How to keep outdoor CATS or DOGS warm in the winter

Although we wish that all cats and dogs were inside it cold weather this isn’t always the case. Many think that a big fluffy blanket will keep a furry friend warm in the winter, this is absolutely not true. Below are the recommendations for both and the reason why, however if you just want the correct answer, here it is:

CATS = STRAW

DOGS = CEDAR SHAVINGS (PINE SHAVINGS ARE AN ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTE)

CATS:

Key Reasons Straw Excels as an Insulator for cat houses:

• Hollow stems trap air: Straw consists of dry, hollow stalks (typically from wheat, barley, or oats) left after grain harvest. These tubes act like natural insulation pipes, trapping air and creating pockets that reduce heat transfer. This gives straw excellent thermal resistance, with studies showing thermal conductivity around 0.06–0.08 W/m·K—comparable to or better than many conventional insulators when used in loose or baled form.
• Allows cats to burrow: Cats can fluff and tunnel into loose straw, surrounding themselves completely with insulation. This traps their body heat (around 101–102°F/38–39°C) all around them, turning the small shelter into an efficient heat-retaining space—far better than flat materials like heated pads or blankets that only warm from below.
• Repels moisture and resists mold: Unlike hay (which is green, nutritious feed that absorbs water, gets soggy, molds quickly, and can cause allergies), straw is dry and waxy, wicking away moisture from urine, condensation, or snow tracked in. It stays dry longer, preventing chilling or health issues.

Why Straw Beats Common Alternatives

• Blankets/towels/fabric → Absorb moisture, freeze in cold weather, and draw heat away from the cat’s body.
• Hay → Becomes damp and moldy, reducing insulation and risking respiratory problems.
• Newspaper or cardboard → Poor long-term insulation and gets soggy.
• Foam pads or heated mats → Useful supplements but don’t allow full-body burrowing and can fail or pose risks if wet.
• Pine Shavings – naturally contains phenolic compounds and volatile oils that can irritate the respiratory system, skin, or liver when inhaled or contacted over time

Straw is inexpensive, natural, and renewable—often available in bales from farm stores. Fill shelters generously (about 1/3–1/2 full) so cats can nest and replace seasonally.

To boost straws performance, sprinkle baking soda on the bedding, baking soda is a natural antimicrobial and will help keep pests away. 

DOGS:

• Grass hay (e.g., Timothy, orchard grass, fescue, or prairie hay) → Many experts (including kennel manufacturers like K-9 Kondo) call this the best overall. It lasts longer, creates less dust, holds loft better for nesting, and provides comparable insulation without breaking down as fast as straw. Avoid alfalfa (too nutritious, attracts mold).
• Cedar shavings/chips/ribbons → Extremely popular for hunting and outdoor dogs. Natural insect repellent (fleas/ticks), aromatic, absorbent, low dust if using ribbons/strips, and stays in place better. Slightly less insulating than fresh straw/hay but more durable and cleaner long-term. Avoid fine powder (dusty) or with scent-sensitive breeds.
• Pine shavings → Similar to cedar but cheaper; good absorption, though less pest-repellent.

What to Avoid

• Hay vs. Straw confusion — Use straw or non-nutritious grass hay; avoid feed-quality hay that molds or attracts pests.
• Blankets/towels/fabric → Absorb moisture, freeze when wet, and lose heat quickly—worst for true outdoor winter use.
• Nothing at all or bare floor → Fine for some acclimated dogs but not ideal for prolonged cold.

Practical Tips

Fill the dog house generously (deep enough for burrowing), elevate the house off the ground, add a wind-flap door, and change bedding regularly to keep it dry. For extreme cold, combine with structural insulation (foam walls) or surround with straw bales externally.

If you need one solution for CATS and DOGS:

STRAW

Straw works great for dogs too (especially wheat straw for warmth), but it breaks down faster, gets messier, and can attract pests—making wood shavings (cedar or pine) preferable for many, especially in kennels.