Cats’ paws are a common source of curiosity for many cat owners. One question that often arises is that if cold cat paws are OK or not. Let’s find out!
Cats are known for their warm and cozy fur, but it is not uncommon for their paws to feel cold to the touch, especially during the colder months of the year. If you are asking to yourself “why are my cat’s paws cold” or “should cold cat paws be a concern”, you may find the answer below.
Cold paws in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including the temperature of the environment, the materials that the paws come into contact with, and underlying health conditions. In some cases, cold paws may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as hypothermia or anemia.
It is important for cat owners to be aware of the potential causes of cold paws in their feline companions and to take steps to keep their paws warm and comfortable. So, cat owners should pay attention to their cat’s paws and consult with a veterinarian if they notice any unusual changes in their health or behavior. Here are the reasons why cat paws are cold:
Cats Have Low Body Temperatures
Cats, like all mammals, have a natural body temperature that is slightly lower than humans. While the average human body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), the average body temperature for a cat is around 100.5-102.5°F (38-39°C).
This means that a cat’s paws, which are farther away from the body’s core and therefore cooler, may feel cold to the touch when compared to a human’s warm hands.
The House or Room is Cold
Cold cat paws are not uncommon, especially in the winter months when the temperature outside and inside can drop significantly. There are a few reasons why a cat’s paws may feel cold, one of which is the temperature of the environment in which they live.
If a house is cold, it is likely that the surfaces and objects in the house, including the floor and furniture, will also be cold to the touch. This includes a cat’s paws, which come into contact with these cold surfaces as they walk around and explore their environment.
The result is cold cat paws, even if the rest of their body is warm. It is important to keep in mind that this is not necessarily a cause for concern, as cats are adapted to living in a wide range of temperatures and are generally able to regulate their body temperature effectively.
However, if a cat’s paws feel extremely cold and their body temperature seems low, it may be a sign that they are experiencing hypothermia and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
In order to keep a cat’s paws warm and comfortable, it is important to keep the house at a comfortable temperature and to provide them with a warm, cozy place to rest. This can be in the form of a heated bed or blanket, or simply a spot near a warm, draft-free window.
It is also a good idea to keep the floors clean and dry, as wet or dirty paws can quickly become cold and uncomfortable. By taking these steps, cat owners can help ensure that their furry friends stay warm and comfortable all winter long.
Constantly Lying on the Floor
It is important to note that a cat’s body temperature is naturally lower than a human’s, and that the paws may feel cold even if the cat is at a normal body temperature. Additionally, the fur on a cat’s paws helps to insulate them and keep them warm, so the paws may not feel as cold as they would if they were bare.
If you are concerned about your cat’s paws feeling cold, you can try placing a blanket or bedding on the floor for the cat to lie on. This will help to insulate the paws and belly in order keep them warm.
Wet Coat
It is possible for a cat’s paws to become cold if their fur becomes wet, although this is not the only reason why a cat’s paws may feel cold. When a cat’s fur becomes wet, it can lose its insulating properties, which can cause the cat’s body temperature to drop.
This can lead to cold paws, as well as other symptoms of hypothermia, such as shivering and lethargy. To prevent cold paws in a wet cat, it is important to dry their fur as soon as possible after they become wet.
This can be done with a towel, or a blow dryer set on a low or medium heat setting. It is also important to provide the cat with a warm, dry place to rest, such as a heated bed or blanket, to help them maintain their body temperature.
Why are the fur on cat’s paws feel cold?
Cats’ paws are covered in a layer of fur, which helps to insulate them and keep them warm in cold weather. The fur on a cat’s paws may also feel cold because it is not in direct contact with the skin, allowing the air to circulate around the paws and dissipate heat.
Is the size a factor for cold cat paws?
Cats’ paws have a relatively high surface area to volume ratio, which means that there is a large surface area for heat to be lost compared to the volume of the paw. This might be a reason for cold cat paws, even when the cat’s body temperature is normal.
Are there specific times when cats’ paws are cold?
Cats’ paws may feel cold to the touch after they have been resting or sleeping for an extended period of time. This is because the blood flow to the paws is reduced while the cat is at rest, causing cold cat paws.
Some Diseases Can Cause the Paw to Become Cold
It is possible for a cat to have cold paws if they are sick or experiencing certain health conditions. This can occur for several reasons.
- Some health conditions, such as infections or inflammation, can cause a cat’s body temperature to fluctuate. If a cat’s body temperature drops, it can lead to cold paws.
- Reduced circulation: Some health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, can cause reduced circulation in a cat’s body. This can lead to decreased blood flow to the paws, resulting in cold paws.
- Some specific health conditions that can cause cold paws in cats include hypothermia, anemia, and arthritis.
It is important to note that cold paws can be a symptom of various health conditions in cats, and it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual changes in your cat’s health or behavior in order to determine the exact reason of the cold cat paws.
Anaesthesia Treatments
It is possible for a cat to have cold cat paws after undergoing anesthesia, although this is not a common side effect and is generally not a cause for concern. There are several reasons why a cat’s paws may feel cold after anesthesia, including:
- Changes in body temperature: Anesthesia can cause a cat’s body temperature to drop slightly, which can make cat paws cold. This is because the body’s circulation may be reduced, leading to decreased blood flow to the paws.
- Restriction of movement: During and after anesthesia, a cat may be less active and may not move around as much as they normally would. This can lead to reduced circulation and potentially cold paws.
- Lying on a cold surface: If a cat is lying on a cold surface, such as a metal examination table, their paws may become cold as a result.
It is important to note that these changes are typically temporary and should resolve on their own as the cat recovers from the anesthesia.
If a cat’s paws remain cold or the cat is experiencing other unusual symptoms after anesthesia, it is important to speak with the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Conclusion – Are Cats Paws Supposed to Be Cold?
In conclusion, there are several reasons of cold cat paws. It is important to remember that a cat’s body temperature is naturally lower than a human’s, and that the fur on a cat’s paws helps to insulate them and keep them warm.
Additionally, the high surface area to volume ratio of a cat’s paws can cause them to feel cool, and the paws may also feel cold after the cat has been resting or sleeping. Overall, there is no cause for concern if your cat’s paws feel cold, as this is a normal physiological characteristic of cats.
