Well, now that our annual two days of autumn are over, it’s time for us all to bear the Siberian winter that lay before us. It’s the perfect time to cozy up by the fire with your significant other and knit tiny scarves. For your cat. And of course, by significant other, I do also mean cat.

Of course, now that snuggle weather is upon is, we must remember that some cats might be more fit to face those blustery snow storms than others. So hunker down and get ready to learn about some breeds of cat that are best at bearing the cold – and those who will be needing a few extra warm hugs to get them through.

Norwegian Forest Cat

When it comes to cold climates, the Norwegian Forest Cat is among the coziest of kitties you could hope to cuddle up to. Originating in Norway (could you have guessed?) these fluffy friends were the companions of ancient Vikings who kept them as companions. As such, this breed is strong, sturdy, and agile. They are larger than most average house cats and have exceptionally strong claws which allow them to climb trees and makes them excellent hunters. Gentle and intelligent creatures, their most notable trait is their huge fluffy tails. They have a thick and glossy topcoat of fur and a warm, insulating undercoat which keeps them nice and toasty even in the harshest of cold weather conditions. 

Siberian Cat

“It’s always cold in Siberia”, as the saying goes. Speaking of Siberia, the next cat on this list is none other than the Siberian. Unlike the Norweigan Forest cat, Siberians range from medium to large in size. However, they are just as fluffy as their Viking cousins, though a little stockier and (ahem) rotund by comparison. (They’re not fat, they’re just big-boned!) Interestingly enough, although they are exceedingly fluffy, many who suffer from allergies are often safe around Siberians, as their fur tends not to trigger allergic reactions. Though there is no such thing as a truly “hypoallergenic” cat, scientifically speaking, Siberians have remained on the “safe” list when it comes to allergy sufferers for a long time. Who knew?

Scottish Fold

Some may be surprised to know that not all cat breeds who are well equipped to handle the cold are long-haired. The Scottish Fold, for instance, is a hearty breed of cat who’s thick fur is perfect for those (almost) freezing temperatures. This breed can be short-haired or long-haired, and is most known for their folded-over ears and their beautiful round eyes. But don’t be fooled by the name – some Scottish Folds do indeed have straight ears instead of folded ones. This type of Scottish Fold is called a “straight”. All Scottish Folds are born with straight, pointed ears, and if a kitten has the gene necessary for the folded ear to take shape, it will do so after about 21 days. Weird, huh? Fold or no fold, in terms of temperament, they are well-known for being placid and adaptable, and make excellent cuddle-buddies!

Fair Weather Friends

Now that we’ve taken a dive into some winter-ready breeds, let’s take a moment to explore those who don’t. Most breeds of cat can tolerate cold weather (to an extent), but there are some who simply cannot. Those breeds would be the hairless type such as Sphynx, Peterbald, and Donskoy. Because they are lacking in fur, they can become very cold (or very hot) very quickly. Making sure your hairless cat is kept temperate is essential to caring for her. That means, of course, that as the snowy season fast approacheth, these breeds of cat will need some extra snugglin’ to keep them nice and warm.

So, will you and your cat need matching sweaters for the holiday season? Maybe enter as a duo for your workplace’s annual Ugly Sweater Contest as twinsies? Or does he have his own luscious coat, ready to brave the great outdoors? Is your cat as adventurous as the Norweigan Forest cat, or a homebody who prefers to watch the snowfall from the safety and comfort of a warm bed? Either way, those cold and frigid temperatures are a purr-fect excuse to snuggle your kitty, no matter how much fur she’s got!