What Temperature Do Cats Like? Vet-Verified Climate Tips & FAQ
We all know that cats like to be warm and cozy, whether they're curled up in a donut bed or splayed out in front of a fireplace. It's not uncommon to spot your cat spread out in a sunbeam, even during the hotter parts of the summer. But what is the right temperature for your cat? Knowing the ideal temperature for your cat will help you keep your cat at a temperature that's safe and comfy for your kitty. The optimum ambient temperature for most cats is 77–86°F (25–30°C). However, most healthy adult cats can tolerate temperatures below this range within reasonable limits.
What Temperature Do Cats Like?
Cats have a higher baseline body temperature than humans, typically running between 100–102.3°F (38–39.1°C). The ideal temperature for your home to be kept at to keep your cat comfortable would be between 77–86°F (25–30°C).
In addition, most healthy adult cats can easily adjust to living in a home that stays as cool as 59–68°F (15–20°C). On the warm side, cats can tolerate temperatures up to 100°F (38°C). However, cats tolerate slightly colder temperatures better than slightly warmer ones.
Though these temperatures are applicable to most cats, please be mindful that there are exceptions to these guidelines:
Some Exceptions To Be Aware Of:
How to Provide Comfortable Spaces for Your Cat
If you keep your home on the cooler side, it's important to provide warm spaces for your cat to spend time. This is especially important if you observe the following signs that your cat might be cold.
Signs Your Cat Might Be Cold
Keeping a couple of blinds in your home open will allow warm sunbeams to come in, providing your kitty with a nice space to stretch out. You should also provide cozy beds, blankets, and even heated pet beds to ensure your cat has warm options in safe areas.
Conversely, if your home is too warm for your cat, they may show signs of discomfort, too.
Signs Your Cat Might Be Warm
In this scenario, your cat should have cooler areas to spend time in case they get too warm. Tile and wooden floors often stay cool enough to help your cat cool off on a warm day. Cooling mats and raised beds are good options for keeping your kitty cool. Turning on the air conditioner or a fan is also recommended to help keep your cat comfortable.
How Do I Know if My Cat Is Too Warm?
Like people, cats sweat. However, they sweat through their paws and not their entire body, so sweating is often not enough to cool cats down. If your cat is sweaty, they may leave damp pawprints around the home, so keep an eye out for this if your house seems particularly warm. If your cat is panting or showing other extreme signs of heat stress, reach out to a veterinarian.
Conclusion
Cats have a flexible ambient temperature range that's very easy to establish in most homes. It's important to provide a warm home or warm spaces for your cat to spend time. They should also have the option to leave warm areas for cooler spots if they get too hot. Keeping an eye out for signs of heat stress and heat stroke if the temperatures in your home reach excessive temperatures is important for keeping your cat healthy and safe. If you're unsure if your cat's body temperature is maintaining an appropriate level, you should have your cat seen by a veterinarian to ensure everything is okay.
Featured Image Credit: Inge Wallumrød, Pexels
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Brooke Billingsley, a former veterinary assistant for nine years, became a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years, surrounded by her beloved pets: three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Brooke has a soft spot for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and a widely known cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. She has developed a keen interest in fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best environment for her aquatic pets. In addition to her passion for animals, Brooke enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden during the summer. She stays active with yoga and received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Brooke also hosts a podcast that delves into folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. She embraces the philosophy that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth, continually working to acquire new skills and knowledge.
