Cold Weather Blues: Keeping Indoor Cats Cozy At 60 Degrees

Cats are descended from desert-dwellers and have a higher body temperature than humans. They can easily get cold and suffer from hypothermia in extreme conditions. While cats can tolerate a range of temperatures, especially feral cats that live outdoors, temperatures below 45°F (7°C) are generally too cold for them. Below this temperature, cats can experience hypothermia and are at risk of frostbite. Inside the home, temperatures between 60°F and 70°F are often comfortable for cats. However, cats have individual needs based on factors such as age, breed, and coat type. Older, sick, or hairless cats may need extra warmth during low temperatures and should be kept indoors.

Cats with health issues, very young or old cats will struggle to cope with colder temperatures

Older cats, regardless of breed, weight, or coat, are more sensitive to the cold due to their advanced age. Similarly, kittens struggle to retain body heat because of their small size and thinner coats. Cats with health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances, are also at a higher risk during winter weather. These cats may find it challenging to regulate their body temperature and may need extra assistance to stay warm.

To help your cat cope with colder temperatures, there are several measures you can take. Ensure your home is adequately heated, with temperatures ideally between 60°F and 70°F. Provide your cat with warm bedding, such as heated beds or blankets, to snuggle into. You can also offer them a warm sweater to wear, especially if they go outdoors. It is crucial to provide extra food during the colder months, as cats need to consume more calories to generate body heat. Always be vigilant about opening and closing doors to prevent accidental escapes into the cold.

By taking these steps, you can help cats with health issues, very young or old cats cope with colder temperatures and ensure their comfort and well-being during the chilly months.

Cats can get hypothermia and frostbite

Hypothermia in Cats:

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that occurs when a cat's body temperature drops below normal. Cats generally have a body temperature of 100 to 102°F, and their temperature should not be allowed to fall below 99 to 100°F. Mild hypothermia symptoms can include shivering, cold skin, weakness, and lethargy. If the condition worsens, cats may experience more severe symptoms such as slowed breathing and heart rate, dilated pupils, unresponsiveness, and even coma. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Frostbite in Cats:

Frostbite is another concern for cats exposed to cold temperatures for prolonged periods. It occurs when blood vessels close to the skin constrict to preserve body temperature, reducing blood flow to extremities like the tail, toes, and ears. Frostbite can cause tissue damage, leading to fur loss, skin blistering, discolouration, and swelling. In severe cases, frostbite can result in tissue death and may require veterinary attention.

Keeping Indoor Cats Safe:

For indoor cats, maintaining a comfortable temperature between 60 to 70°F is generally sufficient to keep them warm and cosy. However, if the temperature drops below 45°F, even indoor cats may be at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. It is recommended to provide extra warmth through blankets, heated cat beds, or by allowing them to cuddle with you. Additionally, ensure they have access to fresh water, as they may drink more due to dry air.

Protecting Outdoor Cats:

For outdoor cats, it is crucial to provide warm and dry shelters, especially during dangerously cold weather. Offer insulated or self-warming cat beds, or build an outdoor cat house with a roof and protected sides for insulation and wind blocking. Ensure they have access to non-frozen water and provide extra food to help them generate body heat. It is also important to be vigilant when starting your car, as cats may seek warmth by hiding in the engine compartment or wheel wells.

In summary, cats can indeed get hypothermia and frostbite, and it is essential to take preventive measures to keep them safe and warm during cold weather. By providing adequate shelter, warmth, and access to food and water, you can help ensure your feline friends remain healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months.

Cats with heavy coats will keep themselves warmer for longer

Cats with heavy coats will be able to keep themselves warmer for longer. This is because their heavy coats are better at retaining body heat. Breeds such as the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat are well-suited for cold weather due to their double-thick coats. However, it's important to note that even these cats with thicker coats should not be left outside for extended periods in cold temperatures.

While cats with heavy coats may be able to tolerate the cold better than cats with lighter coats, all cats will eventually become uncomfortable if exposed to chilly temperatures for too long. Cats are descended from desert dwellers and have a warmer body temperature than humans, typically between 100 to 102°F. As a result, cats often feel colder quicker than humans and are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite if their body temperature drops below 90°F.

To keep your cat warm during the colder months, it's important to provide them with a warm bed, preferably near a heat source or elevated off the cold floor. You can also use heating pads or hooded beds, especially if you live in a cold climate. Additionally, consider draping a blanket over your cat while they sleep to help retain their body heat.

It's also crucial to provide your cat with extra food during the winter, as they will need to consume more calories to generate enough body heat. Ensure that they always have access to fresh, unfrozen water as well.

In terms of indoor temperatures, as long as the ambient temperature is between 60 and 70°F, your indoor cat will generally be comfortable. However, if the temperature drops below 50°F, you may need to provide extra warmth, such as a heated bed or a blanket, for your cat.

Cats will seek out heat sources when they're cold

To keep indoor cats warm, it's essential to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. Blankets, heated cat beds, and extra food can help. Additionally, cats may seek warmth from heated surfaces like fireplaces or space heaters, so ensure these are safely screened off or supervised to prevent burns or fires.

When it comes to outdoor cats, providing a warm shelter is crucial. This can be a purchased cat house, a modified doghouse, or a DIY shelter made from plastic storage containers or scrap lumber. Insulation with straw or Mylar blankets helps retain warmth, and a small entrance deters larger predators. Placing the shelter in an out-of-the-way location is ideal, as cats prefer secluded spots.

During cold weather, outdoor cats also require extra calories to generate body heat. Providing slightly warmed canned food or dry food can help, along with ensuring access to non-frozen water using heated or solar dishes. Remembering to knock on the hood of your car before starting the engine is also essential, as cats may seek warmth near car engines.

Cats with underlying conditions will feel the cold sooner

Cats with underlying health conditions will feel the cold sooner than healthy cats. This is particularly true of cats that are nursing, or that haven't been vaccinated. If your cat falls into one of these categories, it's recommended that you make an appointment with your vet immediately.

Cats with underlying conditions are also more susceptible to the effects of a cold. For example, cats with arthritis or diabetes will feel the cold more acutely. Similarly, cats with a hormonal imbalance that makes it hard to regulate body temperature will be more sensitive to cold temperatures.

If your cat has an underlying condition, it's important to keep your home at a comfortable temperature for them. Blankets and beds can also help them stay warm. If your cat has an underlying condition and starts showing signs of a cold, such as sneezing, sniffles, or lethargy, contact your vet.

In general, it's recommended that you keep your indoor cat in a temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your cat has an underlying condition, you may need to adjust your thermostat accordingly. It's also important to provide extra care during the winter months, such as providing blankets, heated cat beds, and extra food to protect your cat from the cold.

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