Felis catus species evolved from wild cats to animals that live closely with humans. Generally, cats have not experienced significant changes throughout domestication, and their shape and behavior are quite similar to those of their wild ancestors.
Now every cat lover knows that they love to sit on our laps, and therefore we may think that they feel comfortable in our surroundings. The truth is that they use us as a heating source. Cats do not feel the heat to the same extent as we do because their normal body temperature is higher than ours. Therefore, they are constantly searching for warmth even when we are sweating due to the high temperatures.
We can often see them warming themselves in the sun’s rays coming through the window, approaching some heating devices in our house, and snuggling into the blankets. Why do they need so much warmth even though they have fur? There are many reasons for this, but the main answer lies in their origins.
Desert Ancestry
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Based on genetic analysis, the DNA of modern domestic cats across the world is nearly similar to that of Felis sylvestris lybica. According to the above mentioned, it is evident that this species gave rise to our domestic cats. Nowadays, domestic cats possess many traits from their desert ancestors, one of which is their ability to endure extreme heat. They do not experience symptoms of discomfort as long as the skin temperature exceeds 52 ° C, compared to humans, who get uncomfortable when the skin temperature exceeds 44, 5 ° C.
Desert cat bodies are built to be protected from the high temperatures by their long bodies and short coats, while cats living in cooler climates have longer coats and shorter, stubby bodies.
Cat Breeds
Cat breed plays a significant role in terms of how much heat they require. For example, cats that live in colder areas are cold tolerant and have a thicker fur coat that retains heat. While some of them have thicker fur that compensates for their sensitivity to cold, some do not have it, and just like humans, they need to search for a heating source. However, at times this can cause problems for your pets.
Although their fur serves as an insulator and helps regulate their body temperature, it can prevent them from noticing that their fur is heating to a point where it burns. In most cases, this is caused by the heating devices like radiators that we have in our homes.
The best way to keep your cats warm is to provide them with a heated bed. There are many designs and styles of pet beds, and since cats are choosy creatures, try to find the bed that best serves your cat’s necessities. Visit here to learn more about different products that will help your cat manage the winter weather, including heating pads. For example, there are electric pads, microwaveable pads, thermal pads, etc., designed to use the cat’s body heat to reflect warmth. No matter what you choose, ensure you use pads suitable for pets.
Age
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Age is also a highly significant part when it comes to heat requirements among cats. Newborn kittens cannot survive without the warmth they receive from their mother. Therefore, kittens who have lost their mother will not manage to stay alive if they are not given the proper help, which includes keeping them warm. When they do not get enough warmth, they will not eat and drink.
Health Conditions
Sick cats usually show signs of changes in their entire appearance, lower energy level, mood, coat appearance, etc. In addition to these signs, when some cats are not feeling well, they look for cooler places than usual or the opposite, hotter places than they would normally seek.
Always keep an eye on any changes that have appeared in your kitten. Cats have evolved to hide the pain and the first symptoms of the disease skillfully. Their first symptom found in the early stages of sickness is withdrawal and silence, i.e., low energy.
Metabolic Heat Advantage
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Cats are mammals, and it means that a particular amount of their fuel intake is used to heat their bodies. Nearly a third of their fuel is consumed only to help keep their skin and coat in tip-top shape.
Indeed, cats are so protein-dependent that they synthesize their glucose needs from it, meaning their livers continue to produce metabolic protein enzymes all the time. These animals conserve energy from the sunlight, which is why we can often see them lying in the sun and relaxing.
To Stay Warm While Sleeping
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Cats often look for a warm place to sleep. These can be various devices in our home, such as radiators, stoves, fireplaces, blankets, and even lamps. This can be a very dangerous thing for outdoor cats because they often fall asleep in the engine of our cars so they can stay warm.
Their heat-seeking behavior that balances the body’s drop is the basal metabolism that occurs when certain body processes stop during sleep and helps a cat’s body from working so hard to stay warm while napping.
Remember that you need to keep your cats under constant control. Mainly due to their frequent search for a source of heat, because wherever you have a hidden warmth source in your house, be sure that your kitty will find it and may cause some unexpected problems. Also, monitor their behavior and changes. That is, if you notice anything unusual, react immediately and seek veterinary care.
Cats are happiest and feel most comfortable when they have the warmth they need. Therefore, always pay attention and provide them with the necessary warmth they need. As mentioned above, the best solution for cats to feel warm is a heated bed. This pet bed is recommended because of its heating pad that only activates when the cat is lying on the bed and only warms up to a safe temperature to avoid burns.
