What’s The Ideal Room Temperature For Cats In Winter?

Our pets are an essential member of our family, and we always want to ensure that they are comfortable and happy in their forever home.

Winters can be harsh for cats, especially the ones with a thin coat of fur.

Therefore, it is crucial to be well informed about the ideal room temperature suitable for different cats to avoid them from freezing in the cold. It will keep them warm and cozy inside the safe space of their home.

What’s the ideal room temperature for cats in winter?

Cats are better adjusted to warmer climates than cold ones. Their bodies are incapable of tolerating extreme cold temperatures.

If the cats are exposed to shallow weather, they can face several health conditions, including hypothermia.

Ideally, a cat’s body temperature should always remain above 90°F (32°C). Therefore, the room temperature should be maintained around 86°F to 88°F so that the cat can maintain its body temperature naturally.

You should always keep the room temperature above 70°F to avoid any health complications in your beloved pet.

Different room temperatures for other cat breeds

The suitable room temperature for cats also varies according to their breeds. If the cat has a thick and long fur coat, it is likely to adjust more to lower temperatures than their short-haired counterparts.

However, short-haired cats have a higher capability to adapt quickly to warm as well as cold climates.

Maine Coon

Maine Coons are known for their thick and luscious coat of fur covering almost the entirety of their body. Their bodies are built to adjust to freezing temperatures, including snowy regions.

However, if they have access to cold areas inside the house, they can even adapt to warm weather. But, they find it hard to survive in a sweltering climate as their fur adds to the existing heat.

A Maine Coon’s body temperature should be maintained around 100°F to 102.5°F. The room temperature should be around 70°F and should not exceed the limit of 76°F to keep the cat cool throughout the day.

Ragdoll

Ragdolls are quite famous for their beautiful and fluffy coat. Cold temperature does not affect them very much as their thick coats are very useful in combating the cold.

Their muscular body also provides them with added protection and helps them to retain enough body heat.

Ragdolls do quite well in cold weather and adjust to warm weather better than many other breeds. The room temperature should be maintained around 68°F to 75°F to keep your Ragdoll comfortable.

You can opt to keep the temperature 2-3 degrees below in the summer to ensure that your cat does not feel overheated.

Himalayan

The Himalayan breed of cats has a massive and thick coat of fur, which helps them adjust to cold weather.

These cats are ideal for people living in cold climates. They can adjust to room temperatures even below 70°F and can even adapt well in high altitudes that usually have a lower oxygen level.

The Himalayan cats can also adjust to snow as their paws are designed to walk on slippery and icy ground.

Persian

Persian cats have a beautiful double-layered coat that helps them to adapt to colder climates. Varying temperatures also influence their coat color.

They can be quite comfortable in-room temperatures ranging from 68°F to 75°F. These cats cannot adjust to sweltering climates as their heavy fur makes it impossible to tolerate the heat.

They are perfect to be adopted in cold to moderate temperatures.

Norwegian Forest

These cats are better suited for cold climates than warm ones. Extreme heat makes them uncomfortable as they have a thick coat of fur on their body.

Their undercoat provides them with enough insulation to even survive in the snow. They can also adjust to higher altitudes.

The Norwegian Forest can remain comfortable in an indoor space with a room temperature ranging from 65°F to 75°F. These cats are ideal for cold climates and mountainous areas.

How do I keep my indoor cat warm in winter?

1. Regular exercise and play sessions

Regular physical activity is significant in maintaining your cat’s body temperature. Cats tend to get lazier during the wintertime, but you need to encourage them to play more with you to maintain their health.

It will also prevent obesity and make them more active. It helps them remain energetic and to combat extreme weather.

2. Heating pads

Heating pads are immensely helpful in keeping your cats warm during the winter season. It helps them to stay warm and cozy during the cold weather.

Heating pads comfort your cat by allowing it to regulate its body temperature. These are very safe to be used on cats.

There are many varieties of heating pads available in the market that come with many added functions. Some of them can be heated electronically, while some need a microwave for a few seconds to keep the cat warm and comfortable.

3. Proper diet

A balanced and healthy meal is essential to keep your cat warm and comfortable during the winter season.

You can choose a high-calorie diet to help the cat combat the cold weather. Calories are essential for heat storage that is required to maintain body temperature.

You can increase your cat’s calorie intake in the winter season and reduce it with summer onset to prevent excessive weight gain.

4. Warm spots

It is not unusual to often find your cat snuggled in a particular area of your house during the winter season.

It is essential to have certain areas in your home that receive enough sunlight. These areas usually have a higher temperature than the rest of your house, which is quite helpful for your cat.

If the room temperature drops below the level they are comfortable in, the cat can always come and lie in the house’s warm areas.

5. Window perch

It is not advisable to allow the cat to be outside for a long time during the winter season. Since it gets very chilly out, your cat might get sick quickly.

If your cat loves to be outdoors, you should have a window perch that they can use during the winters to gaze outside.

Window perches would not allow them to miss being out too much, and they can pass their time while being inside the comfort of the home. It will also help them enough sunlight to keep them cozy and healthy.

Conclusion:

Since cats have a hard time adjusting to the cold weather, you need to take extra care of your pet during the winter season.

You should maintain the room temperature within limits tolerable by the cat.

You can also feed it a calorie-rich diet and provide them with heat sources to keep their bodies warm. It will keep them comfortable in the chilly weather and will help them survive in the harsh winters.


Related:

  1. why does a cat lay on the stomach when a female is pregnant
  2. Why do cats make weird noises at night

Useful links:

  1. https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet_column/pets-cold-weather-needs/
  2. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/cat-health-news/cold-weather-tips-cats
  3. https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-care-for-feral-cats-during-the-winter-4863767
  4. https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?id=7259242&pid=14365
  5. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/how-cold-is-too-cold/

 

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