If you live in a colder climate and want an outdoor cat, you need to get one that can handle the colder months. The good news is that while not every cat can handle cold weather, there’s plenty of breeds that can.
We highlighted 14 different cat breeds that are generally more adapted to cold environments, but remember, even these breeds need proper care and shelter when temperatures drop.
Important note: The cat breeds listed in this article are known for having dense, double, or long coats that may provide some insulation in cooler environments. However, no cat is fully protected against extreme cold. All cats, regardless of breed, are vulnerable to cold-related risks such as hypothermia or frostbite. Always take proper precautions when exposing your cat to cold weather, and ensure they have access to a warm, safe, and dry environment at all times. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
The 14 Cat Breeds Most Suited for Cold Weather
1. Siberian
If you’re looking for one of the coldest places on the planet, head to Siberia. When you get there, you’ll find the Siberian Cat.
They don’t have a double coat to keep them warm. Instead, they have a triple coat. The innermost coat acts as pure insulation, the middle coat keeps that insulating coat pressed firmly against their bodies, and the outer coat acts as a water-resistant shield that keeps the cat warm and dry even when there’s tons of snow and rain around.
2. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the best cats for winter weather. They have extremely thick coats, and their coat is even thicker around their most vital areas.
Their outer coat is completely waterproof, and their inner coat insulates them to keep them warm. Considering that they’re originally from the ultra-cold climate of Norway, there are not many regions where the Norwegian Forest Cat can’t thrive.
3. Maine Coon
Maine is notorious for colder weather, so it’s no surprise that cats that live up there can stand up to the cold. They’re massive cats that can reach close to 20 pounds, and they have a thick coat that helps keep them warm.
Moreover, this coat extends across their bellies to let them tackle the snow with ease, and their paws are extra wide to help them travel across the tops of snow piles without sinking.
4. Scottish Fold
Scotland is a country with an extremely cold climate, and as such, the Scottish Fold is perfectly suited for cold weather. This is a rare breed with a unique appearance, but there’s little doubt that they can handle it if you live in a cold climate.
They have incredibly thick fur around their thighs, tails, toes, and ears, and all of this helps keep their most important body parts warm when cold weather hits.
5. Cymric
The Cymric, also known as the Longhair Manx, has a thick double layer coat that helps insulate them in cold weather. Their thick outercoat helps keep moisture away from their body, while the inner coat works as a tremendous insulating factor.
6. Exotic Shorthair
While longhaired cats inherently have a bit of a genetic advantage in cold weather, that doesn’t mean that some shorthaired cats can’t stand up to the cold. The Exotic Shorthair is a cross between Persians and American Shorthairs, and the result is a beautiful cat that’s well suited to colder climates.
They don’t stand up to the cold as well as a purebred Persian cat, but they do far better than the typical shorthair varieties.
7. Himalayan
Their name suggests that they’re mountain cats, and that’s true! Himalayan cats have a thick dual-layered coat that helps insulate them during the colder months. Not only does their thick double coat help keep them warm and safe, but they also produce a large amount of skin oil that keeps water from freezing to their skin.
They’re mountain cats through and through, and they have no problem taking care of themselves in the cold months.
8. American Bobtail
While the American Bobtail is a newer cat breed, when you look at their coats, it’s not hard to see how they’re perfectly suited for winter weather. Their coats are thick and shaggy, which provides them plenty of insulation when the weather gets cold.
They also have a double coat that provides them even more insulation from the cold!
9. Manx
The Manx cat is a tailless cat breed that’s well suited for cold conditions. They have long legs that keep their bodies off the ground, and they have a thick double coat that helps insulate them.
Their coat extends around their entire body, including their underbellies, enabling them to stay warm even when they have to settle down on the cold ground.
10. Aphrodite
You’ve likely never heard of an Aphrodite cat before, as they are found exclusively in Cyprus. Cyprus is a warm location, but the Aphrodite is a mountain cat that is well suited to cold weather.
They have thick coats that keep them warm during the colder months, and they’re especially adept climbers.
11. Persian
While the earliest known Persian cats came from Iran, it’s not likely that’s where their story originates. They have an extremely thick double coat that does wonders for them in the winter.
While many cats have a double coat, few have one as thick and effective as that of the Persian cat. For those who want a big fluffy cat, the Persian cat is an outstanding choice!
12. British Longhair
While the British Longhair isn’t the “ideal” standard compared to the British Shorthair, there’s little doubt that their longer coat makes them better suited for colder weather.
The British Longhair has a double coat that insulates them from winter weather, and their fluffy outer coat gives them even more protection!
13. Chartreux
The Chartreux is a rare cat breed but one that’s especially suited for cold weather. Not only do they have a double coat that keeps them warm during the colder months, but the coat is water-resistant too!
The Chartreux is a great hunting cat, and since they can withstand cold weather, they’re a phenomenal option no matter where you live.
14. Russian Blue
Russia is famously a cold country, so it’s no surprise that a cat that originates from there can handle cold weather. You can find wild Russian Blues in the area, but they’re also an extremely common domestic breed.
These cats have a thick double coat with an insulating layer on the inside. The outer coat is a coarse layer of hair that helps keep water and moisture away from their body.
Final Thoughts
If you live in a colder region, there are several cat breeds better equipped to handle cooler temperatures, giving you some great options to consider. However, it’s essential to remember that no cat is completely immune to the dangers of cold weather. Always research the specific needs of the breed and provide a safe, warm shelter, especially if your cat will be spending time outdoors.
With the right care and precautions, any of the 14 cats highlighted on this list can enjoy some supervised time outside, even in winter conditions.
Featured Image Credit: lindarczyk, Pixabay
