As a cat parent, you know your feline friend will stake claim to the best sun patch in the house and stay there for a long time — they love to hang out in the heat. But what temperature do cats like the most? And do you have to pay higher heating bills to accommodate your pet?
What Temperature Do Cats Prefer?
First, keep in mind that a cat's normal body temperature is between 99 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.2 and 39.2 degrees Celsius, compared to the average human body temperature.
Most people tend to be comfortable at room temperature, which is about 68 F or 20 C (not too hot, not too cold), but what temperature do cats like for their comfort? Much higher, around 86 F and 100 F or 30 C and 38 C, as cited by The Scientific World Journal.
What Temperature Do Cats Like at Home?
Cats love warm and cozy spaces, but you don't have to keep your thermostat set to sauna-level just for them. They can't ask you to turn up the heat (although they would if they could), and it's not exactly comfortable (or healthy) for you to turn your home into a steam room. However, you can establish an ambient temperature in your living space that works for you and your feline family members.
The Scientific World Journal article points out that because a cat's "thermoregulatory environment" (the temperature the surrounding area needs to be to maintain ideal body temperature) is typically lower than they prefer, it's important to set up hot spots around your house, such as warm bedding and, yes, boxes.
Cats are obsessed with hanging out in cardboard boxes for many reasons: shelter, security, comfort and warmth. You can also create seating and sleeping areas near windows and glass doors with a cushion, rug or blanket, but most cats will plop down on the floor to catch a catnap in a sunbeam.
Tasty Tips
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Cats?
Any temperature over 100 F or 38 C is too hot for cats. Despite their fondness for all things warm, it's possible for cats to become overheated. To cool off, they may seek out cool places like a bathtub or sink, and some cats may stick their faces in front of an air conditioning vent to catch the cold breeze.
Cats don't often suffer from heatstroke, but it can happen. If your cat shows signs of being overheated, including sweating, take steps to cool them off, including offering them plenty of cool, fresh water. If your cat's body temperature is higher than 104 F, it can be a sign of heatstroke or illness, so contact your veterinarian right away.
What About Seasonal Changes?
Depending on which part of the world you and your cat inhabit, seasonal changes may cause drastic temperature fluctuations.
In the northern hemisphere, for example, where temperatures regularly drop below freezing during certain months, you'll have to do more to keep your cat warm, explains the Cornell Feline Health Center. This way, when sweater-weather hits, they'll be nice and cozy. In areas where temperatures can soar, such as in Australia, the mantra is "keep your cat cool." Toss a few ice cubes in their water and provide lots of shady spots, recommends Vetwest Animal Hospitals.
What temperature do cats prefer? Cats thrive in consistent, comfortably warm environments with the option to cool off when necessary. You can help your cat by setting up "different temperature zones" in your home, says the American Veterinary Medical Association, so your cat can warm up or chill out, depending on their mood.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Indoor Chicken Recipe
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Related articles
Overweight Cat? Slim Down with These Activities
Learn how meal planning, exercise and activity can help your overweight cat get to a healthy and happy weight.
How Do You Manage Hairballs in Cats?
Most cat owners have to deal with hairballs at some point. Learn everything you need to know about hairballs and how to help your cat manage them.
Understanding Your Overweight Cat
If you have an overweight cat, learn how this condition can affect your cat's health and tips for choosing the best cat food for weight loss.
Cat Arthritis: Signs, Causes and Treatment
Get the answers to your questions about cat arthritis here, from signs of arthritis in cats to treatment for feline arthritis.
Mixing Cats and Holidays: Tips for a Safe Season
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Senior Cat Problems: What You Should Know About Aging Cats
Get to know the problems often associated with aging cats, so you can help them get the most of out of their remaining years.
All About Cat Fleas
Discover how your indoor cat can get fleas, how to spot signs that she has them, and tips for getting rid of them & preventing them in the future.
Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn how to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, how it can affect her health, and how treatments like insulin injections can help manage this disease.
Can Cats Eat Rice?
Can cats eat rice? And can cats eat rice to help with digestive issues? Read on to find out if rice can have a role in your cat's meal plan!
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Discover how to identify cat sensitive skin and what you can do to help your cat thrive from head to paw.
Why Cats Groom Themselves
Cats are built to groom themselves from their tongue to their coat. Read more about their grooming habits so you can understand their needs.
Want to Foster Cats? Here's What You Should Know
Want to foster cats or kittens in your home? Learn the steps to take to become a cat foster parent, as well as helpful advice from a long-time foster mom.
Understanding Ailurophobia: The Fear of Cats
Learn the history and symptoms of ailurophobia, or the fear of cats, and how to help people who suffer from this condition.
Feline Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know
Learn from a veterinarian: How to spot the serious signs of feline pancreatitis, emergency care, and what kind of diet to feed her while she's recovering.
Choosing the Best Cat Food: What to Look For
Choosing the best food for your cat, starts with choosing the right food for its needs. Learn about some of the things you should be considering.
Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions
Get tips on how reduce your cat's stress level for the next time you have to move or relocate. Find ways to help your cat settle in.
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Cat Carrier Backpacks: How to Choose the Right One
Interactive Cat Toys
Discover fun, interactive cat toys that will entertain your kitty, including puzzles and other cat toys that dispense food!
Cats and Candy: Halloween Safety for Your Cat
Learn about ingredients in Halloween candy & treats that can either cause an upset stomach for your cat, or be downright toxic and dangerous to ingest.
Your Cat is Always Hungry: What Should You Do?
Learn why your cat might show signs of being overly hungry, if there could be an underlying medical concern, and options to help them control their hunger.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.