Wherever you live, if the weather is cold your cats will suffer it. This article will help you know what temperature is too cold for the cats to bear? And How can you keep them safe and healthy during winter?
When the temperature drops, we are not the only ones who feel the chill. Though cats are quite adjustable creatures, they have a similar body temperature to humans nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you are feeling frosty, your cat may also be feeling uncomfortable.
Luckily, we can wear additional layers, wrap up a blanket, or, simply turn on the heater when we start feeling cold. But our pets are not so privileged, so it’s our concern to keep them safe from harsh and cold weather.
Some people don’t think that their cats might have a problem with cold weather but it can surely affect their behavior, health and, lifespan.
How Cold Is Too Cold for Cats?
Though cats have fur coats, their bodies need to maintain a temperature of above 90 degrees Fahrenheit to work properly and to avoid hypothermia.
Dr. M.A. Crist, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences explains,
“Determining what temperature is too cold for your pet can depend on many different factors, from fur thickness and length to body mass. This makes it hard to determine an exact temperature that could be dangerous to your pet’s health”.
There may be questions in your mind regarding cats like Can Cats Eat Raspberries or Not?? Do Cats Have Knees or Elbows? Facts About Cats Sleeping At The Foot of The Bed? & How Long Cats Can Go Without Eating? Can you feed your cats spicy? Can Cats Eat French Fries? food Let’s find out the answers in our other articles.
1) What Temperature Is Too Cold for Outdoor Cats?
Cats who stay outside all the time are habitual to weather conditions. They are more likely to adjust on their own than the cats who stay inside and rarely go out for a roam.
Outdoor cats are usually more anxious, exploratory, and independent. They love staying outside even if the weather is cold. But they need well protection from the chills that winter brings.
According to vets, if the daily average temperature is 45°F or below, this is too cold for outdoor cats. So, don’t forget to bring in your four-pawed friends or to provide warm adequate shelter to prevent frostbite.
Outdoor cats should have an access to warm shelters at all times. You should never keep them outside when the temperature is below 45°F.
2) What Temperature Is Too Cold for Indoor Cats?
Cats love to be warm and cozy, but they are also fine in a room where the temperature is between 50-60°F. This is not ideal for their body, so, they will look for an extra heat source like a blanket, carpet, radiator, or just cuddle on to you!
If the outside temperature is very low, setting your thermostat to 70 degrees will be pretty ok for you as well as your furry friend. Indoor cats get frustrated when kept indoors for long a time.
A) How to Keep Your Cats Busy Indoors?
Cats want to climb, scratch, hide, and, jump. You can better provide an enjoyable indoor environment that includes, toys, a scratching post, or a cat tower with hiding pits.
You can also let them sit near a window so that they can enjoy the outside view. A bird or a squirrel can entertain them for hours.
3) What Are the Signs That Your Cat Is Feeling Cold?
Cats can easily acquire hypothermia and it can bring fatal consequences along. Even if your feline is healthy or acclimated to stay outside when the temperature drops you will notice her snuggling more, sleeping in ball curled positions, or hiding under things to stay warm.
These are not the danger signs that need your immediate attention, many other indications can tell you that your cat is getting too cold.
- Shivering
- Enlarged pupils
- Feeble, tired movements
- Slow and inaudible heartbeat
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Footpads, ears, and tail feels cold to touch
- Absence of mental alertness
If you notice any of the above indicators, you should take your feline friend to Vet immediately.
4) What Can Happen If A Cat Gets Too Cold?
Outdoor cats are used to cold weather conditions and they don’t mind being uncomfortable.
What you need to remember when the temperature drop is; it’s not about your cat’s comfort, it’s about her safety. When the temperature drops below freezing (32°F), cats are most exposed to hypothermia and frostbite, both of these can be fatal.
A) Hypothermia:
Hypothermia is a condition when the body temperature of the cat gets hazardously low. It depresses the central nervous system and it becomes difficult for the heart to pump the blood throughout the cat’s body.
It goes through three phases of body temperatures:
- Mild hypothermia 90 – 99°F
- Moderate hypothermia 82 – 90°F
- Severe hypothermia below 82°F (fatal)
B) Frostbite:
Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and underlying tissues due to the loss of blood flow. Most commonly it is felt on the paws, ears, nose, and tail of the cat.
It becomes difficult for the cat to stay safe once exposed to hypothermia and frostbite. In cold and moist weather, cats are at a high life risk due to ineffective insulation.
There is another set of problems for outdoor cats that includes:
- Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
- Wounds or accidents
- Contagious diseases like rabies, feline leukemia, and FIV
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, ringworms, etc.
- Poisoning from consuming lethal chemicals like antifreeze and rat poison
5) How to Keep Your Outdoor Cats Warm During Winters?
If you have an outdoor cat, you should keep her safe and warm during winter. It doesn’t mean you have to buy her a fully heated house. You can take a few measures to ensure her safety. Mainly, shelter and food can help.
A closed insulated outdoor shelter, covered with a blanket, and lifted from the surface of the ground can work pretty well. You can even set her a cozy corner in the garage behind the car. All your cat need is a temperature above 45 degrees.
Hay and Mylar blankets are very good for insulation. Avoid regular towels and blankets because they hold moisture in them. Sweaters can also help them stay warm.
If you live in a cold area all year long, you must think about investing in some kind of safe and permanent heated cat house to set in the backyard.
As far as the food is concerned, serving warm canned food or some dry food at regular intervals can work great. Don’t forget to keep them hydrated also.
6) How to Keep Your Indoor Cats Warm During Winters?
Here are some additional tips to keep your cat warm indoors:
- Giving blankets
- Heated bed
- Elevation from floor
- Indoor sunshine
- More playtime
- Warm food
Conclusion:
It’s difficult to turn your outdoor cat into an indoor cat and vice versa. If you are a cat owner, speak to your veterinarian for assistance in knowing what is the best and safe option for your pet.
But, if you are feeling cold, your cat is likely to be uncomfortable too. A few changes in the environment can help you to keep your cat secure and cozy all winter long.
