Do you feel like your cat is moving closer and closer to the radiator with the first autumn sleet? It’s not just your impression. But when are cats really cold?
When does it start getting tough?
Even though our furry friends have a reputation as beasts that can handle any wilderness, at heart they are lovers of warmth. Their ancestors come from desert areas, and perhaps that is why their “operating temperature” is set a little higher than us humans. While we are fine in a t-shirt, the cat may already be thinking about which blanket to burrow into. The warmth is pleasant to her, but she can handle more in her fur coat than we can.
Most veterinarians agree that the critical point when a cat begins to experience real thermal discomfort is around 7 °C. As soon as the mercury in the thermometer drops below zero, health becomes a concern. A cat can handle a short walk in these temperatures, but should not stay outside for long periods of time.
But beware, a cat is not like a cat! We have to take into account the differences.
- Outdoor hardeners: A cat that lives outside all year manages to create a thick undercoat. It works like the best thermal underwear. Such a cat also sheds heavily in spring and autumn in order to prepare the coat for the summer or winter season.
- Pets: Couch cats, or simply pets that are mainly at home, have thinner fur and winter frosts would be a shock for them.
- Hairless breeds (Sphynx): This is where all the fun ends. These cats are already cold at room temperature, unless they are running around. They need a sweater and a heated bed because they have no natural insulation.
- They also have impaired thermoregulatory abilities or cats that are too young or too old.
What do you think the cat does when you are not at home? This is what a post from the Kočičí Svět YouTube channel will tell you.
How do you know if your Micka is freezing?
A cat may not tell you that it is pulling its paws, but its body speaks clearly. If you see that it is curled up into a tight ballpaws tucked under his chest and ears pressed to his head, trying to keep any remaining warmth. Tremors or cold tips of the ears and tail are then a signal of extreme discomfort. At such a moment, there is nothing to wait for.
A cat’s normal body temperature is between 38 and 39 °C, if it falls below 37 °C, it is hypothermia. Do not overheat a cat that is suffering from cold. Wrap her in a dry blanket or towel. Offer her lukewarm water and possibly a lukewarm thermos, which will warm her up only slightly and very slowly.
If you have a cat that can’t stay at home and often goes outside, remember these few recommendations:
- Water in a bowl: In the cold, it freezes in no time. A cat can’t eat snow to drink, it would just keep losing precious heat. Make sure your cat has enough fluids.
- Extra calories: In winter, the cat “warms” itself with its own body, so it needs a little more abundant feeding. In addition, a little high-quality canned meat will only benefit her. Some cats appreciate broth, others don’t.
- Car control: Before you start in the morning, tap the hood. Cats love the warmth of freshly shut down engines and could hide there. Driving away with a cat under the hood is often fatal for the animal.
Big topic: Haircuts and summer haircuts
You may have thought that you can relieve your long-haired beauty with a “lion” cut in the summer. But beware! The coat not only protects the cat from the cold, but also acts as heat insulation.
Additionally, if you take away her natural shield just before the colder days arrive. A shorn cat catches cold much more easily than one whose fur is in order.
Unless it is absolutely necessary for medical reasons or because of hopelessly matted fur, it is better to leave the scissors in the drawer.
