Since your cat spends all of his time indoors and has a fur coat, you would not think he could become cold. However, cats do get cold (even if it's only from the AC), so it's crucial to understand your cat's symptoms of cold and when it's appropriate to raise the temperature.
Knowing when the temperature gets too low for the cat and why they should be kept warm indoors is crucial as the winter weather approaches. So, if cats can sense the cold, when does it become too chilly for them?
Are cats cold in the winter?
Yes, cats can become chilly, and the majority of them don't particularly enjoy the cold weather. Your cat is likely to feel the same way you do if it's cold outside. Humans typically maintain body temperatures between 97.9 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit. A cat's typical body temperature is between 99 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a study. Given how similar the two are, you can presume that a cat experiences heat and cold in the same ways as you do.
Do cats experience colds?
They have to endure the cold since those adorable little bundles of happiness are so little and priceless. Their mother will allow them to cuddle up to her in the beginning in order to keep them warm. By the time they reach the weaning period, however, kittens won't require more heat from their mother since, starting about 3 weeks later, they become a little more self-sufficient and are more capable of controlling their body temperature on their own.
Alternative heat sources, particularly for the newborn stage, may be required if you are hand-raising kittens. When using heat pads and hot water bottles, be mindful that they could scald you. Therefore, it is preferable to use numerous clean, cozy blankets and heated water bottles with covers to keep kittens warm.
As a general rule, everything below 45 degrees Fahrenheit is unsafe for cats, according to experts. If they spend a lot of time outside while it's below freezing, they run the danger of developing hypothermia.
Other important factors include your cat's weight and coat. "Hairless cats, cats who have just had their hair shaved off, and cats who went through grooming in any way that might cut their hair to a modest haircut should not be outdoors in colder temperatures." Even when they are inside, hairless cats often need a jumper. Although they would probably be slower and more vulnerable to other problems, obese cats might probably withstand the cold better.
Hypothermia is more likely to occur in cats with specific medical disorders. Because they are frequently cold-sensitive, cats with endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism shouldn't be left outside in the cold. Cats with any ailment, such as cancer, heart disease, or kidney disease, shouldn't be left outside in any weather.
What are cold symptoms in cats?
Our feline pals can't just put on an extra coat when they become cold and tell us they'd like the thermostat raised a few degrees, unlike us humans. Here are some warning signals to watch out for that will let you know if your cat is feeling cold.
1 - Balling oneself up
Although being closely curled up with their tail under their nostrils and all of their paws tucked towards their body is a common cat sleeping position, it's a sign that your child may be attempting to maintain body heat if they are doing so.
2 - Extreme cold
A cat's extremities are going to show symptoms of coldness in the same way that our own hands and feet do. As it's where dogs lose body heat most initially, feel for the ears, paws, or tail tip.
3 - Exhaling and inhaling
It sounds like a brand-new dancing move; we know that. Cats who hunch and puff, however, are most likely experiencing the cold.
4 - Looking for warm locations
If the feline is cold, they're inclined to seek out warmer places in the house. If you keep finding your cat sleeping in the blanket-lined drawers, close to a heater, or in the airing drawers, they're definitely too cold.
How can I help my cat stay warm?
Are you concerned about how to keep your cat warm throughout the colder months? Here are some of our favorite pointers and techniques:
1 - Dress-up games
Not all cats will appreciate this advice, but if your cat doesn't mind donning a jumper or coat, putting them in a single can be a terrific way to keep them warm. Try using the best cat treats as positive reinforcement if your pet is hesitant.
2 - Make their bed higher.
It is advisable to raise your cat's bed so that it is off the ground if it has one. Heat rises; therefore, your cat will perceive a bed on a chair rather than the floor as being much warmer.
3 - Offer a warm blanket.
Your friend will undoubtedly give you a big thumbs up for making the purchase of a cozy blanket. Put it on their favorite piece of furniture or in bed for added warmth. Before laying it down for them to snuggle into, you might also reheat their blanket in the clothes dryer for a short while.
4 - Increase their food intake.
Naturally, your pet will burn more calories than usual when they have to exert more effort to maintain their body temperature. It can be worthwhile to give them a bit more food when you have a bit of the finest cat food available to make up for the additional calories they're using.
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