Introduction
Hypothermia in cats occurs when a cat’s body temperature drops below the normal temperature range of 100-102.5°F (37.8-39.2°C). Prolonged hypothermia can be very dangerous and even life-threatening for cats if left untreated.
When a cat gets too cold, it can lead to lethargy, shivering, weakness, slowed heart rate and breathing. The cat may collapse or become unresponsive as their body temperature continues to drop. Hypothermia impairs the brain, heart, and metabolic functions as the body tries to conserve energy to stay warm. But if a cat’s temperature falls below 94°F (34.4°C) for too long, it can result in heart abnormalities, coma, and even death.
While any cat can develop hypothermia if exposed to cold temperatures for too long, kittens, senior cats, and cats with medical conditions are at higher risk. Hypothermia may also develop after anesthesia, trauma or in illness like kidney failure. That’s why it’s crucial for cat owners to recognize the early signs of hypothermia and seek prompt veterinary treatment when necessary.
This article will cover the causes, symptoms, risk factors, dangers and treatment for hypothermia in cats. With proper prevention and care, feline hypothermia can often be successfully managed.
Normal Cat Body Temperature
The normal body temperature range for cats is 100.5°F to 102.5°F (38.3°C to 39.2°C). A cat’s temperature can fluctuate slightly throughout the day and still be considered normal. Kittens tend to have slightly higher temperatures than adult cats. The average healthy temperature for cats is 101.5°F (38.6°C).
A cat’s temperature is best taken rectally for the most accurate reading. Other factors like activity level, stress, time of day, etc. can cause the temperature to vary within the normal range. As long as it stays between 100.5-102.5°F, a cat is typically not considered to have a fever.
It’s important for cat owners to know their pet’s normal temperature range, so they can monitor for any spikes that may indicate illness or fever. Taking a cat’s temperature periodically can establish their healthy baseline.
Signs of Hypothermia
There are several visible signs of hypothermia in cats to look out for. As noted by PetMD (https://www.petmd.com/cat/emergency/common-emergencies/e_ct_hypothermia), the most common signs of hypothermia in cats include:
- Shivering – Cats may shiver and tremble as their body tries to generate heat through muscle movements.
- Lethargy – Hypothermic cats often become very weak and lethargic as their body functions slow down.
- Slow heart and breathing rate – As body temperature drops, heart and respiratory rate slows as well.
Other signs to watch for include confusion or lack of responsiveness to stimuli, muscle stiffness, low blood pressure, and pale or blue skin and gums (Bond Vet, https://bondvet.com/b/can-cats-get-hypothermia-signs-symptoms-and-more). Recognizing the visible signs of hypothermia early is important for getting prompt treatment.
Causes of Hypothermia
The most common cause of hypothermia in cats is prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Cats that spend time outdoors in cold weather are at risk, especially if there is wind, rain, or snow. Elderly cats or kittens may be more susceptible. Even indoor cats can become hypothermic if there is inadequate heating or bedding.
Some health conditions can also lead to hypothermia by disrupting a cat’s ability to regulate its body temperature. These include:
- Poor circulation from heart disease or blood loss
- Endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism or diabetes
- Kidney failure or other illnesses causing dehydration
- Infections causing fever, chills, or sepsis
Kittens orphaned or rejected by their mother are also vulnerable without her body warmth. Likewise, elderly or disabled cats may struggle regulating their temperature.
To summarize, prolonged cold exposure, inadequate shelter, illness, and other factors inhibiting temperature regulation can result in dangerous hypothermia in cats.
Risk Factors
Certain cats are at higher risk of developing hypothermia. Young kittens and elderly cats have difficulty regulating their body temperature and maintaining homeostasis. Kittens lack the fat stores and hair coat thickness of adult cats, making them more prone to heat loss (https://vetster.com/en/conditions/cat/hypothermia). Senior cats may suffer from conditions like kidney disease, dental disease, or arthritis that leave them feeling cold (https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/health-care/cat-conditions/hypothermia-in-cats).
Thin or underweight cats have less fat insulation to retain body heat. Short-haired breeds like the Sphynx lack the fur coat to protect them from cold temperatures. Sick cats are also at risk if they have decreased appetite, weakness, or poor circulation that prevents them from maintaining normal body temperature (https://bondvet.com/b/can-cats-get-hypothermia-signs-symptoms-and-more). Providing extra nutrition, warmth, and veterinary care can help lower their hypothermia risk.
Dangers of Prolonged Hypothermia
Prolonged hypothermia in cats can lead to very serious and even fatal consequences if left untreated. As a cat’s body temperature drops, normal organ function becomes impaired.
Some of the most significant dangers of prolonged hypothermia in cats include:
- Lower heart rate – A cat’s heart rate will slow as their body temperature decreases. If hypothermia is severe, the heart rate can become dangerously slow or even stop altogether.
- Organ failure – Major organs like the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys rely on proper blood flow and oxygen delivery. In hypothermia, these organs do not receive adequate circulation and can start to fail.
- Coma – As hypothermia worsens, a cat may become unresponsive and fall into a coma. Their central nervous system is impacted by the cold.
- Death – Without prompt veterinary treatment, prolonged hypothermia can ultimately lead to the death of a cat as their bodily functions shut down.
The colder a cat’s body temperature drops and the longer hypothermia goes untreated, the higher the risk of these life-threatening complications occurring. Immediate first aid and veterinary care is essential to support critical bodily functions and avoid the most dangerous consequences of prolonged hypothermia.
First Aid Treatment
If a cat is showing signs of hypothermia, the first step is to gently move it to a warm environment. A room temperature of around 85°F is ideal. Avoid direct heat like heat lamps or fireplaces, as these can cause burns. Wrap the cat in warm, dry blankets or towels to help restore its body temperature gradually. You can warm the linens first by putting them in the dryer. Do not submerge the cat in warm water, as this can shock the system.
Check for dehydration, and give the cat a few laps of warm (not hot) fluids like boneless broth or cat milk every 5-10 minutes. Avoid giving anything by mouth if the cat is unconscious or severely lethargic. The goal is to warm the cat up slowly from the inside out.
Monitor body temperature frequently by taking rectal readings. Normal temperature should rise to around 100-102°F. Once stabilized, bring the cat to the veterinarian right away for additional treatment and to check for underlying medical issues.
Veterinary Treatment
If a cat is exhibiting signs of hypothermia, immediate veterinary treatment is crucial. According to Vetster, the main goals of treatment are to gradually warm the cat’s body temperature back to normal range and treat any complications caused by the hypothermia.
Vets will start by administering warm intravenous fluids to help increase the cat’s core body temperature. Oxygen therapy may also be used if the cat is having any breathing difficulties. Blood tests will be conducted to check for any abnormalities or organ damage. The cat’s temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs will be closely monitored throughout treatment.
Gradual warming is key – a too rapid increase in temperature can cause dangerous complications. Warming pads, blankets and enclosures are often used to provide external warmth. Once the cat is stabilized, further treatment depends on whether any underlying conditions or damage has occurred.
Prevention
There are several ways to help prevent hypothermia in cats when it’s cold outside:
Provide warm, indoor shelter. Keep your cat inside when temperatures drop. Make sure your home is sufficiently heated and free of drafts. Close doors and windows to prevent cold air from entering.
Insulate bedding areas. Place beds away from drafty windows or doors. Use insulated pet beds or line with warm blankets. A cat bed with high walls and a covered top can help retain body heat.
Use safe heating pads. Microwavable heating pads or low-wattage electric pads made for pets can provide supplemental warmth. Place under bedding, not directly touching the cat. Monitor to avoid overheating.
Ensure proper nutrition. Feed an age-appropriate diet to support healthy weight and coat insulation.Add water to dry food to boost hydration. Avoid restricting food during cold weather.
Conclusion
In summary, hypothermia occurs when a cat’s body temperature drops below the normal range of 100-102°F. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, weakness, and dilated pupils. Prolonged hypothermia can lead to life-threatening consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and even death.
Some of the main causes of hypothermia in cats include exposure to cold environments, wet fur, medical conditions, and small or thin body size. To prevent hypothermia, keep your cat indoors, make sure their bedding is warm and dry, limit baths, and monitor aged or ill cats closely in cold weather.
If you suspect your cat is hypothermic, move them to a warm area and use blankets, a hot water bottle, or a heating pad to gently raise their body temperature. Severe or prolonged hypothermia requires immediate veterinary treatment to stabilize body temperature, treat any complications, and determine an underlying cause.
While hypothermia can be dangerous if left untreated, vigilance about cold exposure and early intervention can help prevent serious consequences in our feline companions.