Cats, like people, have different thresholds of what they're willing to tolerate when it comes to temperature. Purrsonally, I cannot stand the heat and would rather be cold. I can only take off so many layers of clothing and still be legal but I can layer, layer, layer! Plus, boots, chunky sweaters, scarves and sweats are so comfy! Many others in my life are the complete opposite; they would much rather be drenched in sweat than be cold. Some cats love to burrow under blankets, some tolerate clothing, some lay on heaters, some lay in windows and some won't let you cover them with a blanket if they were frozen in a block of ice (this is my cat).
A key component of helping cats stay happy and healthy is temperature regulation.
Whether you're someone who prefers hot or cold, we can all agree that there's a general range where comfortability lies. If it's hot and humid outside, it will be even hotter in the home. (This is exactly why no one should ever leave an animal unattended in a car in the summer time! If you ever see this, contact your local authorities immediately.) Plus, unless they are a hairless cat, they are wearing a fur coat constantly. If you schedule a meet and greet, you may offer to ask if there is a temperature that is comfortable while the cat parents are away. Most cat parents will automatically show you where the thermostat is but sometimes, it slips their mind. It is often beneficial to ask. The goal is to help prevent the cat from overheating during a visit.
Tips some find helpful for when it's warm out:
- Check that the home's temperature is regulated by AC or fan
- Check sunshine exposure via windows. Afternoon sun can easily overheat a small home
- Refresh the kitty's water with cool water during visits. (See more water bowl tips here).
- You might ask the cat parents if the cat likes ice cubes. They can be added to water for maximum chilliness or they can be a fun thing to play with as well as be used to cool down (cleaning up the water when they're done playing is usually appreciated!)
- Brush the kitty often (if they like being brushed) especially if they have the Furminator. Brushing helps pull all of the dead fur out and keeps their coat thinner. The Furminator pulls out the undercoat which is what keeps them warm.
The same goes for when it's chilly outside. If it's an indoor/outdoor cat and goes outside during a visit, you might ask if the cat has any clothing or boots to put on him or her. If it's a strictly indoor cat, ask about temperature and whether or not the cat likes to burrow under blankets.
Tips some find helpful for when it's cold out:
- Verify that the home is warm and there isn't a chill or draft
- Ask if there is a favorite bed or blanket and check that it's easily accessible. (Check out this post on Cat Hygge for cozy ideas).
- Ask if there is kitty clothing they should wear
- Ask what temperature the thermostat should be at
If you live in a city where there are true winters and it is known that there are outdoor or feral cats in the area, many sitters find it to be a good practice to check around your car to verify they aren't hiding there. Feral cats will often find heat underneath cars, on top of tires in the wheel wells and sometimes even under the hood. I personally know a few people that have saved cats that were living under hoods of cars simply by checking before starting the car.
These may seem like silly things but they are details that can help keep cat parents (and cats!) happy.
Photo by Pixabay
Ready to ensure your kitty is comfy while you're away? Find a cat sitter on Meowtel today!
