Cat Academy

Do Cats Like the Cold or Heat? How They Handle Temperatures

Do cats like the cold or heat? The short answer: heat, most of the time.

Cats are natural heat-seekers. You’ve probably caught your cat sprawled in a sunny window, melting into the floor like a furry pancake. The reason behind this behavior is that their wild ancestors originated from desert regions, where high temperatures were a constant part of daily life. Today’s housecats still carry that warm-weather preference in their DNA.

Even their bodies run hotter than we do. A cat’s normal body temperature ranges from 101°F to 102.5°F, which makes chilly rooms feel colder to them. Warmth relaxes their muscles, so they feel safer and calmer in warm spots. Sunlight, too, plays a small role in vitamin D absorption, although cats mostly get this nutrient from their food.

But heat tolerance isn’t one-size-fits-all. A Maine Coon with a thick winter coat handles warmth differently than a hairless Sphynx. So, what’s the best temperature for your cat?

What Temperature Is Best for Your Cat?

So, what’s the magic number for your cat’s comfort? Every cat is a little different, but there is a general temperature zone where most cats feel happy and comfortable.

Most cats feel good when it’s between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius), but that’s not a hard and fast rule! Different factors can change your cat’s ideal temperature.

Age: Kittens and older cats often need more warmth. Little kitties still can’t control their body heat effectively. Meanwhile, senior felines may have thinner coats or health issues, like arthritis, that make them prefer a warmer spot.
Health conditions: Cats with certain illnesses, like thyroid problems or kidney disease, might feel the cold more. Arthritis can also make cooler temperatures uncomfortable. It’s always a good idea to ask your vet what’s best for your cat if they have health concerns.
Coat Length and Thickness: A cat with long, fluffy fur (like a Persian) has a thicker coat to keep them warm. Cats with short fur (like a Siamese) don’t have as much natural warmth, and cats with no fur at all will need the most help from you to stay warm.
Body fat: A little bit of body fat can help keep a cat warm. So, thinner cats might get chilly more easily. But, just like for us, it’s not healthy for cats to be too overweight, as that can cause other problems. Keeping your cat at a healthy weight is always the best way to go.

Signs Your Cat Is Comfortable

How do you determine if your cat is at ease? Look for these signs:

Your cat looks calm and happy.
Their breathing is normal, not too fast or panting (unless they’ve just been playing hard).
They eat, drink, and use their kitty box as usual.
You’ll see them playing and grooming themselves, just like they always do.
They sleep in open areas, not constantly curled up in a tight ball or searching for the warmest spot.

Noticing these signs in your cat helps you figure out if cats like the cold or heat more.

When It’s Too Hot: Keeping Your Cool Cat From Overheating

While cats generally like heat, there’s a limit. Your cat can get too hot, and this can become serious very quickly. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize when the temperature is too high for them, as overheating is a real danger.

Signs of Overheating

Watch for these signs that your cat is getting too hot:

Panting: Unlike dogs, cats rarely pant, except when they are extremely hot or stressed.
Drooling: Too much drooling can indicate heatstroke.
Lethargy: Your cat may seem weak or reluctant to move.
Vomiting: This is a serious sign of overheating.
Stumbling: Your cat might look dizzy or have trouble walking straight.
Red gums: Their gums may appear much redder than normal.

If your kitty shows these signs, you need to cool your cat down safely and quickly. Move them to a cooler spot in your home right away. Offer fresh, cool water to drink.

You can also gently dampen a cloth with cool (not ice) water and wipe their paws or ears, as these parts help cats release heat. Never use ice water, as it can shock their system. For long-haired cats, a cool bath might help, but only if your cat is okay with it and isn’t too stressed.

Preventing heatstroke is much better than treating it. Under no circumstances should you ever abandon your cat alone in a parked vehicle, even for a moment. The heat inside a car, when not moving, can rise rapidly and dangerously.

If your cat goes outside, always make sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water. Indoors, use fans or AC on hot days.

Groom long-haired cats regularly to remove excess fur, which helps them stay cooler. Finally, limit playtime during the hottest parts of the day, usually midday to late afternoon.

The Surprising Truth About Cold Weather

Most cats are not big fans of cold weather. While their fur helps, it only goes so far. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can be uncomfortable and even dangerous.

How Cold Is Too Cold for a Cat?

Too much cold exposure can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. It can also weaken your cat’s immune system, making your whiskered baby more prone to illness. Since cats prefer heat more, they will avoid cold if they can.

Signs Your Cat Is Too Cold

If your cat is shivering, huddling tightly, or acting lethargic, they might be too cold. Cold ears, paws, or tails are also signs they need more warmth.

Tips for Keeping Your Cat Cozy in Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop, your cat may need some extra help staying warm.

Provide Warm Beds: Choose soft, insulated beds. Place them somewhere quiet and out of the way.
Use Blankets: Fleece and thermal blankets help trap body heat—let your cat burrow or knead into these mats.
Try Heated Cat Beds: Use models with safety shut-offs and low wattage. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Close Windows and Doors: Prevent cold drafts from creeping in. Use draft stoppers or weatherstripping where needed.
Ensure Sleeping Spots Are Draft-Free: Avoid placing beds near poorly sealed windows. Elevate beds off cold tile or hardwood floors.
Offer Boxes or Covered Spaces: Cardboard boxes or cat caves hold warmth and make cats feel secure. Sure, they’re not fancy, but they get the job done.

Do Cats Like the Cold or Heat: Decoding Your Cat’s Temperature Signals

Your cat can’t tell you with words if they’re too hot or too cold. But don’t worry, they show you in other ways. You can learn a lot by watching how your cat acts. Just by watching your cat, you’ll start to see what they need. You can tell if they are happy with the temperature or if something needs to change to make them more comfortable.

Learn to Read Your Cat’s Body Language

To know if your cat feels hot or cold, observe the following body language:

How is your cat lying down?

A cat curled up in a tight ball indicates they’re trying to keep themselves warm. But if you see them stretched out long, even with their belly up, they are usually feeling nice and comfy, or they might be trying to cool themselves down a bit.

Where does your cat hang out?

If your cat is always following the sunshine, they might be a bit chilly. But if your cat often looks for shady spots or likes to lie on cool tile floors, they might be feeling too warm.

Check their ears and paws.

Gently feel your cat’s ears and paws. If they feel cold to your touch, your cat might be chilly. If their ears and paws feel particularly warm, they could be a bit too hot.

Watch Where Your Cat Likes to Rest

Where does your cat choose to nap? Their choice of spot can mean a lot.

Near heat sources

If you notice your cat cuddled up near a heater or soaking up the sun, they might be feeling a bit cold and just trying to warm up.

On cool surfaces

If your cat often lies on cool surfaces like tile floors or in a dry bathtub, it might be feeling too hot. Cats love to find shady spots to relax, so if you notice this behavior, they’re likely trying to cool down.

Sudden change in favorites

Keep an eye out if your cat suddenly stops using their usual favorite napping spot and picks a new one that’s much warmer or cooler. For example, if they leave their sunny spot for a cool, shady one, it’s a big hint that they are not comfortable and their needs have changed.

Watch How Your Cat Behaves

Little changes in how your cat acts can tell you a lot:

Is your cat moving more or less?

If your cat seems exhausted, has low energy, or doesn’t want to move much, they might be too cold. Being too hot can also make your cat look tired. Sometimes, if they’re too hot, they might instead seem restless and uncomfortable.

Are they cleaning themselves differently?

If your cat starts licking their fur a lot more than usual, it might be because they feel too hot or too cold. Also, if your cat isn’t grooming itself more than they usually do, they could be feeling unwell, possibly because they feel too hot or too cold.

Is your cat meowing more?

Some cats will make more noise when they are not comfortable. Your cat may be trying to tell you something if it meows more than usual. Maybe they need your help to feel warmer or cooler.

When to Call the Vet

You can help your cat with small comforts, but sometimes they need to see a veterinarian. If you suspect your cat is suffering from heatstroke or hypothermia, or if they show any of the severe signs mentioned, get veterinary help right away.

Your vet is the best person to figure out if your cat’s actions are because they’re too hot or cold, or if there’s another health reason. Talking to your veterinarian helps you understand whether your cats like the cold or heat.

Helping Your Feline Friend Stay Happy in Any Weather

Helping your cat stay happy means giving them choices and altering their care as the weather changes. Whether your cat likes the cold or heat, you can keep them comfy.

Provide Options

Offer them both warm spots and cool spots in your home. It could be a comfy bed by a sunny window when they want warmth or a shady, cool area in another room. Change how you care for them with the seasons. When it’s hot, help them cool down. When it’s cold, help them stay warm.

Hydration Is Key

Drinking enough water is always vital, no matter the temperature. Keep clean, fresh water available in and out of your home. Visiting the vet frequently is also crucial for their health. If a cat is healthy, it can keep its body temperature in check. Your cat depends on you to make their home a comfortable place where they can flourish.

Give Your Cat the Best: A Lifetime of Comfort

A little effort to maintain the ideal temperature means a lot to your cat’s well-being. They rely on you to create a cozy, safe environment where they can relax and enjoy life. Understanding whether cats like the cold or heat and how they handle temperatures ensures your feline friend lives a happy, healthy life.