Do cats feel cold?
And how to keep your cat warm :
Do cats feel cold?
And how to keep your cat warm :
In winter and with low temperatures, many cat breeders wonder
whether cats feel cold and how to heat both small and large cats.
Although cats are highly adaptable animals
they can be susceptible to serious health conditions, such as hypothermia
and frostbite if exposed to low temperatures, cats as humans feel cold
and feel free as affected by all other climate changes.
Whether :
- you have a cat who loves to sit at home and lay in the arms
- or a cat who adores to go out and chase prey in the snow
- it's important to know what you should do to take care of
your cat and protect it from cold temperatures while keeping it warm.
Most cats :
do not bear cold temperatures :
- especially cats that have grown up inside the house, where this type
- is less resistant to cold than street cats. Short-haired cats feel
- colder than other long-haired cats. Too low a temperature
can kill your cat or cause it extremely serious health problems.
We will quote you in this article warning signs to pay attention to
the temperature in which most cats feel cold
as well as some tips to keep your cat warm inside and outside the house.
Do cats feel cold at home?
Dr. Michael Arbino :
director of the Veterinary Hospital "Boromhill" in Brooklyn
New York :
confirmed in an interview with Daily Bowes that most cats handle cold
temperatures well, especially cats who are used to spending time outside
the house or have been adopted from the street. But your cat should
not be left out in the cold overnight, especially in low temperatures.
Indoor cats such as the house can feel cold too, but having a comfortable place
for cats with a warm blanket to sleep and wrap in or their own warm
cat bed will help keep them warm.
Even in the summer cats may feel cold from the air conditioner
so care should be taken to put the conditioner at a temperature that
cats can handle, and if your cat shows signs of
discomfort from the cold room atmosphere
it is better to extinguish it or remove your cat from the air conditioning room.
What is :
the temperature at which cats feel cold?
According to veterinarians and as a rule, that is, a temperature below 9 ° in
which cats may feel cold. If temperatures drop as much lower as in winter
cats will be at risk of hypothermia, especially if they stray outside for a long time.
The length :
and weight of your cat's fur can also make a difference, short-haired cats
and cats whose hair has been shaved or cleaned in any way that will decrease
the length of the hair too much, should never be outside in cold weather.
Cats without hair usually need a jacket to wear even inside the house.
Fat cats can probably handle the cold better than normal cats
but they will also be slower and less active exposing them to
other health risks caused by weight gain.
Cats with certain diseases and medical conditions are at increased risk of
hypothermia. "Cats that suffer from endocrine diseases such as hyperthyroidism
should never come out in the cold because they are usually sensitive to the cold
nor should cats with any disease including kidney disease
heart disease, cancer, etc., be allowed to go outdoors in any weather," d. Arbino.
How do I know that my cat is
You just want the best for your cat. That's why you might find yourself
wondering in the cold winter months, "How do I know if my cat feels cold?
Well, here are some signs that your cat is cold:
1. Shivering :
If your cat feels cold :
you may start shaking like a human. But trembling can also be a sign of anxiety
pain or illness :
so it's important to note other details in your cat. Shivering with gasping
for example, a sign of stress or pain. It can also be a sign of a fever, especially
if it is accompanied by loss of appetite and lack of cat cleaning for itself.
If you have any doubt, visit your vet.
2. Inflatable Fur
Cold cats may bend near the ground and blow their fur slightly.
If your cat is blowing her fur but standing unbowed, this happens
when you feel a threat. But if she's curved and puffs her fur a little bit
she might feel cold.
3. Cooler Parties
Cats' limbs may feel colder than usual when touched, such as ears
tail and nose. The cat at risk of hypothermia also becomes slow to move,
with pupils expanding or breathing narrowly.
Such symptoms may require immediate veterinary attention.
4. Find Warm Places
Cold cat may look for warmer places more frequently than usual.
This can include hiding under covers, twisting in your lap
or trying to sleep in a warm place such as a hot vent or sitting near the oven.
Of course :
this varies from cat to cat.
Some cats want to snuggle up all the time whether it's hot or cold
so you need to pay attention to a change in behaviour in order to make sure.
Suitable temperature for cats :
The normal body temperature of cats ranges from 38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius
Dr. Arbino says, "If your cat feels cold, you can simply transfer it to a nice warm
room and this will solve the problem, But if cats are left outdoors in
an atmosphere of less than 9 degrees Celsius and show symptoms of the
temperature drop mentioned, they must be understood with a warm towel
and taken to a veterinary hospital for the necessary care. "
If a cat is
left at low temperatures for a very long time
it can develop hypothermia and this medical condition can sometimes be serious.
If your cat encounters these hypothermia symptoms that we will mention
rush them to the vet as soon as possible.
According to veterinarians
signs of moderate to severe hypothermia include:
- Mind daze or confusion
- Pupil breadth
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle stiffness
- Low blood pressure
- Slow Heart Rhythm
- Coma (in severe cases)
Cold is not the only concern for cats during the winter months:
"Dry air can also affect your cat so make sure freshwater
is always available to them."
By paying attention to your cat for signs of feeling cold, avoiding going out
for a long time when temperatures drop, and keeping your cat's body humid
you and your pet can spend a healthy winter together.
How to heat cats in winter :
Your cat can stay warm and enjoying the atmosphere if you provide it with a lot of
warm places inside the house. Embracing your cat on the sofa is one of
the best ways to keep your cat - and yourself - warm in winter.
Here are some other tips for heating your cat:
Leave a soft blanket, towel or pet bed in a warm room so your cat
can use it when you feel cold or want to rest.
Give your cats a nutritious and calorie-rich diet to
help them warm, cats need a little more lunch in winter and cold.
Make sure your heating system is reliable and well operated
especially if you want to leave your cat at home alone for long periods of time.
Allow your cat to turn your side under the covers at night.
This will help keep you warm as well.
You can also heat your cat by playing with it and activating it.
Start with a rat hunting game, or chase ping pong balls.
Some cats also like to :
run and jump into a path full of obstacles from cartoon boxes and paper bags
which you can easily set up. Just make sure they are supervised while playing
and put boxes and bags away when finished.
If your cat is hungry in winter :
it is recommended to feed your cat a little more than the usual amount
cats in cold environments need more calories. But don't over-give it food
because obesity causes other health problems that your cat is indispensable
so keep an eye on your cat's weight.
You may need to take some additional action with a few fur cats.
While most cats don't like clothes, a cat without hair like a pharaonic
cat may need a warm cat jacket in the cold winter months.
Look for soft fabrics and avoid anything that may cause itchy skin.
As you can see :
the right temperature for cats in winter really depends on your cat type
and how cold your home or country is. Watch for any signs that your cat is cold
and prepare soft beds and blankets in your home
so your cat has plenty of places to keep warm.