Do cats feel the cold?

Cats aren’t known for their love of the cold, and it makes sense why: their desert ancestry means they love the heat. Alongside this, they have a higher body temperature compared to us, so the cold can impact them more. But how much can they feel the cold, and what temperature is too cold for cats? When does it reach a level where they can really feel not at their best? As a concerned pet parent, you probably ask yourself questions like "how do I know if my cat is cold?" We like to know how our family members are feeling, so read on to find out all about cats, the cold, and how you can help them here. Do cats feel the cold, and if so, how much? Just like us, cats can feel the cold, despite their furry coats. They are warm-blooded animals that need to maintain their temperature at a steady level to remain healthy. If their temperature drops too low, they can run into complications. How chilly they feel will depend on multiple factors including their age, coat type, and health status - more on this later! What temperature is too cold for cats (Celsius)? Here is our cat temperature guide for pet parents: Why are cats less tolerant of the cold? Ancestry Our domestic cats have descended from the desert-inhabiting African wildcats, which have adapted to arid, dry climates. This means many cats are well-adapted to hot temperatures, but not necessarily cold ones. They have an innate preference for warm places, like a radiator or your lap, and have a strong dislike of the cold. Body size Cats are naturally quite small, meaning they’re more prone to losing body heat quicker than a larger animal. Higher body temperature Cats have a warmer body temperature than us, falling between 38 and 39 Celsius. Since their body temperature is higher, there’s a bigger difference between their ideal body temperature and their environment, especially when it’s cold. This means cats need to spend more energy to maintain their body heat when temperatures fall, leading to a quicker rate of cold-related problems, like hypothermia. It’s also why cats intuitively follow heat-preserving behaviours, like crawling into a ball. Other factors that contribute to cold tolerance Age Very young or elderly cats will have a harder time staying warm in the cold. Thin animals may also struggle. Coat type Cats with thick double coats fare better in colder weather (we’ve covered the types of cats that have these in our best cats for cold climates guide ), while those with thinner or hairless coats can struggle. Thick fur traps a layer of warm air against the body, providing an extra layer of insulation. Health Those dealing with underlying health issues can feel the cold more as they’re run down or suffering from circulation problems. Can cats survive in the cold? Cats can adapt to the cold for a short time, but they don’t want to be out there for long. All cats should be kept warm when the weather gets cold. Cats will naturally seek out heat and shelter when the weather gets cold, like a shed or underneath a car. It’s less a question of “can a cat survive this?” and more of a question of providing them with a comfortable, humane place to thrive. Cats are intelligent, adaptable creatures, but that doesn’t mean we should leave them out in the cold. What about strays and wild cats? You may wonder how strays and wild cats survive in the cold. While stray and wild cats have a significantly shorter lifespan than domestic cats, they try to adapt to their difficult life out in the wild. Possible survival strategies for winter include: Helping strays and wild cats As pet parents, we aren’t only concerned about our pets; we’re concerned and want to help any animals we can. Signs your cat is too cold Given their sensitivity to the cold, cats are prone to issues like frostbite and hypothermia. So, how can you tell if your cat is cold? Signs include: Early signs Severe signs (when you need to see a vet) If your cat is showing these symptoms they may be suffering from hypothermia. Signs of frostbite Early signs Later signs (after the affected area thaws) Signs of hypothermia Early signs Severe signs Looking after your cat in the cold: quick tips Keeping them safe and comfy indoors Watching out for hidden outdoor dangers during cold weather How cat insurance can help Pet insurance is there for those unexpected accidents and illnesses, especially when the weather gets colder. With our Complete Care cat insurance plan, you can get up to £20,000 in vet fee cover, 24/7 access to a video vet with all our plans and access to handpicked Perks for your pet.

Do cats feel the cold?

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