How Do Temperature Changes Affect Your Cat?
Temperature changes are often very dangerous for the health of our kittens. Therefore, both in winter and in summer we need to offer them certain specific care to preserve their well-being.
Risks of temperature changes for cats
The optimal body temperature for cats varies between 38ºC and 39ºC. In a favorable environment, with temperatures between 20ºC and 24ºC, cats should not have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
However, climate changes for cats represent a significant challenge for maintaining their body temperature. For this reason, our cats tend to suffer from abrupt or intense climatic variations.
Next, we will look at the main risks of excessive heat and cold, as well as climatic changes for cats.
Dangers of excessive heat for cats
Although cats love heat, high temperatures pose a number of health risks. In summer, our kittens need to receive certain specific care to avoid dehydration, dizziness and other symptoms associated with heat stroke.
Remember that obese kitties, and those with long or dense coats, may be more likely to suffer from excessive heat. In addition, elderly cats and puppies are often more vulnerable to heat stroke.
For all these reasons, it is essential to be attentive to the symptoms of heat in cats to provide them with adequate care and avoid complications for their health.
Heat symptoms in cats
The first symptoms of heat in cats are unspecific, and include the following signs:
- Soft spot
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling or profuse salivation
- Excessive thirst
- Muscle tremors
If temperatures continue to rise, and the kitten is not properly cared for, more specific signs associated with heat stroke may appear in cats. Among them, we find:
- Clumsy movements
- Stagger
- Accelerated heart rate or tachycardia
- Tongue with bluish or grayish color
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Heat stroke in cats is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to multiple organ failure. Even in temperatures above 42 ºC, the kitten could suffer a sudden death.
Risks of excessive cold for cats
Like excessive heat, extreme cold can also bring severe complications for the organism of our felines. As we well know, kitties do not usually tolerate low temperatures very well, and they quickly look for a source of heat.
During the winter, we must be especially vigilant to prevent hypothermia in cats. Especially if we live in a region that experiences very low temperatures or sudden climatic changes. In addition, puppy or elderly cats need special care, as they are more vulnerable to adverse weather conditions.
Cold symptoms in cats
When temperatures drop sharply or intensely, the first symptoms of cold usually appear in cats, such as:
- Tremors
- Muscular stiffness
- Loss of appetite
- Behavioral changes: weakness, isolation, lack of energy …
When the body temperature drops below 36 ºC, hypothermic symptoms may appear in cats. This picture includes a complex symptomatology that tends to advance rapidly and cause a severe weakening of the health picture of kittens.
The main signs of hypothermia in cats are:
- Stare
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart rhythm disturbance
- Low pressure
- Stupor
- Fainting
- Coma
- Sudden death
How to prevent the risks of temperature changes for cats?
The best way to prevent the negative consequences of heat or cold for our kittens is not to expose them to climatic changes. For this, we need to maintain stable temperatures in the home, for which we can count on a heating system in winter and cooling in summer.
It is important to remember that heating and air conditioners tend to dry out the air, which can affect the respiratory system of our felines. Therefore, it is recommended to spray the environment with clean, fresh water at least twice a day.
On the other hand, it will be essential to provide a refuge for our cat, where it feels comfortable, safe and protected. In pet stores we can find several beds and hiding places for felines. In addition, we will leave at the disposal of our kitten a cardboard box with a blanket and his favorite toys inside.
