As winter weather arrives and temperatures are falling, it’s a natural reaction for us to turn up the heat and put on some extra layers. Unfortunately, this is not an option for our cats who rely on their fur coats to keep them warm. While some cat breeds have longer and thicker coats, other kitties may need some extra attention during the cold months of the year. In today’s post, we’ll answer the question, do cats get cold? We will also provide you with tips to help keep your cat cozy and warm!
Do Cats Get Cold Easily?
According to Michael Arpino, DVM at the Veterinary Wellness Center of Boerum Hill, “most cats handle cold temperatures very well. Cats who are used to spending a lot of time outdoors know when it’s time to come back in.” However, it is advised that you keep your cat indoors if extreme temperatures are expected in your area.
Most cat breeds can acclimate to cold temperatures fairly well, thanks to their coats of fur. However, this is only relevant when temperatures change gradually, as rapid temperature dips can be dangerous to your feline friend. With gradually changing weather, cats’ fur coats respond and thicken to protect them from the approaching colder months; sudden changes in weather will not give cats this opportunity to prepare.
While temperatures outside your home tend to be much lower than inside, it is just as important to be aware of where your cat might be in your home during the colder seasons. Cats have a way of getting into places where they shouldn’t, and may find themselves in cold spaces where they have a harder time staying warm. This is certainly something to keep an eye out for, especially if you’re a pet parent of a cat with no hair or a thinner coat, or of a cat that is underweight. These factors can dramatically affect your cat’s ability to regulate its body temperature.
Common Signs That Your Cat Is Cold
Hypothermia and frostbite are both real threats to your cat, so it is important that you can spot the signs that your feline pet is cold. Cats with low body temperatures can fall into a coma or even die if left untreated for too long. Below are some of the common signs your cat might display if they are cold:
- Hunched body, with their paws, tucked underneath
- Shivering
- Refusing to move or play around
- Loss of appetite
- Seeking warm places to rest, such as beneath covers, next to a heater, or in sunlight.
Factors That Could Make Your Cat Sensitive To Cold
At certain temperatures, all cats will get cold at some point, but certain factors can cause some cats to be more sensitive to cold temperatures. The first that will eventually affect all cats is their age. Senior cats are unable to regulate their temperature as well as they once could, so slight temperature changes could cause them to feel cold, possibly leading to hypothermia if it goes unchecked. Older cats are also likely to experience weight loss, which will adversely affect their ability to regulate body temperature and keep warm.
Breeds of cats that originated from cold climates, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Maine Coon, tend to have much thicker coats of fur to help them stay warm in cold temperatures, while those from warmer climates may not. Although cats’ fur coats can thicken during the winter months, some breeds are unable to produce an adequate coat that will keep them warm even in milder temperatures.
