We all want our pets to stay cozy and warm during wintertime. We keep them indoors, turn on the heater, and put clothes on them to ward off the cold.
But is there an ideal room temperature for cats in the winter? The answer is no. There is no ideal room temperature for cats in the winter because it’s dependent on factors like the breed, age, and size of the cat.
What is the adequate room temperature for cats during winter?
Cats tolerate warmth better than the cold since when they feel warm they can easily look for cool places within the house and also supplement it by drinking more water. During wintertime, the cold can be intolerable and it can be dangerous for cats as they may suffer from hypothermia.
Ideally, a cat’s body temperature is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. For a cat to maintain its body temperature naturally, the room temperature shouldn’t drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and more favorably should be between 86 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. This is in consideration of factors like the cat’s breed, age, and, size.
As observed, there is no fixed value when it comes to the ideal room temperature for your furry friends. Let’s check out these factors that are the major determinants of what the ideal temperature of cats in winter should be.
Factors that affect ideal room temperature for cats in winter
These are the reasons why a fixed value can’t be determined when it comes to the ideal room temperature for cats in winter:
Breed
If your pet cat is long-haired and has fluffy fur then it’s likely that she can tolerate low temperatures more compared to short-haired ones. Cat breeds like the Siberian cat adapt well to the cold because of their thick triple layer coat. Here are other cold-weather cat breeds:
1. Maine Coon
This cat breed is well-known for its thick and cloak-like fur with a water-resistant texture. It’s known as the largest cat breed in America and its physical attributes are designed for places with snowy weather. This breed also has a bushy tail that reaches the paws and face which provides extra insulation to ward off cool temperatures.
2. Scottish Fold
This particular breed originated from the Scottish Highlands and can stand chilly temperatures just like in Scotland. Cats of this breed either have dense, short coat or long, fluffy fur and they’re easily recognized because of their folded ears.
3. Norwegian Forest
This large cat breed has a unique coat because while the undercoat provides insulation, its long coat, which has a glossy and coarse texture repels water. Popular for being mountain-climbing felines, Norwegian Forest cats adapt very well in wet, rainy, and cold climates.
4. Russian blue
Don’t be fooled by the short and dense coat of this cat breed because it’s two layers thick. This breed which originated from Northern Russia has a silvery and shiny coat on the outer level and can thrive in very cold temperatures.
5. Ragdoll
Well-known because of its long and luxurious coat, this cat breed doesn’t mind chilly temperatures because its thick coat provides ample body heat. Ragdolls have a muscular built and though they have a docile, relaxed, and laid back character, they can still adapt well to cool temperatures.
6. Himalayan
This cat breed has a very distinct thick and heavy coat which is almost pillow-like in appearance. Himalayan cats are highly adapted to high altitudes which makes them very ideal companions for people in countries with chilly temperatures.
7. Persian
Persian cats have double-layered coats that allow them to adapt to cold weather very well. This heavily-boned cat breed with a snub nose, chubby cheeks, and a short face has a calm and relaxed nature.
Age
The age of your pet cat is another factor to consider in determining the ideal room temperature for her in winter. Cats who are already a few years old may already have ailments and joint pains that’s why there’s a need to set the thermostat to a higher temperature to keep it warm. Similarly, kittens don’t have well-developed fur and more prone to hypothermia even if the temperature is normal, thus, they should be kept warm.
Size
The bigger or fatter your pet cat is, the more likely it will be able to tolerate low temperatures during winter. The vital role of fat in regulating body temperatures is an advantage for bulky cats and acts as natural insulation which allows cats to retain heat more easily.
How to keep your cat warm during winter
If your pet cats happen to have short or thin coats or belong to the hairless breed like the Peterbald, Elf, and Sphynx, then don’t despair. They can still enjoy the winter season as there are ways to keep them warm. Here are just a few suggestions:
Regular exercise
Encourage your pet kitty to become more active by regularly playing with her. Having regular playtime and exercise helps your pet to become fit and have a regulated body temperature as well.
Heated pads
The use of heated pads is advisable to keep your pets warm and cozy during wintertime. These electric blankets help regulate their body temperature and pet cats will be able to sleep comfortably even during cold weather.
Window perch
Since it’s a no-no to go outside during winter, your pet cat can still bathe in warm sunlight with the help of a window perch to keep her warm and cozy.
Consider a high-calorie diet
Cat experts recommend a diet rich in calories for your cat during wintertime to help maintain body temperature and this may be adjusted accordingly as the weather or season changes.
Insulated shelter
If your pet is mostly the outdoor type then you can protect her from the chilly weather by ensuring that her shelter is well-insulated. Keep the size of the shelter moderate and cover it with wood, plastic, or newspaper so the temperature inside it is well-regulated.
Conclusion
Wintertime can be a struggle for our pet cats because of the cold temperature that is why we try our best to protect our furry friends by keeping them warm. While there is no fixed value when it comes to the ideal room temperature for our cats during winter, a clear awareness of our pet’s breed, age, and size can help us do the necessary adjustments to make sure that our pets stay cozy and comfortable.