In general, it's simple: whenever you're feeling cold, chances are your cat will be too. The same goes for heat.
When winter or summer arrives, it is normal to ask ourselves if our cat feels cold or hot. Is he well warmed and fur enough during the cold days? What to do when the day is too hot so he can cool off?
It is natural that there is this concern, because cats are very discreet animals and do not usually show if they are bothered by something.
Want to take better care of your kitten? See our tips on what to do during sudden temperature changes in the environment!
Cat feels cold or hot?
Have you noticed that your cat usually looks for a warm place to lie down? From little houses, walks, your lap or a little place in the sun, to the most unusual ones like the internet router, your computer or even the car radiator.
That's a sign that, yes, your cat feels cold.
Although cats can withstand temperatures of up to 50°C (which is why they are fine on heaters or electronics), an external temperature of more than 25°C is already starting to get uncomfortable and you will notice your cat more restless with the heat.
Cat body temperature
The cat's body temperature is higher – between 38°C and 39.2°C – and its fur is not as dense as that of a dog, for example, which makes it sensitive to the ambient temperature.
How to know if the cat is hot?
When hot, cats may:
Become more restless or more apathetic;
Meow more often or at a higher volume;
Breathe with your mouth open and accelerated;
Salivate a lot.
All of these signs are common and are important to watch out for to help you cool off when needed.
What to do when the cat is hot?
It's usual for some cats to drink little water during the day and, if your pet eats dry food, he's even more likely to dehydrate - especially on hot days. Dehydration can cause kidney problems.
To avoid dehydration, try to offer your cat more water. Leave the drinkers in strategic places, preferably in more than one room in the house and away from food.
Offer wet food: pates and sachets contain a significant amount of water (80%) and are therefore better suited to prevent dehydration and are just as nutritious as dry food.
Leave the house ventilated: if possible, put a fan, air conditioner or leave the windows open to soften the heat.
Shady space: also make sure your cat has shady places available to roam and lie down. If he lives in the backyard, it is important that he can protect himself from the sun.
One option for summer days is to shave your cat if it has longer hair.
How to know if your cat is cold?
On the coldest days of the year, touch your cat to identify if he is cold. It is normal for the muzzle, paws and ears to be colder than the rest of the body.
In addition, you may notice that, just like people, when they are feeling cold, cats tend to curl up more, hide in their kennels, in pillows, crawl under the covers of your bed, climb into your lap or other places where he can warm up.
Which cats feel the coldest?
As we said, it is common for cats to feel cold in winter, but some breeds or health conditions can make them even more sensitive.
Puppies and seniors: puppies have not yet completely developed their fur and, as a result, feel colder. Senior cats also have more fragile immune systems and can more easily develop illnesses such as colds and flu.
Hairless breeds: Cats with no hair at all, such as the Sphynx breed, or with short hair, such as Cornish Rex, Siamese and Chartreus, may feel colder than others.
Sick cats: if your pet has an illness, fever or weakened, it is possible that he feels colder than usual. It is similar to people when they are sick.
What to do when the cat feels cold?
When your cat is cold, find ways for her to warm up, such as:
Put blankets or even a hot water bottle in the place where he sleeps.
Keep the windows closed, but with the curtain open during the day, so that the sun can enter.
Make sure your cat's diet is balanced and nutritious. Thus, the immune system will be strengthened and the risk of your cat contracting a disease in winter will be lower.