A big part of your job as a paw parent is to create a comfortable living environment for your precious feline. You’ll want to create an environment where your cat feels safe and happy and mimics their natural habitat as closely as possible. (You may also want to take out some Pet Cube insurance to safeguard you in an emergency.)
Temperature plays a crucial role in this environment and is vital in keeping your little floof comfortable. But how do you know what the ideal temperature for cats is? We’ll explore this in more detail and look at things like your cat’s unique physiological characteristics and other factors that influence its thermal comfort.
Temperature Sensitivity in Cats
Cats generally run hot. Their body temperature is typically higher than their human’s, ranging from 100.4°F to 102.5°F (38°C to 39.2°C). Not only this, but cats have a natural preference for warmer temperatures. They’re thermophiles to their core, seeking warmth at all times.
While their bodies are perfectly designed to conserve heat remarkably efficiently, this doesn’t mean that they can tolerate extreme temperatures on either side of the spectrum, which is why you should aim to provide the ideal temperature for cats.
What is the Purr-fect Temperature?
While their bodies are perfectly designed to conserve heat remarkably efficiently, this doesn’t mean that they can tolerate extreme temperatures on either side of the spectrum, which is why you should aim to provide the ideal temperature for cats.
Because cats are thermophiles, the colder months can be challenging for your feline. It’s essential to ensure a cat’s home temperature is within the recommended range to keep the kitty comfortable and to prevent them from seeking out other heat sources like appliances and radiators that could pose additional risks.
You can also provide plenty of cozy spots with warm bedding for additional warmth. You can add heated pet pads to take this up a notch if needed.
If you live in a warm climate, keeping your cat cool will help avoid heat stress and heat stroke and keep your feline comfortable. In addition to using the usual air conditioners, fans, and open windows to regulate temperature, ensure your cat has plenty of cool, fresh water to drink to prevent dehydration. You can purchase cooling mats to offer an extra cool surface for your cat to spread out on.
Things That Affect Your Cat’s Preferred Temperature
While the temperature range we’ve indicated should cater to most cats, it’s essential to consider the individual factors that influence your cat’s preferred temperature. Age, breed, coat length, and health conditions can all impact your cat’s temperature preferences.
Older cats tend to feel the cold more than their younger counterparts, while longer-haired cats will be more tolerant of cooler climates. Your best bet is to watch your cat’s behavior to tell you how they’re doing.
A cat that feels cold will appear lethargic and seek out warm nap spots, rarely leaving these for long. Conversely, a hot cat will stretch out on cold surfaces, appear restless, and even pant if they’re really hot.
Final Thoughts
Cats may appear calm and aloof at most times, but the reality is that their internal temperature is hotter than our own. In addition, cats are thermophilic, which means they actively seek warmth.
We’ve covered how to best cater to your cat’s thermal needs to ensure they are always comfortable and happy. Whether you live in a cooler climate or the tropics, there are ways for you to tailor your cat’s environment to provide the optimal range of temperature.
Keep an eye on your cat for cues as to whether they are feeling hot or cold, and make adjustments to ensure you’re keeping your cat safe and happy.
