At What Temperature Do Cats Get Cold – The Facts!

You got back from work only to meet your beloved feline shivering and puffing her fur. You are pretty worried because you did not expect to meet your cat in this state. A question flipped through your mind —At what temperature do cats get cold?

Cats start to get cold at any temperature below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Several factors determine how quickly a cat becomes cold. For example, obese cats are better able to deal with cold temperatures than skinny ones. Cats with a dense coat withstand cold better than hairless cats.

In this article, we will discuss ways to tell your cat is cold. We are also going to provide answers to some frequently asked questions about cold temperatures for cats. Finally, we’ll highlight ways to protect your cat from extreme temperatures better.

Ways To Tell Your Cat Is Cold

When cats are cold, there are some obvious physical signs they exhibit. Paying keen attention is key to discovering your furry friend is cold.

The following discusses five things cats do when they are cold:

Shivering

Shivering is one of the best indicators to know your feline is cold. Just as a human would shiver when cold, cats also experience the same thing.

As a cat owner, you should be careful as well. Shivering could also be a sign of anxiety, pain, and infection.

To know your cat is not shivering due to extreme temperatures, one thing you would notice is panting when shivering.

If shivering is health-related in cats, they pant along with shivering. Thus, panting and shivering in your cat is likely a sign of pain and extreme stress.

Puffing her furs

When a cat is cold, she puffs her fur. Fur puffing is one of the basic instincts of cats to survive. Cats puff their fur to make their body appear bigger to specific threats.

When cats are cold, they engage in fur puffing to trap more air into the fur for better insulation against the cold.

Apart from puffing their fur, cats are also known to grow a thicker coat during winter to provide insulation against cold.

When the temperature is cold for cats, the fur and the hair on their skin fluff up, creating pockets of air. This explains why cats appear bigger when cold.

Colder extremities

When your feline becomes uncontrollably chilly, the extremities start to get colder than usual. Furthermore, the tips of the nose, tail, and ears become very cold to touch.

The ears, paws, nose, and tail of a cat are among the first parts to lose heat when a cat is cold. When you notice this in your cat, put a call across to your vet on what to do to restore the normal body temperature.

Reduced mental alertness

When cats are extremely cold, they experience reduced mental alertness. This happens due to slow or reduced heart rate.

When cats are cold, there is reduced blood flow to the brain. The blood vessels undergo vasoconstriction on their skin and the lower extremities.

Hypothermia (low body temperature) in cats can be life-threatening if something urgent is not done to restore the core body temperature.

Decreased heart rate in cats quickly leads to death. Outdoor cats are the ones most prone to hypothermia, and also cats with short hair.

Blue or pale gums

When hypothermia is nearing a critical stage in cats, their gums become blue or pale. Pale gum in cats is a result of reduced blood pressure.

If you care for your cat, this is a medical emergency. Extreme cold makes a cat anemic. Pale gum and lethargy mean you have to take your feline to the emergency room.

To reverse pallor anemia, your vet will likely provide oxygen for your feline. Intravenous fluids will also be administered. He will also recommend some diagnostic procedures for your feline.

Can Cats Handle Cold Temperature

Yes. Cats can withstand cold temperatures well; their body is well suited for it. But when the temperature is nearing the freezing point, they are prone to hypothermia which can cause death.

When it is extremely cold, cats look for a place to keep warm. They become clingy at this point with their owners. They use their human owners as a source of warmth.

If you allow your cat to go out occasionally, in periods of extremely cold weather, you can build a shelter around the house to keep him warm from the cold.

Can Cats Freeze To Death

Yes, an average cat would freeze to death if the temperature falls below 32°F. A cat will freeze to death if left in extremely cold weather for too long.

One practical way to know if the weather is too cold is to step outside yourself. If it is too cold for you, it is also too cold for your feline.

Outdoor cats are more likely to die from extremely cold temperatures than indoor cats. When a cat is cold, the central nervous system becomes depressed, finding it difficult to pump blood.

If you keep an outdoor cat, ensure you provide an appropriate place for your feline to hide from freezing water.

Do Indoor Cats Get Cold Easily

No. Indoor cats can get cold easily if you mistakenly turn off the heater while going out. As a cat owner, you should always bear your feline in mind while going out.

If you contemplate allowing your feline to roam about or go outdoors, we encourage you to shelve the plan.

Outdoor cats are prone to catching all sorts of diseases. The risk of catching diseases even increases by two-fold during winter.

Furthermore, if an outdoor cat visits your home looking for warmth and shelter, do not ignore the poor feline. Contact the local animal control nearest to you.

They would give you tips on how best to handle the situation.

How Do I Know My Cat Is Cold At Night

You know your cat is cold at night if you observe your feline curling up into a ball-like shape. Another sign you might notice is cold extremities.

When cats are cold at night, it is not uncommon for them to seek warm places around the home. If you observe your feline heading towards the radiator, he’s most likely cold.

If you also observe your feline always wanting to cuddle, that should give you a clue that your cat is uncomfortably cold.

If the weather is freezing before going to bed, make sure to keep an eye on your feline. Nighttime is the riskiest time for a feline to get cold. A cat is likely to get the least attention during the night.

What Temperature Do Cats Like

Temperature between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for your cat. Cats are known to tolerate heat better than humans.

An average human temperature is around 98.5°F, while that of cats is between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are comfortable with the temperature of your home, your feline is comfortable as well. When you’re at home with your cat, always aim for a temperature of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

With temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, cats are at a lower risk of hypothermia. Even if your home is cooler than this, your feline would still be fine, provided it has warm bedding.

How Can I Keep My Cat Warm In The Cold

The best way to keep your feline warm in the cold is to provide your cat with a heated and water-resistant shelter.

Heated beds are perfect for keeping your cats warm during cold or winter.

Apart from this, the following tips would help in keeping your cats warm:

● Prepare a soft blanket and a pet bed in a warm room. Your cat can cuddle with these items when it is cold.

● If you have a senior cat around the house with arthritis, buy a warm bed that is designed to relieve aching joints.

● Keep your cat’s coat thick and healthy by feeding her nutritious food.

● Ensure the heating system in your home is in optimal condition. This would make your feline stay warm when you’re not around.

Above all, do not forget to cuddle up with your cat when it is cold. Cuddling up with your cat is a natural and cost-effective way to make your feline warm.