or trembling, pets often show more subtle cues that they are struggling with the cold. Look for behaviours such as curling into a very tight ball to minimise heat loss, seeking out small enclosed spaces like closets, or becoming noticeably less active than usual. You may also notice your pet seeking physical contact more frequently or showing reluctance to walk on cold surfaces like morning pavement

Which pet breeds are most at risk during winter?

Not all animals handle temperature drops equally; those with high surface-area-to-body-mass ratios, such as puppies, kittens, and toy breeds like Chihuahuas, lose heat much faster. Other vulnerable groups include: Lean breeds: Sighthounds such as Greyhounds and Whippets have very little body fat or fur for insulation. Short-haired pets: Breeds like Boxers or French Bulldogs, and most domestic cats, lack a dense undercoat to retain heat. Senior pets: Older animals often have less muscle mass to generate heat and may suffer from conditions like arthritis that worsen in the cold

What is the best indoor temperature for cats and dogs in winter?

Cats generally prefer an ambient temperature between 20°C and 22°C. While many owners turn the heating off overnight, indoor cats and senior pets can feel this drop more than owners realise. It is recommended to keep your thermostat at a comfortable, consistent temperature and provide multiple warm bedding options away from drafty windows or cold exterior walls.

Is shivering in pets always a medical emergency?

Mild shivering can often be managed by moving your pet to a warm environment and providing blankets. However, it becomes a medical emergency if the shivering is violent and uncontrollable or if it suddenly stops, as the body may be losing its ability to generate heat. If you also notice pale or blue gums, extreme lethargy, or unresponsiveness, contact an emergency animal hospital immediately, as these are critical signs of hypothermia.

How can I keep my dog active when it's too cold for long walks?

When outdoor exercise is limited, indoor enrichment is essential to prevent boredom and maintain activity. For dogs, try using puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek games, or indoor training sessions. Cats can stay active through the use of climbing trees, feather wands, and food puzzles. Keeping pets moving helps maintain their muscle mass, which is a key heat generator for the body and also helps protect the joints!

Last Updated: 01/06/2026

Is Your Pet Cold? Signs They're Struggling This Winter

Just because your pet has fur doesn't mean they can't feel the cold. Here's what to look for and how to help.

Author: Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)

Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read

A golden retriever dog in the snow with snow on their nose and a beanie and scarf on

Some pets feel the cold much more acutely than others, and the signs they're struggling can easily go unnoticed. Recognising the signs early and knowing which animals are at risk can make a real difference to your pet's comfort and health this winter.

The Obvious Signs

a grey and white greyhound looking at camera on a brown bed

Some signs are hard to miss:

Shivering or trembling: Visible muscle tremors, particularly when standing still or coming in from outside.
Seeking warm spots: Pressing against heaters, lying in patches of sunlight, or burrowing under blankets more than usual.
Reluctance to go outside: Hesitation at the door, pulling back on the leash, or asking to come inside much sooner than normal.
Lifting paws off cold surfaces: Alternating feet or briefly holding paws up on cold morning pavement or grass.

The More Subtle Signs

These are the behaviours that often get written off as normal winter laziness, but they can indicate genuine cold stress:

Becoming less active than usual: A noticeable drop in energy or enthusiasm for activities they'd normally enjoy.
Staying in bed longer or seeking enclosed spaces: Cold pets often seek small, enclosed areas that retain body heat, like under the bed, in closets or in tight corners.
Curling up very tightly: A pet curled into an extremely tight ball with their tail wrapped around them and nose tucked under their body is actively trying to minimise heat loss.
Wanting to come inside sooner than usual: Heading toward the door earlier, or less enthusiasm for backyard time.
Slower movement or stiffness: Cold muscles and joints stiffen more quickly. You might notice slower rising from lying down, reluctance to jump or a more careful gait on walks.
Seeking physical contact more than usual: Following you from room to room, or wanting to sit much closer than normal. They're looking for warmth.

When you observe several of these signs together, it's likely your pet is telling you they're not comfortable. Don't wait for shivering, act early.

a tabby cat rugged up in a white blanket

Pets Most at Risk

Not all pets handle winter equally. These groups are most vulnerable:

Small breeds, puppies and kittens: A higher surface-area-to-body-mass ratio means they lose heat faster. Toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are particularly at risk.
Senior pets: Older animals lose muscle mass, which is one of the body's key heat generators. They may also have underlying conditions like arthritis or heart disease that make thermoregulation harder.
Lean breeds: Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have very little body fat and thin skin — minimal insulation even in mild cool weather.
Short-haired pets: Without a dense undercoat, breeds like Boxers, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and most domestic cats feel temperature drops much sooner.
Cats generally: Cats prefer ambient temperatures around 20–22°C. Indoor cats in particular can feel the cold more than owners realise, especially when heating is off overnight.
Pets with health conditions: Arthritis, diabetes, heart conditions and thyroid disorders all affect the body's ability to regulate temperature. These pets need extra monitoring in winter

Recommended Joint Supplements

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How to Keep Your Pet Comfortable

a brown dachshund poking it's head out from under a multi colour blanket

Provide warm, draft-free bedding

Position beds away from cold floors, exterior walls and drafty windows or doors. Heated pet beds can be particularly effective. Raised beds help prevent heat loss through cold surfaces.

Use coats and jackets for outdoor time

For small, short-haired or lean breeds, a well-fitted coat or jumper helps to keep dogs warm and cosy. Choose coverage that includes the chest and belly, where heat loss is greatest, and make sure it allows full freedom of movement.

Always dry pets thoroughly after rain or wet walks. Damp fur loses its insulating properties and can make pets significantly colder.

Adjust the indoor environment

Add draft stoppers to exterior doors and check window seals. Keep your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, particularly overnight. Senior pets and at-risk breeds may need slightly warmer conditions than the rest of the household.

Offer multiple bedding options in different rooms so your pet can choose the warmest spot as temperatures and sun patterns shift throughout the day.

Keep them moving with indoor enrichment

For dogs who are getting shorter walks, indoor enrichment maintains activity and prevents boredom. Puzzle feeders, slow feeders, hide-and-seek games and training sessions all help.

For cats, food puzzles, climbing trees, feather wands and other teaser toys provide indoor opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.

When To Seek Veterinary Care

While most winter discomfort can be managed at home, certain signs require professional attention. You should book a vet check if your pet shows persistent stiffness, a reduced appetite, or general lethargy that isn't explained by the temperature alone. However, if you suspect hypothermia, it is a medical emergency. Seek immediate care if you notice:

Violent shivering that suddenly stops
Pale, blue, or white gums or tongue
Extreme lethargy, weakness, or collapse
Slow or labored breathing
Confusion, disorientation, or unresponsiveness

If you suspect your pet has hypothermia, move them to a warm environment and wrap them in blankets. Avoid direct heat sources like heating pads which can burn cold skin. Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately.

a fluffy grey cat sleeping in front of a warm fire inside

Keeping your pet safe and comfortable through the colder months doesn't have to be complicated. By recognising the early signs of winter discomfort and taking a proactive approach, you can ensure your furry family member stays happy and healthy all season long. For more advice, the Pet Circle Vet Team is available online if you'd like personalised advice about your pet's winter care

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History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Wed May 14 2026

Written by Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)

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About the Author

Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)

Veterinarian

Dr Olivia graduated from Murdoch University in 2015 and worked in Western Australia before moving to Sydney to work in specialist practice as an avian and exotics veterinarian. Olivia has thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of species and interesting cases in her time as an exotics veterinarian. She has a particular soft spot for rabbits and thoroughly enjoys all aspects of rabbit medicine and surgery. She also has many years of experience working with dogs and cats as well as an array of wildlife.