Do you wonder how cold can a cat handle? Cats are known to be sticklers for warm and cozy environments. They love to hide in boxes, under pillows, and in the piles of toys and other objects. These cats are known to spend their days with a calm demeanor and rarely do anything to bother them.
Cats can also be prone to being irritable and restless when exposed to extremely cold weather. They are additionally more likely to be affected by the cold if they are a breed that is used to living in tropical climates.
In some countries, the temperature will drop soon enough, and people will notice the chill. Cats have similar body temperatures to humans, so shivering can make them feel uncomfortable. This is why it is important to go to a Veterinary Clinic for advice on how to care for your cat if it gets too cold.
How Cold is Too Cold For Your Cat?
Unlike us, cats are very adaptable creatures and can adapt to the cold. However, they need to maintain a body temperature of at least 90 degrees to prevent hypothermia. A warm and comfortable thermostat can help keep your cat warm throughout the winter. However, you have to keep the temperature at around 70 degrees.
Cats are known to prefer being warm outside, but they can also get cold in certain rooms, such as those that are hovering around 60 degrees. If you have a cat that likes to snuggle up to you, you might notice that they are seeking warmth from a radiator or a blanket.
How cold is too cold for them? While cats may be more adventurous when it comes to being outdoors, as a pet parent, you still need to protect them from the harsh winter weather conditions.
If your cat is outside at 45 degrees below, be sure to bring him inside immediately to prevent frostbite. Cats can develop frostbite if exposed to cold temperatures below 45 degrees, which is too cold for them to handle.
Can You Keep Your Cat Warm Through The Cold Season?
Although cats are known to be resilient animals, they can still be exposed to dangerous health conditions if exposed to extremely low temperatures. With the temperatures dropping, many pet owners wonder if their cats can stay warm and comfortable during winter.
Protecting your cat from the cold weather is important, and Yes! You can keep your cat warm through the cold season. Whether it is an indoor cat who likes to snuggle or an outdoor cat who is used to chasing after other animals in the snow, there are some things that you can do to keep them warm.
This is why we talked to experts about the signs to look out for when it comes to keeping your cat warm. They shared their favorite tricks and the temperature that most cats experience when it gets cold.
Read also: 7 Tips On How to Keep Indoor Cats Warm in Winter
Can Cat Get Cold That Easy?
Most cats are capable of handling cold weather. According to Michael Arpino, DVM, a veterinarian at the Veterinary Wellness Center in Brooklyn, New York, cats that are used to being on the streets or outside will usually know when it is time to return inside.
However, if you’re planning to leave your cat outside in the cold, ensure that it has enough food and shelter to keep it warm. According to experts, leaving them outside all night is not ideal as most cats can get cold easily.
Getting cold inside can be a problem for cats. According to veterinarians, having a warm blanket or an insulated cat bed can help prevent them from freezing.
How Low of a Temperature Is Too Cold For a Cat?
According to animal experts, anybody that is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit should be considered too cold. Hypothermia can occur due to the lack of ventilation, just like humans. People are more likely to get injured if the temperature drops below freezing. Also, keep in mind that hairless cats should not be outside in cold weather. According to vets, those who have been groomed or shaved down should stay indoors during the cold weather.
Even though hairless cats can be indoors without a coat, they usually need one to keep them warm. Obese cats, on the other hand, might be slower to adapt to the cold and could expose themselves to other hazards.
In fact, cats with certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, are at an increased risk of experiencing hypothermia. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects the metabolism of the body. It can lead to hypothermia in cats. They should not be outside in the cold as their bodies are already cold-sensitive.
According to some veterinarians, cats should not be outside in the weather conditions that can lead to various health conditions, such as cancer and kidney disease.
How Can You Tell If Your Cat Is Feeling Cold?
Some people say that if your cat is shivering, they may want to take a break from their usual resting position and go somewhere warm.
If your cat has been exposed to extremely cold temperatures for a prolonged amount of time, she might develop hypothermia. This is why she should be rushed to the veterinarian immediately.
Also, hypothermia is a condition that can affect cats very quickly. It can cause them to lose their vitality and develop potentially fatal ailments. Some of the signs that your cat might be suffering from this condition include decreased appetite, decreased body temperature, and a tendency to curl up in a tighter position.
Other Warning Signs
According to our Pet MD, there are several signs that indicate moderate to severe hypothermia, including:
- dilated pupils
- shallow breathing
- lethargic, weak movements
- lower heart rate or slow heartbeat
- feels cold when you touch them (paws, tails, ears)
- low blood pressure
- mental stupor or confusion
- muscle stiffness
If your cat possesses any of these signs, we suggest bringing your cat to the vet as soon as possible to avoid additional health problems.
What Is a Normal Body Temperature of cats?
According to our veterinarian experts, a cat’s body temperature ranges from around 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is just cold, the animal can be brought inside.
If your pet has been exposed to extremely cold weather and is in need of immediate medical attention, they need to be warmed up and brought to an animal hospital.
Aside from the usual winter concerns, such as cold weather, dry air can also affect cats’ health. This is why it is important that they have access to fresh water.
When it is cold outside, take some time to monitor your cat to make sure that it is getting enough nutrients and fluids. Also, avoid exposing your pet to prolonged exposure.
So, How Cold Can A Cat Handle?
A cat can handle 69 degrees Fahrenheit or 72 degrees Celsius. For cats with thick coats or large bodies, the lower range temperature should be set. It is your job as pet parents to make sure that your cats are comfortable and safe when the temperature drops.
We suggest you adjust the temperature to 60 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re out. If you have sick or elderly cats, keep the temperature higher. Cats prefer to stay in the warmest areas of the house during the winter months, as cats tend to move here and there in search of the warmest spot. During the day, you can set up a bed near the windows so that the cat can enjoy the sunshine. We can also keep the curtains and blinds open to allow the natural light to enter the house.
We know that our cats are best when it comes to being comfortable. However, before we start preparing them for the cold weather, it is important to consider their health and lifestyle.
