What’s The Ideal Temperature For A Cat? [Answered]

Cat Care 26 Comments

Have you ever wondered what temperature your cat finds most comfortable? Cats have their unique preferences when it comes to room temperature, and understanding their needs is crucial for their well-being.

While some cats bask in the sun's warmth or seek cool spots during the summer, others may require a cozy environment to stay content throughout the year.

In this article, we delve into the fascinating world of feline comfort and explore the optimal temperature range that can keep your cat happy and comfortable.

Discover the signs that indicate whether your cat is too warm or too cold, along with practical tips and solutions to help you create the perfect environment for your beloved feline companion.

Creating The Perfect Environment: Understanding The Optimal Temperature For Cats

Every cat has its favorite spot - whether it's the warm windowsill, the top of a cat tree, or right in the doorway, they have a knack for seeking out comfort.

Cats, in general, have a higher tolerance for warmth compared to dogs and some humans.

TCS forum member Arlyn shares her experience, stating that cats can handle warmer temperatures (around 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit) as long as there is proper air circulation. In fact, cats handle heat much better than other pets.

To ensure a comfortable environment, leaving windows slightly open and using a fan can help maintain an even temperature in the room.

Scruffy, another TCS forum member, shares her dilemma of high energy bills when setting the air conditioner to 70 degrees.

However, after hearing from other forum members, she discovered that many set the temperature at 78 or slightly higher when away for the day.

Although KKH opted for 78 degrees, she noticed her cat, Ku Ku, meows when the air conditioner kicks on, indicating that she feels too cold.

Assessing Your Cat's Comfort Level

Observing your cat's behavior can provide valuable insights into their comfort level. Some cats express their discomfort through constant meowing at specific times of the day.

If you have ruled out other reasons, the room temperature might be a factor to consider.

Cats instinctively find cooler or warmer spots to compensate for their comfort needs. During summertime, you may notice your cat seeking out shady and air-conditioned areas or lying on cool surfaces such as the bare floor, a chair, or a shelf.

In the winter, they are more likely to seek warmth by hogging a spot of sunshine through a window or snuggling up on a cozy couch under a warm throw.

Your cat's body position can also help you assess how warm or cool she is. When feeling cold, a cat tends to curl up or bring its extremities - paws, tail, and face - close to the core of its body. Typical postures are the round doughnut or the "cat loaf".

When feeling too hot, a cat is more likely to sprawl, exposing as much of its body to the air.

curled up cat
Abby by AbbysMom keeping warm in the doughnut position

A cat spread out
Abby "opens up" in warm weather - by AbbysMom

Tips For All-Weather Comfort

Regardless of the season, ensuring your cat's well-being requires some adjustments:

  • Always provide a water bowl, especially on hot days.

  • To cool your cat down, place ice cubes in a bowl and let them play with the cubes to cool off their feet while enjoying a refreshing drink as the ice melts.

  • Access to the bathroom allows your cat to chill on the cool tile floor, in the tub, or sink.

  • During colder months, provide fleecy blankets or a tent for your cat to snuggle in. For nighttime, consider using an electric blanket or a smaller lap robe at the foot of the bed to keep both you and your feline friend warm.

  • In the summer, offer your cat a cold drink to help regulate their internal thermostat. In colder weather, warm their food, and provide low- or no-sodium broths that can warm them up like a comforting bowl of soup.

  • Older cats or those with chronic illnesses may need additional blankets or a bed warmer to keep them cozy.

Considering a pet sitter for extended absences? Ensure the temperature is comfortable for both your cat and the sitter, as an inviting environment encourages interaction and check-ins on your cat's well-being.

By taking steps to ensure a constant temperature and creating a comfortable atmosphere, you can provide your beloved feline companion with a happy and contented living space. Remember, maintaining a suitable temperature not only benefits your cat.

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Product Recommendations for Helping Cats Regulate Temperature

When it comes to helping cats regulate their body temperature in different weather conditions, there are several products available that can provide comfort and support.

Here are some recommended products that can help keep your feline friend comfortable:

Cooling Mats

Provide your cat with a cool place to relax during hot weather with a cooling mat. These mats are designed to dissipate heat and offer a refreshing surface for your cat to lie on.

Look for durable, non-toxic cooling mats that are easy to clean and maintain.


Click Here To See THis Cooling Mat On Amazon.

Elevated Cat Beds

Elevate your cat's comfort with an elevated cat bed. These beds allow for better air circulation, keeping your cat cool during warmer months.

Look for sturdy designs with breathable fabrics that provide a comfortable and relaxing spot for your cat to rest.

Click Here To See This Elevated Cat Bed On Amazon

Heated Cat Beds

During colder months or for cats who feel chilly indoors, a heated cat bed can be a cozy solution. These beds provide warmth and help your cat stay comfortable and snug. Opt for beds with adjustable temperature settings and safety features to ensure your cat's well-being.

Click here to see this heated cat bed on Amazon.

Remember to introduce new products gradually and monitor your cat's response to ensure their comfort and safety. Each cat is unique, so it's essential to consider their specific needs and preferences when selecting products to help regulate their temperature.

Keeping Your Cat Comfortable In All Seasons

Creating a suitable environment for your cat's well-being involves considering their temperature needs throughout the year. Whether it's providing relief from the heat during scorching summers or warmth during chilly winters, taking proactive measures can help ensure your cat's comfort and safety.

By understanding the risks of extreme temperatures and implementing precautions such as monitoring indoor conditions, offering appropriate shelter, and utilizing temperature-regulating products, you can enhance your cat's overall comfort and promote their optimal health.

Remember, a happy and content cat is one that feels comfortable in their environment, so prioritize their temperature needs and make adjustments accordingly.

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What’s The Ideal Temperature For A Cat?

What’s The Ideal Temperature For A Cat?

What’s The Ideal Temperature For A Cat?

What’s The Ideal Temperature For A Cat?

What’s The Ideal Temperature For A Cat?

What's the ideal temperature for a cat

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26 comments on “What’s The Ideal Temperature For A Cat? [Answered]”

stephanietx February 20, 2023
That's my sweet Hannah modeling the cat loaf position. Thanks for sharing her!
lucho July 4, 2022
I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The worst part of winter only goes down to the low 60s, most of the year the temperature is in the mid 90s or higher. Pantera has a definite preference for cooler weather; the lower the temperature the more active she is.She got into the refrigerator a couple of times and refused to leave! When the temperature drops Pantera is much more active. When the temp is below 70F she has the energy levels of a kitten: nonstop running and jumping. Keep in mind that she has short hair. Pimenta is beginning to dislike the extreme temps, but otherwise doesn't seem to care one way or the other.
jimmycatlover February 16, 2018
My big 18 pound indoor siberian loves the cold. I think this breed loves cold weather. Let me explain. He does stay in the 70 degree house, but also wants to go in the unheated garage which can be anywhere between 40 - 50 degrees during the Winter. His bed is in the garage to cuddle up in, lets me know when he wants to come in by knocking on the door. He seems to be doing fine. If he was uncomfortable there, he just wouldn't stay. I guess it depends on the breed of the cat. Thanks for the article.

image1 (3).JPG by jimmycatlover posted Jan 30, 2017 at 10:33 AM
fantisticat April 23, 2017
I'm always concerned when Bonnie heads under the blankets, head and all. How can the girl breathe? But, the article above seems to indicate that I don't have to think my gal is an idiot: she knows what she's doing! (And she does generally peek her head out eventually!)
firsty January 26, 2017
My Norwegian Forest type cat wants to go out at any temp that's 10 degrees F and warmer and absolutely hates any blanket over him.  I keep my house at 62 degrees and sometimes have my wood burning stove going to 70 degrees.  I don't let him out in hot summer weather.  My short hair likes under a blanket sometimes and has learned how to cover himself.  He likes to sleep between us for more warmth. 75 degrees in the summer suits them both pretty well.
jimmycatlover May 2, 2016
Excellent information article and feedback from the members. Thank you (Tuxedo, Baby Brucie)
mackiemac April 22, 2016
Our cats like it about 78-80 degrees. But we get very hot here in the summer and I do have to watch the Persian with her flat face. I keep it at about 80 in the summer, which feels cool compared to outside temps of over 100 degrees! In the winter, it's about 75 inside. If they get cold, the cats migrate to our heated waterbed-- where a truce seems to exist. They don't all get along as a group ordinarily, but the waterbed seems to be a land of a truce, and neutral or agreed-upon shared territory. There's cool tile in the hallway and kitchen if they get too hot, and there are nest beds around if someone wants to get out of a draft.
grooverite January 8, 2016
My cats meows a lot but not sure if bored, angry, upset, cold, hot, hurting, etc.....
segelkatt January 5, 2016
@dbljj- do you mean over 73 degrees Fahrenheit or  really 73 % of the time?
segelkatt January 5, 2016
@catcom-I have a Persian also but she likes it warm, sleeps on the patio in the sun and at night snuggled on my bed next to me but on top of the down comforter, even in the summer when I still have my comforter but have the fan running in the window. That cat is as weird as I am.
dbljj January 4, 2016
well I am extremely HOT natured and much over 73% I need the A/C turned on.My cat has a nice warm sheepskin type thing by the vent in the cat room, so they are fine. If Opie however jumps on the loveseat he LOVES to be covered with a throw and will sleep for hours under cover...I am hoping he and Ally will eventually curl up together on this thing, it is plenty big for 2 but so far Ally hides behind the book shelf, or the computer desk..
lemiman January 3, 2016
My cat likes to sleep on the cold hard floor and prefers sleeping in his carrier instead of the fluffy warm bed I got him. What a weirdo, he just like hard surfaces, even when the weather is cold.
sparkymema January 3, 2016
I have a black lab 2 cats and a kitten that sleep in my bed during the winter. The Lab loves spooning and the cats and kittens get their way they like to lay between my legs. Happens less often in the summer though since I have a heavy pillow top bed. My other cat and kitten are just kind of crash wherever. 
cat com August 13, 2015
my cat hates heat lol he's a Persian but doesn't like to much coldness .
nebula July 25, 2015
During the winter, I make Xena catnip "TEA". I take no sodium chicken broth, put a couple tablespoons of catnip in it and then heat it slightly above room temp. She loves it!
Anne July 16, 2015
Questions? Please use the cat forums for those!
jeana July 15, 2015
my cat never meows and when it gets really hot indoors she pants but when we turn even the fan on she shakes anybody know why??
raysmyheart May 21, 2015
This article gets me thinking that it's time to start making preparations for the warm weather.  On really hot days, Speedy likes when I wrap her in a cool towel.
segelkatt October 11, 2014
My black cat will go out on the patio when it is 100F, lie on the rug on his back in the sun, it can't be hot enough for him. On the other hand he will also go out there at night when it's 50F and sleep there all night. He can also be found on my bed on top of the covers but snuggled up next to me. In the winter he hogs the space in front of the space heater. My brown tabby Maine Coon mix prefers to lie on the tiles in the entry with the door open when it gets to be anything over 72F. The others (Persian and Birman) just go with the flow but also like to sleep with me given the chance if nobody else beat them to it. The black Maine Coon mix which I foster does not seem to have a favorite temp. 
bonepicker September 1, 2014
My former feral likes to go out in the snow and does not seem to like temps over 80.
jd miller August 30, 2014
My cat lets me roll him up like a little baby in a blanket when it's really cold out!
hagen August 26, 2014
my cats dont like lying on the sun. They prefere low temperature, becoude they are MCO :) rasy kotów are on this site
meowmeow95 August 22, 2014
My kitty always steals blankets from everybody, she sure likes the warmth ='w'=
wasabipea August 20, 2014
For whatever it's worth, my kitty likes to sit on her perch by the window. In the AM when I leave, the breeze coming in that window is chilly before it warms up to afternoon temps. I feel bad with the chilly breeze, but don't want to leave the window closed all day, especialy when the breeze warms up later. I put a heating pad set on the second lowest setting under the towel she sleeps on and I keep it on all the time, I think she likes it and it helps warm her old bones to combat the cool breeze a little... I think she will love it in the cooler weather!

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