Cats Prefer Warmer Temperatures Than We Do — Here’s How to Keep Them Cosy This UK Winter (and Beat the Winter Blues!)

If you’ve ever found your cat sprawled across a radiator, hogging the sunniest windowsill, or aggressively claiming the warm spot you just vacated on the sofa, you’re not imagining it. Cats really do prefer warmer temperatures than humans.

Why Your Cat Thinks Your Cosy Home Is a Bit Chilly

A healthy cat’s body temperature sits around 38–39°C — a few degrees higher than ours. Their thermoneutral zone (the temperature range where they don’t have to burn extra energy just to stay warm) is roughly 30–38°C. Most UK homes are happily kept at 18–20°C in winter. That’s perfectly comfortable for us, but for many cats it feels more like the human equivalent of sitting in a room at about 8°C.

They’re desert-descended heat-seekers at heart. When the temperature drops, they instinctively hunt for microclimates: sunny patches, the top of the radiator, a thick blanket, or your lap. It’s not being dramatic — it’s biology. Older cats, thin-coated breeds, kittens, and hairless cats feel the chill even more.

Keeping Cats Comfortable in a British Winter

You don’t need to turn your house into a sauna. A few simple, UK-friendly tweaks make a huge difference:

Sunny windowsills are pure gold — especially on those rare bright winter days. Cats will follow the sun around the house. Just move any beds back from the glass after dark so they don’t lose heat against cold windows.

Radiator-friendly spots — A radiator hammock or a bed near (not directly against) the radiator is a winter favourite. Keep the radiator on a sensible setting so they can’t get too close to a scorching surface.

Raised, enclosed, draught-free beds — Cold air sinks and floors steal heat. Offer cave-style or high-sided beds raised off the floor, away from doors and exterior walls, and stocked with soft blankets they can burrow into. Multiple options around the house let them choose.

Extra layers and grooming — Regular brushing helps their winter coat do its job. For outdoor-access cats, provide a dry indoor retreat and consider an insulated outdoor shelter if they insist on exploring.

Watch the vulnerable ones — Senior cats, short-haired cats, and those with arthritis particularly appreciate the warmer spots.

A bit of extra food can also help them maintain energy when it’s cold, and always offer an indoor litter tray so they don’t have to brave the garden on freezing nights.

Beating the Winter Blues

Shorter days and more time indoors can leave even the most contented cats a little bored or lethargic. Play, enrichment, and natural stimulation keep their minds and bodies active — and help them burn off that extra energy so they don’t just sleep the season away.

This is where a little natural magic from Cat FurNature comes in. 

Fresh cat grass kits — Perfect for indoor cats stuck inside more than usual. Our 4-pack (or twin-pack) growing kits with live UK soil and organic wheatgrass seeds give them something to nibble, help with hairballs, and provide that natural foraging fix in just 4–5 days. Refills and seed packs make it easy to keep going all winter.

Extra Strong Catnip — Our North American-sourced, properly aged catnip is the good stuff. Sprinkle it on toys or let them go full zoomies. About 70% of cats respond, and the antics are pure entertainment (and excellent exercise).

Silver Vine — The secret weapon for cats who shrug at catnip. Leaves in a reusable heart tin or leaf powder often get a stronger or longer reaction and work brilliantly for fussy or senior cats. Ideal for sparking playful hunting instincts on grey winter days.

Valerian (or catnip + valerian mixes) — Pungent, playful, and sometimes calming. Many cats go wild for the smell and the rolling, pouncing fun that follows.

Calming L-Tryptophan — For those who get a bit stressed or restless with the reduced routine, this natural support can help take the edge off.