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Ever caught your cat curled up in a sunbeam or snuggled under your blanket? It’s easy to wonder: do cats prefer warm or cold? Cats can be pretty particular, and what they like often depends on their breed, age, health, and even their fur type.
This article discusses what makes cats love warmth or seek out nippy spots. You’ll learn the signs if your kitty’s too cold or too hot and tips for creating the perfect cozy setup for them, no matter the season. Let’s settle this debate and make your cat’s life even comfier!
If our normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), cats are a bit different. Their normal body temperature is between 100.5°F and 102.5°F (38.1°C and 39.2°C). That means they’re naturally a bit warmer than us! This higher body heat helps them stay active and ready to pounce on that toy mouse at any second.
How Cats Regulate Their Temperature
Cats have many tricks up their sleeves (or should we say fur?) for staying comfortable. They can sweat, but not very well. Their sweat glands are mostly on their paw pads, which is why they leave little wet paw prints on the floor during hot days. Cats also pant to cool off, but not as much as dogs.
But their primary strategy is behavioral. They naturally seek out warm spots when they’re cold, like a sunbeam or your cozy lap. When they’re hot, they find chilly places, like under a shady bush or on those cool kitchen tiles.
Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
Cats feel temperature changes more than humans. Since they’re smaller, they can lose or gain heat faster. That’s why it’s essential for us, as their fur parents, to watch for signs that they’re uncomfortable and give them options to warm up or cool down.
As a loving cat owner, you should monitor your furry friend, especially when the temperatures drop. Cats can’t tell us when they feel chilly, so we must rely on their behaviors and body language to understand how they feel. Here are some common signs to watch out for that may indicate your cat is cold and what you can do to help it stay warm and cozy.
Physical Signs of Coldness
When a cat feels cold, it can show in several ways. You might see them shivering, huddling, or searching for warm blankets or cozy corners. They love to curl up small to keep their body heat in!
Behavioral Changes
A cold cat may also act differently. Your whiskered buddy might be more lethargic, eat less, or hide in dark places. If your cat avoids you and prefers to stay out of sight, they could be trying to keep warm.
Health Risks of Cold
Being too cold can be bad for cats, especially for little kittens or senior cats. They can even risk hypothermia, which occurs when their body temperature drops too low. So, it’s crucial to watch your kitty when it’s sweater weather and ensure they stay comfy and toasty.
Cats are good at finding ways to cool down when they’re feeling overheated. But sometimes, they need a little help from you. Here’s how to recognize the signs that your cat might be too hot and what it means for their health.
Physical Signs of Overheating
Overheated cats can’t hide it. They start panting, drooling, or breathing fast. Sometimes, they’ll vomit or seem flushed around their ears and paws.
Behavioral Clues
Hot cats tend to seek nippy spots around the house. They stretch out on tile floors, drink a lot of water, or move around restlessly as they try to cool off.
The Dangers of Overheating
If a cat overheats, it can result in heatstroke, which is deadly, not just for humans but also for our cherished felines. If your cat is drooling excessively or appears disoriented, you should take them to the vet right away.
As mentioned earlier, cats can be pretty particular when it comes to their temperature preference. The ideal temperature for cats can change depending on a few things. Here are some of the big ones:
Breed
Some cat breeds are built for certain climates, so they like different temperatures. For example, hairless cats like the Sphynx get cold quickly and need extra warmth. On the other hand, long-haired felines, like the Maine Coon, which is a cat breed that likes cold weather, can handle the cold better but might get too hot in the summer.
Age
Like human babies and the elderly, kittens and senior cats have more difficulty regulating their body temperatures. Kittens can’t shiver, so they get cold easily, and older cats might have health problems that make it hard for them to stay warm or cool.
Health
Some health issues, such as thyroid problems or kidney disease, can make cats more sensitive to temperature changes. For example, an overactive thyroid can make cats feel hotter than normal. Likewise, kidney problems can make it harder for cats to stay hydrated, affecting their ability to cope with heat.
Coat Length and Color
Your cat’s fur type affects how they handle the temperature. Long-haired cats, with all that fluffy fur, are usually better at staying warm in the cold. Short-haired cats might feel colder more easily. But besides the length, their coat color also matters. Dark-colored cats soak up more heat from the sun, so they might get hotter faster in warm weather.
Creating a comfortable place for your cat is key to their happiness, regardless of season. Below are some ways to make your home the perfect haven for your furry pal all year round.
How to Keep Cats Warm in Winter
When winter rolls around, make sure your cat stays cozy. Provide covered cat beds and blankets and ensure they can find warm spots in your home. Cats love to snuggle in blankets, so having a few around can help!
How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer
If the heat is on, keeping your cat cool is key. Fans or air conditioning can help, and be sure your four-legged champ has plenty of shady spots to hang out in. Also, keep fresh water available so your cat stays hydrated! For more tips, read our article: Beat the Heat! Here’s How to Keep Cats Cool in Summer.
How to Keep Cats Comfy All Year
No matter the season, creating different resting spots is a good idea. Having both warm and cool places for your cat will let them pick what feels best for them at any time. This way, they can stay comfy all year long!
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about cats and temperature. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions so you can make the best decisions for your furry friend.
Myth 1: Cats Always Love Warm Spots
That’s not true! While cats enjoy warmth, they don’t always want to be hot. Their normal body temperature must stay steady, so overheating can be dangerous. Watch for symptoms like heavy breathing or unusual restlessness to ensure your cat stays safe and comfy.
Myth 2: Cats Are Fine Outside in Any Weather
It’s just plain wrong and can be fatal! Not all cats, especially domesticated ones, are built for extreme weather. They depend on humans to create a safe, controlled environment. Even outdoor cats need shelter, shade, and freshwater to survive harsh weather conditions. Protecting your feline friend from both temperature extremes is crucial to keep them safe and healthy.
Myth 3: Shaving a Cat Will Keep Them Cool in Summer
It might make sense, but it’s not a good idea. A cat’s fur helps protect them from both heat and cold. Shaving them can mess up their natural temperature control and make them more likely to get sunburned.
Myth 4: A Cat’s Fur Protects Them From Everything
It’s another misconception about cats’ fur. While a cat’s coat does offer some insulation, it’s not a perfect barrier. Thick fur might keep them warm in winter but also make them prone to overheating in summer. Similarly, short-haired cats might feel the cold more in winter. That’s why it’s essential to provide extra help, like blankets or cooling aids, depending on the season.
Myth 5: Cats Know What’s Best for Them
Cats have a knack for finding comfy spots, but they don’t always know what’s safe. For example, they might sit near a hot heater or crawl into a cramped, sunny spot without realizing it’s too much for their bodies. Monitor their environment to ensure they stay safe and avoid extreme conditions.
The answer is: it depends on the cat! Every cat has a favorite temperature depending on their breed, age, health, and fur. Our job as cat parents is to understand these things and pay attention to our kitties. By watching how they act and giving them lots of comfy places to hang out, we can guarantee their happiness and health, no matter what the weather is like outside.
Remember, a comfy cat is a content cat, and a content cat makes a happy home! So, next time you see your cat curled up in a sunny spot or stretched out on a cool floor, take a moment to appreciate how cool and unique they are and do your best to give them the purr-fect environment they need to be their best selves!
