Do Sphynx Cats Get Cold?

by Hayley
Do Sphynx Cats Get Cold

Sphynx cats are characterized for being hairless. Because of this, it’s easy to think that they are more sensitive compared to regular furry felines. This is most especially when we talk about the weather, temperature, and overall environment.

A lot is also curious; do Sphynx cats get cold?

This is a common question that current and aspiring Sphynx owners ask. It’s either out of curiosity or preparation for future owners. Either way, it’s important to acquaint yourself with the answer before committing to taking care of one.

Read on to the following sections if you want to know the answer.


Are Sphynx Cats Sensitive to Cold?

Do Sphynx cats get cold? Yes. Like all the other cats, they get cold when the temperature gets too low for their bodies to handle. However, the better question to ask is: are Sphynx cats sensitive to cold?

As you may have already known, a cat’s fur serves as their all-around protection against the sun, physical hazards, injuries, and all other external threats. Although furry cats come with risks like having matted fur and skin irritations, it still plays a significant part in keeping cats’ bodies warm.

That said, since Sphynx cats are hairless, they’re one step below the usual protective qualities of felines. Hence, this means that they are more sensitive to cold compared to regular cats. They get colder easily, and they have a lower limit when it comes to the temperature that they can withstand. This is probably the biggest disadvantage for Sphynx cats and other hairless animals.

Not only that, but they’re also more susceptible to extreme heat and other temperature changes. You should expect that they can have hypothermia or sunburn if left unmanaged. This applies no matter if they are staying in or outside of the house, so make sure that both environments are regulated.

Can Sphynx Cats Live in Cold Weather

How Can You Know if Your Sphynx Cat is Cold?

If you don’t keep a close eye on your Sphynx cat, it may be hard to tell if they are currently feeling cold. Because of this, here are some things that you can do to know the current temperature of your Sphynx:

First, you should take a little time looking at your cat and checking if they are experiencing hypothermia-related symptoms. These include shivering, having cold ears and paws, constant meowing, and having a seemingly stiff body.

You may also notice that cold Sphynx cats tend to sleep longer than usual. Some also groom themselves too much as a coping mechanism. Note that nervousness and anxiety-related symptoms can also point to your cats feeling cold.

2. Check if your Sphynx cat is behaving unusual.

Apart from symptoms, it’s also best if you check your sphinx cat for any unusual behaviors. They may walk differently, have a different sitting posture, or they are whining more often throughout the day. Whichever, be keen on detecting even the slightest changes in your cat’s attitude. If this happens, cold is just one of the many things that you should be worried about.

3. Observe if your cat is constantly looking for warmth.

There are times when a Sphynx cat doesn’t display cold-related symptoms even when they’re cold. If this happens, you may want to check if they are constantly looking for warmth or comfort instead. They may do this by being clingier or closer to you and other animals. Sphynx cats may also rub their bodies against the couch, bed, blankets, or any other warm surface.

If for any reason, you don’t have time to check your cat thoroughly, you can simply touch them to see if they are colder than usual. You can also use a thermometer, but it isn’t necessary.

The average temperature that a Sphynx should have ranged from 37°C to 39°. If it goes lower than this, then you should try and keep them warm as soon as possible before they develop severe hypothermia.


What Temperature is Too Cold for a Sphynx Cat?

An environment with a temperature of 15°C is already too cold for Sphynx cats. This applies to any other hairless animal. This is a comparatively higher range compared to a regular cat’s limit, which is about 7°C.

That said, you have to make sure that the temperature of the room or environment that your Sphynx cat is in won’t stray below the said range (15°C). For a more comfortable and Sphynx-friendly home, it will be better if you keep the temperature above 20°C. In this way, you won’t have to worry about making your felines feel too cold or too hot.

Of course, you still have to take certain factors into account. For instance, if you adopted an already adult Sphynx cat, you need to consider the usual temperature of the place they grew up. Doing this will help you land on the ideal warmth for their hairless bodies.


Can Sphynx Cats Live in Cold Weather?

If you have the capability to spend enough time, money, and effort to provide for your Sphynx cat’s needs, then they will definitely be able to live in places with cold weather. Note, though, that you need to remember several precautions if you choose to continue with it.

First, you can’t make your Sphynx stay outdoors. If your environment has a naturally cold climate, then you should not expect them to be comfortable out. You shouldn’t continue with the plan if you have no means to let them stay inside your home.

Another thing is you have to be extra careful even if your Sphynx is staying indoors with you. If they get exposed to a temperature of 15°C or below for a long time, they will be prone to conditions like hypothermia, frostbites, irregular body temperature, and likes.

All in all, if you’re confident that your Sphynx cat will be well-taken care of, then you can rest assured that they can survive under cold weather.


How Can You Keep Your Sphynx Cat Warm?

How Can You Keep Your Sphynx Cat Warm

No matter the city that you will live in with your Sphynx cat, it’s important that you take the right steps in keeping them warm. For reference, here are some things that you can do:

  • Consider making your Sphynx wear cat clothes.
  • Provide a bed and blanket just for your Sphynx cat.
  • Give your Sphynx a warm bath every once in a while.
  • Apply moisturizer to your Sphynx cat’s body daily.
  • Regulate your home’s heater according to how cold it is outside.

Keep in mind that these are things that you need to do either regularly or by schedule. You should also prioritize hygiene, especially when it comes to washing the cat’s clothes, bed, and blanket.


Conclusion

Now, do Sphynx cats get cold?

The short answer is yes. Sphynx cats get cold. They are more sensitive to cool temperatures compared to breeds with fur. Hence, you need to take extra measures in keeping them warm. If you live in a place that is usually cold, you may have to install a heating system if you plan to own and care for a Sphynx cat.

As you can see, caring for a Sphynx can be more demanding compared to a regular cat. Make sure that you can afford and adhere to a Sphynx’s special needs before buying one.

Related Post: Do Sphynx Cats Get Fleas?

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