Cats are their own bosses. You must have heard people saying this phrase. This is because a cat can take care of itself. But this does not work in all respects. For example, a cat is not very fond of the cold or winter season.
Unlike humans, kitties can not wear clothes to warm their bodies. After a certain temperature drops, a feline starts feeling uncomfortable. So, how cold is too cold for cats? The answer can vary depending on the size, age, and breed of the cat. However, the cold temperature will be slightly different for the feral and indoor cats.
How Cold is Too Cold For Cats in The House?
Because of the furry coatings, the felines have a warm body temperature. Like us humans, the body temperature of a cat stays somewhere between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you live in an area where the winter is bad or it snows frequently, the feline will be unable to hold the warmth of its body.
For an indoor cat, the temperature between 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit is okay. If the temperature drops below 90 degrees, the kitty will start feeling uncomfortable in that environment. If it falls back to 80 degrees or less, the cat can become sick.
The temperature depends on the area you are in and the season. In summer the cats can stay at a room temperature of 65 to 70 degrees without any complaint. But if you set the same temperature in the cold, some cats may feel a little troubled.
Experts and professionals discourage keeping your cat at a temperature below 50 or 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This may occur hyperthermia to the feline.
How cold can cats survive outside?
When is it too cold for the felines to go outside? Or how cold is too cold for the cats that stay outside?
Yes, here I am indicating to both the indoor cats, and the feral, stray or outdoor cats. In your house, you can normally install a heater or power up the thermostat when it is cold. But if you want to take your kitty to the outside world, you need to consider the temperature.
Usually, 45 degrees Fahrenheit is the limit marked by various experts. But some professionals believe that a healthy feline can withstand 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees celsius. Actually, both cases are true.
A cat might feel uncomfortable at the lower temperature. But do not forget their wild instincts. If the cat is healthy, furry, and gets a considerable amount of food daily, it can survive the freezing temperature.
On the other hand, cats with respiratory diseases or arthritis, will not be able to make it. However, the older cats might get frostbite or hypothermia due to the severe cold. Again, the outdoor or feral cats can fight the outside cold better than an indoor cat.
How To Find Out if a Cat is Feeling Cold?
It is obvious your cat can not tell you if it is feeling cold. The feline will show some signs when the temperature is not right for it. You, as a responsible cat parent, need to pick up the leads. Here are some of the signs that will tell your cat is shivering:
- The cat will snuggle up to a heater or under a quilt.
- If the ear, tip of the tail, and paws feel cool, then the temperature is low for the feline. When the temperature drops, the cat uses the remaining heat to warm up the important organs. And so the ears or the tail tip loses the warmth.
- The feline will take the position of a tight ball. It will curl up keeping its paws and tail underneath the body.
- The pet will seek warmth. It will come to you or multiple cats will snuggle together.
- You may notice slow breathing in the feline.
- The heart rate of the cat will drop and the pupils will be diluted.
What happens to a cat if it is too cold?
Cats can survive even freezing temperatures. But not all cats. Most cats will fall sick in severe cold. So, what actually happens to a feline when it gets too cold?
There can be 2 possible conditions. Such as:
- Hypothermia
- Frostbites
Depending on the size, age, and health of a cat, hypothermia can occur when the temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In this condition, the central nervous system of the feline gets shut down. The heart stops pumping blood and the cat gets into a medically critical condition.
On the other hand, frostbites are not as serious as hypothermia. The ears, paws, and tail of the cat will get cold. The blood will start flowing slow. If you observe any of these two conditions, take the cat to a vet as soon as possible.
How to keep the cats warm in the cold season
No matter if your feline is healthy, young, or old, you must assure the temperature is perfect for it. Here are some tips for you:
- Maintain the perfect house temperature for cats, which is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Provide the cats with blankets and other stuff that can give the pets warmth.
- Warming pads can be a good option if it is too cold. You can regulate the temperature of the pods. Never set the pad on a higher level.
- A heated bed is another thing that will keep your cat warm. The feline will feel cozy inside the bed and probably spend days sleeping.
If you have an outdoor cat, build a nice shelter for it. Make sure the cold breeze can not enter the shelter. Decorate the house with warm blankets or a heater bed.
What temperature is too hot for cats?
Now you know which temperature is too cold for the cats. But do you know which temperature is too hot for them? Well, the body temperature of a feline ranges between 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit or above, it will become unbearable to the cat.
How cold is too cold for the cats? You know that now. Take necessary preparations to keep your cats warm before the winter comes.
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