Ideal Temperature for Cats

Ever asked yourself what temperature do cats like?

Like humans, cats too prefer certain temperatures during winter or summer.

Cats spend about 16 hours of their time snoozing or grooming.

So it is best if the room temperature is favorable when they are having their me-time.

This begs the question,

 

What is a safe temperature for indoor cats?

A cat’s ability to regulate temperature depends on four factors;

• Breed
• Size
• Age
• Health

 

Breed

Cats with long hair feel warmer in cold temperatures compared to cats with short hair.

In summer, cats with short hair or no hair cool faster than their longhaired friends.

Also, flat-faced cats can find it hard to breathe when the weather gets scorching.

 

Size

Small cats find it hard to retain body heat compared to large cats.

Also, a cat with low body fat, like a Burmese, can struggle to insulate their bodies during winter.

Overweight cats with more body fat can adequately regulate their body temperature in winter.

 

Age

Kittens and old cats will find it hard keeping warm in winter.

 

Health

A sick cat has low immunity which makes it hard for them to regulate their body temperature.

Felines suffering from thyroid disease also tend to have a lower body temperature which can get worse in winter.

 

Best House temperature for cats

The best house temperature for cats is the same temperature that favors humans.

The resting temperature for humans is 36 °C. Cats have a resting temperature between 38°C and 39°C.

If your house feels warm or cool enough for you, then Whiskers is happy as well.

But there are times when the temperature gets too unbearable for a cat.

This is especially true for cats that;

• Have an extremely short or hairless coat
• Are newly-born or in their senior years
• Generally predisposed to suffer extreme weather temperatures

Human beings are to make adjustments to make the temperature favorable.

Cats do not enjoy the same luxury.

 

 

 

 

Is my house too cold for my cat?

Your feline friend will not walk up to you and say “Please turn on the heater human”.

But he will start showing signs that indicate he is trying to keep warm.

Signs that your cat finds your house chilly include;

• Cold ears and tail. This means your feline is finding it hard to regulate body temperature
• Lying in a catloaf position with the paws tightly tucked underneath the belly. Some cats will also try and make their bodies small as possible. It is their way of preserving energy to keep warm.
• Finding warm places in the house to sleep. This can be a pile of clothes, near the fireplace or heater, behind pillows, or on your chest.
• Not moving around much. Because the floor and air feels too cold to do anything

 

When you notice these behavioral changes, you must attend to your cat immediately.

Here is what you can do to prevent hypothermia in your cat;

• Limit your cat’s movement outside. It is best if your cat stays indoors during winter
• Ensure your cat’s coat is dry. A wet coat in the winter coat is a recipe for hypothermia
• Provide your cat with warm bedding. A blanket is perfect for Whiskers to snuggle into. You might want to invest in a cat winter coat as well.
• Adjust your heater to suit your cat’s temperature needs. As we said, a room that is warm enough for you is warm enough for your feline friend. But continue monitoring your cat’s behavior, especially if it is a shorthair or hairless breed.

 

What is the ideal room temperature for cats in winter?

A cat’s normal body temperature falls between 38°C and 39°C.

Then the ideal room temperature for cats in winter is around 25°C and 30°C respectively.

If it gets too cold for your cat, you can bump up the heater to 32°C.

Ensure you are also comfortable with the temperature you set.

 

Best house temperature for cats in summer

We have looked at how to make your feline friend comfortable during winter.

Now, what temperature do cats like in summer?

Remember cats are good at keeping themselves warm but not cool.

 

They will need all the help they can get, from their favorite humans, to keep cool during summer.

To get the best answer for this puzzle, we have to answer a fundamental question;

When it gets too hot, all you have to do is take off your sweater or coat.

But a cat cannot remove its thick fur coat which means there is a problem.

 

What causes overheating in cats?

 

A cat’s thick coat is handy in retaining heat during winter.

But when summer comes, the thick coat still retains heat making the cat feel too hot.

Also, cats do not contain skin pores on their bodies like humans.

This makes it hard for them to cool off during the summer.

These are some of the tell-tale signs that your cat is finding the hot weather unbearable.

• Rapid breathing to expel internal hot air
• Reddened gums
• Lethargy as cat feels too hot to do anything
• Excessive drooling
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Vomiting and diarrhea

 

If nothing is done, your cat can easily suffer heatstroke.

As your cat’s loyal guardian, you should ensure your cat does not overheat when the weather gets scorching.

 

What temperature do cats like in Summer?

Cats will do well in summer temperatures that fall below 26°C. Set your thermostat between 23°C  and 25°C to keep your cat cool.

If you are living with a longhaired cat, you might want to dial that thermostat lower than 23° C.

Also;

• Provide plenty of water for your cat
• Ensure your cat has access to shaded areas in the house
• Open all windows to let cool air in
• Invest in fans if you do not have ac
• Minimize exercise for cats in summer
• Provide plenty of frozen treats to your feline

 

Final thoughts

Always ensure the house temperature for cats is conducive in both winter and summer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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See Also

• Why Do Cats Lay on Our Chests?
• Why Do Cats Have Wet Noses?