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Although sometimes it doesn't seem like it, our animals also feel and change their habits, adapting to the new temperatures. Questions like: Why does my cat sleep so much? or, Do cats sleep more in winter?
Those of us who have cats at home know that they love to sleep and that they can do it anywhere, especially on our favorite part of the sofa or our bed. They usually choose the coolest places in the summer and the warmest ones in the winter. But this is sometimes not so noticed and when talking to other owners we have doubts if it is normal or if something is happening to them.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we try to answer these small questions so that you can be alert when this happens and at the same time so that you know what is normal and what is not.
We are not all the same
Anyone who is lucky enough to share life with cats knows that they spend a lot of time sleeping and often so peacefully that we would love to be able to do the same with them. The cats puppies can sleep up to 20 hours a day and the adults between 15 and 17 hours. These values are considered normal according to several studies already carried out.
Like humans, our cats differ from each other. We have some who are colder and others who do not like them very much to see them. Although there is an average value for the hours of sleep depending on the species, this can be altered by external factors that change the behavior of our animals. In the next paragraphs we will try to clarify the most common doubts.
Interior vs Exterior
The first thing we must take into account for differentiation is whether the cat is from interior (does not go out into the street) or from exterior (do your daily tours). Often this is not contemplated by the owners when considering extreme temperatures.
Those in the interior have the great privilege of exploring their environment to choose the warmest places in winter and the coolest or ventilated places to withstand the heat of summer. But their own exploration can sometimes betray them as they choose places close to heaters, outlets and chimneys where they can suffer burns and colds when they move away from these places and abruptly change temperatures, such as severe respiratory processes, especially in cats. older age. To avoid these problems we should offer them warm places with their bed and even blankets so that they can hide and feel good.
The care in outdoor cats are a little more complicated but not impossible. We can build shelters where they can hide from the cold or rain and thus keep the heat better. Avoid putting blankets inside them as they tend to retain moisture and can create fungus in the cat. Use straw or polyester beds. If you find a cat with hypothermia, it is urgently necessary to take it to the vet, but on the way you can wrap it in a towel soaked in hot water (it should not be boiling) and as soon as you notice that the body temperature is rising, dry the kitten to prevent further loss of body heat.
In both cases we must pay attention to the food. During the winter, just like humans, our little friends need more calories. Consult your veterinarian to prevent the cat from becoming overweight and/or underweight. You can always heat up food to make it more pleasurable when eating. Often, placing the dish in a sunny place helps to stimulate the appetite and enhance the aromas. Your cat will thank you.
Tips for baby kittens at home
Is there anything more beautiful than a kitten curled up on our sofa? Although we say that babies can sleep up to 20 hours a day, here we leave you some tips and advice to help them spend these moments in the best way possible:
- Make sure you have a warm place at night where you can rest.
- Pay special attention to food and water, as they can get sick easily and it is not so easy for them to recover.
- Up-to-date vaccines, consult your veterinarian for information according to your cat's age.
- If you're going out into the street, maybe you need a little more food. This way you can be sure you can regulate your temperature correctly.
Taking these data into account, and always consulting the veterinarian in case of any doubt, at Perito Animal we wish you to spend a winter with the smell of pampering, naps in front of the fireplace and a happy night for the whole family.