Unique Ways That Your Cat Stays Cool In Hot Weather
When air conditioning was invented, people stopped worrying about the heat so much.
But your cat has had to develop their own way of staying cool.
In order for a cat to cool down when it gets very hot, they have to be able to lower the temperature of their blood. There are four main ways cats do this.
Why Do Cats Sunbathe
Creatures of comfort, cats love to seek out those warm spots in your home. Whether its a toasty suntrap on the patio, stretched out on the floor as the sun streams through a window or even on a sill to catch the full effect of the suns rays, if there is a bit of sunshine, chances are your cat will be there. But with all that fur, why do cats like the sun and what is it that drives your kit to sunbathe, even on hot, summer days?
We explore the reasons why your cat loves to sunbathe as well as ask whether all those rays are a good thing for your puss.
How Can You Get Your Cat To Stop Sleeping In Your Sink
The first thing you can do is limit your cats access to the bathroom. Close bathroom doors around the house and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to nap in other places around the house. You can try getting them a cat bed that is similar to a sink, such as this raised cat bed, and putting it in a quiet room in your house. If it seems like they love the sink for the freshwater, try a water bowl that keeps the water fresh by circulating it. And just like you would with any pet behavior you are looking to modify, consult your veterinarian for guidance. Thats what were here for! adds Greenstein. To learn more about your feline friend, check out these cat facts that are actually false.
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Can Cats Get Sunstroke
This is a form of heatstroke, which leads to hyperthermia. This is more serious than simple overheating. Hyperthermia can cause permanent, irreversible damage to a cats internal organs.
A cat is at risk of sunstroke if it basks in the high sun for several hours. This will steadily increase the cats body temperature above a safe level. Any temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerous. 104 degrees or above is an emergency. Signs that your cat is living with sunstroke include:
- Panting and drooling
- Discolored gums and tongue typically bright, deep red or dull gray
- Rapid heartbeat
- Mental confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Unfortunately, sunstroke can creep up on cats slowly. The cat may be dozing in the sun, unaware that it is steadily growing hotter. This is especially common in older cats. Senior felines fall into deep, restful sleep easier than their younger counterparts.
Alternatively, the cat may just not mind. In the moment, it is solely concerned with gaining as much sun as possible. Many cats will notice they are growing uncomfortable and seek shade, though.
Treating Sunstroke in Cats
If you think that your cat has sunstroke, encourage hydration immediately. If the cat will not drink water, offer Gatorade. The electrolytes in this drink will help. Alternatively, have frozen treats on hand. Meaty gravy frozen into ice cubes may be tempting.
Do Cats Circle Before Sleep For Survival
There are many possible explanations for the circling ritual cats perform prior to lying down for a nap. One theory is that cats circle around and tightly coil their bodies to conserve body heat. Cats in the wild could not control the climate by turning the thermostat up, so when the weather was cold, they wound their bodies into tight balls to stay warm. The tighter the tuck, the warmer the cat. In addition, other family members gathered together in a tight circle to effectively share body heat by compacting their bodies together.
Likewise, wild cats in hotter climates could not turn the thermostat down, so to make a cooler bed they scratched at the ground to clear away topsoil and grass that retained and radiated the suns warmth. Removing the topsoil and grass exposed the cooler soil underneath and gave the sleepy cat some relief from the heat. So, in cold or hot climates, cats optimized a biological reason for turning around before bedding down.
Cats in the wild were constantly on guard for predators. They positioned themselves in the most advantageous manner to keep a close watch on their environment. They circled until they positioned themselves according to wind patterns that would allow them to quickly pick up on the scent of an intruder. Cats traveled in packs, so they placed alpha cats on the outside of a family circle protecting the young and aged.
“Cats effectively created a safe place to sleep by circling and making a bed.”
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Cats Have A Higher Natural Body Temperature Than People Do
The first reason is that cats have a higher internal thermostat setting than do people.
As Pet WebMD explains, while most people have a body temperature right around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, most cats have a body temperature of between 100.4 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
So when it already feels really hot to you, things are only just starting to warm up for your kitty.
Symptoms Of Solar Dermatitis In Cats
In its initial stages, solar dermatitis can look like scaly skin or redness. As it advances, ulcers, crusts and scabs may develop. Another indication that your cat may have this disease is that he wont stop shaking his head or scratching at the affected areas.
Cats who develop solar dermatitis usually get it on their faces and ears. Its often seen on the nose and around the ears where there isnt much hair protecting the skin, says Dr. Corey Saba DVM, DACVIM, associate professor of Oncology at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
We also see it around the eyes, on the eyelids and on a cats lips, adds Dr. Susan Nelson, DVM and clinical professor at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas.
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Some Facts On The Relation Of Cats And Warmth
For the starters, you might like to know some facts about the physical and behavioral characteristics of cats that show a close relationship with heat. These will certainly clear a major part of your confusion as to why your cat loves to roll on the warm grass under the sun.
- The body temperature of cats is around 102 degrees that clearly explains why they can easily feel cold in conditions where we humans won’t.
- Cats are believed to be natives of the extremely hot Middle Eastern desserts, thus, their body has a naturally high tolerance to heat.
- The high metabolism of cats also generates the need for more heat intake.
These factors will get clearer to you as we will tell you why do cats sunbathe and what they do with the heat in the coming sections.
What Does A Pet Cat’s Sleep Preparation Ritual Look Like
Even though our domestic cats usually live indoors and no longer have to worry about predators or inclement weather, they still perform the sleeping ritual of their ancestors. Cat lovers may consider this bedtime routine highly amusing.
House cats will often begin the nesting procedure by slowly walking around in a tight circle. Some cats knead the rug, bed, or sofa as they march around. Kneading is an activity performed by kittens while nursing to communicate with their mother and to increase milk flow. Kneading is sign of security and soothes adult cats as well kittens, so it is often included in the bedtime ritual.
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Warning Signs Your Cat Is Suffering From Overheating
As Barn Cat Lady rescue explains, cats can and do suffer from overheating and heat stroke, which can quickly turn fatal.
It is important to not assume your cat is so smart they will automatically sense when they are dangerously close to overheating.
This is especially true for young kittens and senior cats who may be less quick to sense they are in danger.
Here are some of the most commonly reported warning signs that your cat needs your help to cool down.
- Panting.
- Dehydration .
- Paw pads feel clammy.
- Saliva is thick or sticky.
- Drooling.
- Gums and mouth are bright red.
- Vomiting.
- The temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Seizures.
- Coma.
If you see any of these warning signs your cats situation has already become urgent.
Why Do A Cat’s Eyes Seem To Glow In The Dark
There is a simple explanation for that characteristic green or gold shine. A membrane, called tapetum lucidum, coats the eye and reflects light. When a cat is in the dark, his pupils open wide and light is reflected off them, but they aren’t actually glowing. This ability, along with their extraordinary sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, enables them to see very well in the dark.
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Cats Seek Out Warm Spots From Sunshine Streaming Through The Windows To A Cozy Spot Atop A Heat Vent But Even With All Their Fur Why Do Cats Crave Warmth
You would think with all that fur that cats would overheat easily, but every morning, I find my cats stretched out in any ray of sun coming through the windows and I keep my house pretty warm year-round.
I myself get cold easily, and it seems so do my cats. In fact, even the mildest of winters is too cold for cats to stay outside year-round and apparently so is my 75- to 80-degree house.
I find this puzzling, as cats have a higher body temperature than us humans. While normal body temperature for cats varies somewhat depending on breed and age, the average cat has a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to humans average 98.6 degrees.
So why do cats crave warmth?
How Do Our Furry Friends Get Their Vitamin D3
Dogs and cats secrete the same oily cholesterol from their skin, just like us. When they lay in the sun, that oil is, again, converted to Vitamin D3. The difference, however, is that because they have so much hair, the vitamin ends up on their fur and doesnt get absorbed through their skin.
When they lick their body, to groom or clean themselves, they ingest the vitamin D orally. So maybe its a good thing that cats have OCD with cleaning themselves. Oh and by the way, I mention cats and dogs, but this info applies to ALL furry mammals and also to birds.
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Does Circling Help Cats Get Comfortable
Cats in the wild did not have the luxury of manufactured beds and pillows. They made their own beds in nature. To make their sleeping quarters more comfortable, cats would pat down tall grass and move prickly underbrush and stickers before lying down. They would root out rocks and fallen twigs. One way to clear a good sleeping spot was to turn around several times to remove debris or tamp down grass.
First Aid For Heatstroke In Cats
If you believe that your cat is sufferingfrom heatstroke, the first thing you must do is contact your emergency vet,describe the symptoms to them, and follow their instructions. The following aresome tips for you to follow to alleviate the situation:
- Gradually lower the body temperature.
- Take your cat to a cool area, out of direct sunlight. A fan at the lowest speed can help.
- Gently wet your cats mouth with a water spray.
- Apply wet flannels to your cats head, neck, chest, and legs.
- Continually check your cats temperature until it reaches 102 degrees F
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Do Cats Absorb Vitamin D From The Sun
Even though cats may get some vitamin D from licking their fur after exposing themselves to some sun, research shows that the sun is not the main source of Vitamin D for cats. They mostly need to obtain this nutrient from their diet.
This 1999 study from the American Society Journal of Nutrition looked into this subject and discovered if cats are fed a diet without Vitamin D, they will start to develop clinical signs of Vitamin D deficiency, even when regularly exposed to sunlight or UV beams.
So if you live somewhere without a lot of direct sun for your cat to lay in, theres no need to worry. Cat food contains enough Vitamin D to keep them healthy.
The Importance Of Vitamin D For Dogs
Vitamin D is considered a pro-hormone which means its more of a hormone than a vitamin. Its still considered a vitamin because our dogs cant absorb calcium without it, but its also considered a hormone because our dogs body manufactures it in response to direct sunlight.
Vitamin D is kept in the fatty tissues of the body and liver. It helps regulate the calcium and phosphorus balance in our dogs bodies. Vitamin D for dogs is important for bone formation, and muscle and nerve control.
Vitamin D stimulates the kidney conservation of calcium and therefore helps the body to retain it. Because of its interplay with calcium, Vitamin D is extremely important in bone formation and nerve and muscle control.- Pet Education
Most of the vitamin D our dogs receive is obtained through their diet, although they create it with direct sunlight, just like us.
Have you ever wondered why your dog loves to sunbathe?
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Preventing Solar Dermatitis In Indoor Cats
Inside cats are at a lower risk for solar dermatitis, but any time a cat sunbathes, hes soaking up UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Nelson says that curtains can be helpful in blocking out sunlight, but most cats wont let a little bit of fabric stop them from getting some sun. I recommend getting UV-blocking films for your windows. That way, light still comes through, but some of those harmful rays will be filtered out, she explains.
Will Too Much Sun Exposure Harm Your Cat
Cats with white, thin, or no hair are more susceptible to sunburn, and because of the nature of their skin, cats with these characteristics are at greater risk of suffering from severe sunburn.
Skin cancer can develop in animals the same way it does in humans when exposed to the sun regularly and suffer from sunburn.
So, if you plan to use sunscreen on your cat and wonder if it is safe, the answer is yes, it is. You can only use sunscreen on your cat if the sunscreen label shows that it is safe to use on pets.
Cats are more sensitive to specific products, which is why you need to use a sunscreen that states that it is safe to use on your cat. Ensure that the product labeling specifies that it is suitable and safe for cats before using it and follow the directions on the label.
If you are not sure about any sunscreen product, you can contact a company that manufactures the product for further information. You should also consult with your veterinarian for additional assistance and find out how to keep your cat safe.
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Why Do Cats Like The Sun
See files for Cats
If you have a cat you’ve probably seen it lying in the sun many times before. But as we know, lying in the sun for humans can sometimes be dangerous but does this apply to our cats as well? Cats lie in the sun in order to relax, that much is clear. Any opportunity they have at enjoying sunshine, they will take it, be that inside or outside. If you want to know more about this topic, here at AnimalWised we want to take a look at the real reason why cats like to lie in the sun. Keep reading to find out more.
Why Do Cats Like Hot Weather: Interesting Facts About Feline Heat Tolerance
Cats seem to be able to tolerate heat in a way that their humans often cannot. Even as you are running indoors for the air conditioning and a cool drink, your cat is laying flat out on hot asphalt soaking up the rays.
What on earth is going on?
There are some key reasons why cats are better able to tolerate heat than are most people. But this is not to say that all cat breeds tolerate heat equally well, either. It is still important to protect your cat when it is very hot outside!
In this article, learn why most cats like hot weather and some safety tips to make sure it doesnt get too hot for your outdoor cat.
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First Off Not All Kitties Like Being Warm All The Time
Turns out, not all cats crave warmth as much as others. Long-haired cats tend to conserve body heat easier than short-haired cats, unsurprisingly, so short hairs are more often found sunbathing. Come to think of it, all my cats are short hairs.
But overall, cats do seek warm spots from sunshine streaming through the windows to a cozy spot atop a heat vent to snuggling up with me under a blanket. There are a couple reasons why.