Just imagine stepping out into the chilly air, you instinctively tighten your jacket around you for warmth. Now, picture your cat at the doorstep, seemingly unfazed and ready to explore the outdoors. This might leave you wondering, “Do Cats Get Cold?”
If you’re like many caring cat owners, you might worry about your feline companion’s comfort and safety when temperatures drop, whether they’re venturing into a catio or simply spending time outdoors. Understanding how cats perceive and react to cold weather is crucial for their well-being. Let’s delve into what you need to know to ensure your fur baby stays cozy, healthy, and at a comfortable temperature.
Key Points to Remember
- Yes, cats do get cold, and they can get cold quite easily.
- It’s best to keep your cat indoors when temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, even if they seem eager to go out.
- In case of a weather emergency, never leave your pets behind during evacuation, as this can lead to hypothermia and be life-threatening for cats.
Do Cats Get Cold Easily?
The straightforward answer is a resounding yes, cats are susceptible to cold temperatures.
In fact, cats are known to get cold relatively quickly. Their evolutionary roots trace back to desert climates, and they naturally maintain a higher body temperature than humans. This physiological difference means cats often start feeling cold sooner than we do in the same environment.
This inherent sensitivity to cold is why you’ll often observe cats seeking out warmth. They gravitate towards sunbeams streaming through windows, cozy spots on radiator covers, or the comforting warmth of a human lap. These aren’t just displays of affection; they are often driven by a genuine need to stay warm.
However, it’s important to recognize that not all cats experience cold in the same way. Several factors can influence a cat’s cold tolerance:
- Age: Kittens and senior cats are more vulnerable to cold due to their less efficient thermoregulation.
- Health: Sick cats, especially those with underlying conditions, are less able to maintain their body temperature.
- Body Condition: Thin or underweight cats have less fat insulation, making them more prone to getting cold.
- Breed: Breeds originating from warmer climates, such as the Egyptian Mau, may be less tolerant of cold.
- Coat Type: Cats with thinner coats will naturally feel the cold more acutely compared to those with dense, thick fur. Breeds like the Maine Coon, with their heavy coats, can withstand colder temperatures for longer periods, but even they will eventually become uncomfortable in prolonged chilly conditions.
Recognizing When Your Cat Is Cold
Cats are masters at subtle communication, and their signals for being cold can be less obvious than those of dogs. Observing their behavior closely is key to understanding their comfort levels.
When a cat starts feeling cold, especially outdoors, their initial response is to find the warmest available spot and settle down.
As the cold intensifies, you’ll notice more pronounced signs:
- Curling Up Tightly: A cold cat will often curl into a tight ball to conserve body heat, minimizing exposed surface area.
- Tail as a Muffler: They might wrap their tail around their body, often tucking it over their nose and face to protect themselves from the cold air.
- Shivering: Shivering is a clear and involuntary sign that your cat is trying to generate heat and is feeling uncomfortably cold. As they get colder, the shivering may become more pronounced.
If a cat’s exposure to cold continues without intervention, they can progress to a dangerous condition called hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when a cat’s body temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At this stage, the signs become more alarming:
- Lethargy and Quietness: A hypothermic cat will become unusually quiet, lethargic, and less responsive to their surroundings and to you.
- Decreased Responsiveness: They may seem disoriented or slow to react.
Hypothermia is a serious medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. Prompt recognition of coldness and taking steps to warm your cat is crucial to prevent hypothermia. If you suspect your cat is cold, particularly if they’ve been outdoors in dropping temperatures, bring them inside immediately.
If a warm location isn’t readily available, providing a deep bed or bedding that allows them to burrow and insulate themselves can offer quick relief. Offering lukewarm water (around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or human body temperature) can also help gently raise their internal temperature.
Recognizing the early signs of cold in your cat and acting quickly can make a significant difference in their comfort and safety.
What Temperatures Are Too Cold for Cats?
Determining the “too cold” threshold for cats isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors play a role, including the cat’s age, breed, health, and coat thickness.
However, some general guidelines can help you ensure your cat’s safety in cold weather:
- Vulnerable Cats (Kittens, Seniors, Thin-Coated, Sick): These cats can become uncomfortable and potentially cold even when temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Extra precautions are needed for these individuals.
- Cats with Health Issues: Cats with conditions like arthritis or significant weight loss may experience discomfort even at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Their compromised health makes them more sensitive to cold.
- Healthy Adult Cats: For most healthy adult cats with average coats, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit can become uncomfortable.
- Danger Zone (Below 32°F): Regardless of breed or health, temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit pose a significant risk of frostbite and hypothermia for cats, especially with extended exposure.
It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines. Individual cats may have different tolerances. For example, black cats may benefit slightly from solar heat absorption, and community cats often develop thicker coats over time to adapt to outdoor living. Certain breeds, like Norwegian Forest Cats, are naturally more cold-tolerant due to their thick, insulating coats.
However, regardless of these variations, when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, all cats, without exception, need access to a sheltered, comfortable, and warm resting place.
Can Cats Survive in the Cold?
While cats are resourceful and some might survive in cold conditions, it is neither advisable nor humane to leave them outdoors in cold temperatures. Even if your cat is an indoor/outdoor cat, it’s crucial to keep them inside once temperatures approach or drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
For unowned or stray cats in your neighborhood, winter can be a particularly dangerous and challenging time. If you notice a cat that seems to be without a home, especially during winter, consider offering assistance.
You can provide shelter inside your home if possible. If that’s not feasible, create a safe outdoor shelter for them – a heated, windproof, and insulated space where they can sleep, eat, and escape the elements.
Even if your cat seems insistent on going outside, resist the urge to let them out when temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Their curiosity or desire to explore doesn’t negate the real risks of cold exposure.
Power Outages and Keeping Cats Warm
Winter storms can sometimes lead to power outages, leaving both you and your cat in colder-than-comfortable conditions indoors.
In short power outages, you might find that your cat’s natural inclination to snuggle can be mutually beneficial, providing warmth for both of you!
For longer outages, preparation is key:
- Comfortable Bedding: Ensure your cat has access to plenty of cozy beds and blankets. Cats often enjoy burrowing, so placing a warm blanket over their favorite sleeping spot can enhance its warmth.
- Self-Warming Options: Consider battery-operated heating pads designed for pets or self-warming beds. These can provide a source of warmth without electricity for shorter periods.
- Emergency Shelters: If a prolonged outage forces you to evacuate, research pet-friendly shelters in your area beforehand.
Crucially, never evacuate and leave your pets behind. This puts them at extreme risk of hypothermia and death. Fortunately, many emergency shelters now accommodate pets.
Developing a cold weather emergency plan for your cat before a storm hits is a proactive step. Knowing what to do and having supplies ready will make a significant difference if the unexpected occurs.
Keeping Your Cat Warm Throughout Winter
During colder months, you’ll likely observe your cat naturally seeking out the warmest spots in your home – near heat vents, fireplaces, sun-drenched windows, or even your lap.
If your home is generally comfortably heated for humans, these behaviors are usually sufficient for indoor cats.
However, there may be times when your cat needs extra warmth, even indoors, especially if they are older, thin, or have health issues.
This is where providing extra warmth options becomes important:
- Cat Beds: Offer a variety of comfortable cat beds, including heated beds for extra warmth.
- Blankets: Provide soft blankets in their favorite resting spots.
- Cat Clothes: For cats particularly sensitive to cold, especially older or thin cats, consider cat sweaters or clothing, even indoors.
If your cat needs to venture outside briefly to use the bathroom in cold weather, a warm sweater can be beneficial. Always use a leash and harness or collar for outdoor excursions, even brief ones, in cold weather to prevent them from darting off and getting lost in potentially hazardous conditions.
How Cold is Too Cold for Cats? FAQ
How do community cats survive cold weather?
Community cats, or feral cats that live outdoors, often develop thicker coats than indoor pets, providing some insulation against the cold.
They also become adept at finding and utilizing warm micro-environments for shelter. This could include sheltered garages through broken windows, ground-level heat vents from buildings, or other protected nooks and crannies. These cats learn to frequent these warmer spots during harsh weather.
Despite these adaptations, not all outdoor cats survive winter, especially if they are unable to find enough food, adequate shelter, or if they become ill or injured. Winter poses significant challenges to their survival.
A veterinarian in a clinic gently examining a cat, emphasizing the role of veterinary expertise in cat health.Featured Image: GettyImages/vubaz
WRITTEN BY
Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP
Veterinarian
Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…
