Cat feels cold? See signs and how to warm up your pet

With the arrival of low temperatures, many tutors wonder: cat feels cold? The answer is yes. When the thermometers fall, even the most hairy cats can experience discomfort, especially puppies, the elderly, short-haired cats, lean animals or with health problems. The alert applies to all of Brazil, including Ponta Grossa and the Campos Gerais region, where winter is usually harsh.

In this guide, developed with the collaboration of veterinarian Viviane Cozzolino (CRMV/SP 13772), you will learn how to identify the symptoms, take care of the cat in low temperatures and choose the appropriate items to keep it warm.

How the cat's body reacts to the cold

Cats are endothermic animals, that is, the body produces heat and regulates its own body temperature, which is usually between 38.1 °C and 39.5 °C, according to the Royal Canin Portal Vet. When the environment cools, the body needs to spend more energy to maintain that temperature. The skin, coat and body fat work as thermal insulators, but do not completely prevent heat loss.

Wind, rain, humidity, drafts and contact with cold floors increase discomfort, even inside the house. Therefore, even cats living in apartments can suffer from the cold, especially at night or on frost days.

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Which cats are more sensitive to the cold

Among the cats that are more sensitive to low temperatures are: puppies, especially newborns, who still do not regulate body temperature well; lean or low body fat animals; short-haired or hairless cats, such as the Sphynx; animals with heart, kidney, hormonal or diabetes diseases.

As the CRMV-SP explains in its winter guidelines, animals with some health conditions may have more difficulty regulating body temperature and be more susceptible to intense cold. Thermal stress can start between 8 °C and 10 °C, but the tolerance varies depending on the animal and the environment.

Signs that the cat is cold

The first signs that the cat is cold usually appear in the behavior: sleep shrunk, with the legs under the body; look for blankets, lap, sun or warmer places; try to shelter inside cabinets, between cushions or under covers; get with ears, paws, snout and tail colder than usual.

In addition, the cat may become less active and have cold extremities. If the tutor notices persistent tremors, weakness, lethargy or difficulty breathing, they are warning signs and require urgent veterinary attention.

How to Warm Your Cat Safely

To protect the cat on cold days, keep it indoors, away from drafts, and offer a dry bed with blanket. Avoid heat sources directly on the skin and do not force the wearing of clothes. A bed isolated from the floor, with blanket or blanket, helps to keep the animal warm without risks.

It is worth noting that cold tolerance varies according to age, coat, body condition, health status and environment. Rather than following a specific external temperature, it is important to observe the behavior and physical signs of each cat.

If your cat shows any signs of thermal discomfort, seek out a veterinarian. For more tips on winter pet care, continue to follow the Boca no Trombone portal.

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