Before we go ahead and discuss do Persian cats feel cold and other queries that surround the response of Persian cats towards cold climatic conditions, let’s understand why the question is relevant for all Persian cat owners.
For that let’s first look at how Persian cats are really like.
The Persian cats are well known among the cat lover’s community as a sweet, gentle and docile cat breed. They are what you can easily refer to as an epitome of lap cats. They are restful, undemanding, love cuddles, snuggles and get well along with each other, cats, dogs and other family members they know.
Adult Persians can be playfully explosive very similar to kittens and don’t be surprised if you observe her sleeping one moment and the very next moment you find her chasing an imaginary mouse.
They love the humans that they own and express it through subtle and not so subtle acts like sleeping beside you, sitting on your lap, wrapping your tail around you etc.
They are truly family cats who will allow humans who recognize her the way she demands to, dress her, comb her and wheel her around in baby buggies.
They generally like silent, serene environments which make them an ideal family pet and the fact that a family environment doesn’t pose an obstruction to their developed routine helps as well.
Because of their loving nature and the fact that they become such an important part of a family, cat owners ask care related questions regarding Persian cats like do Persian cats feel cold, do Persian cats need AC, how to care for Persian cats in winter etc.
In this article, let me answer these quick questions surrounding Persian cats, their capacity to withstand cold and actionable insights you need to know to care for them during hcold climatic conditions.
By the end of this post, you will have greater actionable insights that will help you take better care of your Persian cats in modulating weather.
So, let’s start with the most obvious one, do Persian cats feel cold?
The answer is, granted the fundamental fact that they are in general resistant to climatic cold conditions than other breeds, thanks to their origins and that soft, thick fur if the environment is too extreme for what their bodies are designed for, they will feel cold or hot just like other cats.
Do Persian Cats Like Cold Weather?
In order to answer this question, let me first teach you a bit about the history and origins of Persian cats.
Their names give you an indication about their origin.
Cats have been with us humans as pets for so long now that having a very vivid picture of any cat breed’s origin is not always possible.
However, most records indicate that they must have originated in Mesopotamia (termed Persia later) and hence the name.
By all accounts Persian cats are one of the oldest cat breeds. Given the fact that Persian cats have some of the fluffiest, thickest and soft fur that you will ever see, it’s evident that their place and time of origin must have seen harsh winters.
Their fur comprises of two layers – an undercoat that is thick and wooly long and hairy outer coat.
It is speculated that their long hair was probably the result of active natural mutation and its visible beauty has been a subject of admiration.
For example, the world’s largest cat painting which goes by the name “My Wife’s Lovers” and which got auctioned for a massive $826,000 features Angora and Persian cats.
And you thought you are the biggest cat lover on the planet. How cute. 😀
Its not just artists that are attracted towards Persian cats, 17th century world renown traveler by the name Pietro Della Valle was also fascinated by the Persian cats and is attributed of bringing in the first Longhaired cats to Europe around the year 1626.
Alright then, you now have an idea as to what are the origins and history of Persian cats.
This is going to be very important because when we are studying the response of Persian cats to climatic modulations, you will see it has it root in their origins.
Because nature in a way provides the physiological and psychological assets to an animal as is most apt and needed for that animal’s survival.
I think we are now in the space where we can answer questions like do Persian Cats like cold weather? Or can Persian cats live in cold weather?
The answer is, yes, the physiological development of Persian cats does allow them to thrive in cold climatic ecosystems and conditions. The roots of this development lie of course in their origins and the fundamental fact that they are equipped with a thick double-layer fur which protects them from cold and harsh weather.
But you have to understand it isn’t about whether they like the cold weather or not, it’s just a fact that their physiology is more conducive to responding well to these conditions.
With time, Persian cats have morphed and evolved to dwell well in our domesticated ecosystems.
So, just because Persian cats can handle cold well, does not mean that you can be unconscious about the temperatures at home and not bother about how cold it gets.
The reason being domesticated cats are now subjected a completely different ecosystem in our home environments.
Their diet is different, their expression is different, they don’t usually face the same environment they must have been in the earlier years and so on.
Therefore, what needs to be understood is the fact that there is always a line and extreme cold conditions aren’t good even for Persian cats and additional support to keep them warm and comfy is required.
Similarly, though their coats can handle the winter environment really well, same can’t be said if they get wet. If they get wet during winters, rainy season or during cold climatic conditions they are at a risk of developing problems like hypothermia and frostbite.
So, appropriate attention and responsibility towards your Persian cats is still needed during cold as well as during hot weather.
How capable a Persian cat is at handling cold also depends on certain subjective factors like the type and length of her coat, specific Persian cat breeds etc.
Don’t worry in the subsequent sections we will look into how to care for a Persian cat in winters and I think all your doubts will be solved thereof.
Symptoms That Your Persian Cat Is Cold?
While we are looking at the various symptoms and signs that your cat is feeling cold from the context Persian cats, but they apply to any cat in general.
Here are the common signs that indicate that your cat is feeling cold.
- They demand your warmth more than usual. The first and most obvious sign that your Persian cat is feeling cold is when she wants to bundle up around you more than usual. This can include acts like wanting to sleep beside you, burrowing into or under your blankets, or climbing onto your lap more than she normally does. Persian are as I said lapcats but if you observe her demanding your lap more than what she normally does can mean that she is feeling cold.
- She is locating sunny spots. The common thread in these two points is the consistent search for hot spots. Cats love sleeping and they love getting warm. And as such, perches and spots around those windows and doors have special appeal for them. But if she is consistently wrapping herself into a “loaf” around these spots may need a temperature check from your side.
- Excessive Lethargy. Persian cats as I mentioned above are like little bubbles of impulsive energy. If you see her exchanging her playful self for excessive laziness and lethargy, she may be feeling cold. If she seems too lazy or too tired, it can be an indication that your cat is conserving her body heat. So, just feel the environment and see if it feels chilly.
- Check the tips of their ears. This is an important tip not too relevant for Persian cats but very important for other breeds like Sphynxes. When cats feel cold, their bodies tend to conserve heat by reducing blood flow to extremities like ear tips. While this ensures the vital organs to function properly, their ear and tail tips will tend to get colder. So, if they feel too cold to the touch the environment is probably not comfy for your cats.
- Your cat is shivering. I don’t feel I even need to mention it explicitly. If your cat is shivering, it is the most obvious and extreme indicator that your cat is cold. As I mentioned, even though Persian cats are highly resistant to cold environment compared with other breeds, that doesn’t mean they won’t feel cold in harsh and extreme conditions. One example is, when she gets wet in rainy or winter season, she will need immediate tending to in order to get warm. Cats are rare to get hypothermia, but it’s definitely a possibility nevertheless.
How To Care For Persian Cats In Winter?
Given the fact that their physiology is designed by nature to evolve and thrive in winters, there isn’t a lot that you need to do as would have been for say Sphynx cats.
However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to do anything at all.
There are certain subtle acts you can do so that your Persian cat has a haven she can resort to if things get too cold for her liking.
Here are the ways through which you can care for your cats (specifically Persian cats) during winters.
- Invest in Heating Pads. When the environment takes a shift towards the chilly side. You will find your cat looking for active hot spots. So, give her some. Browsing and buying SAFE heating pads can be a very good investment especially if you live in an apartment that doesn’t get too much active sunlight or doesn’t have a fireplace. Here are 5 of my recommended pet heating pads.
- Keep Them Indoors. Goes without saying, of course, during winters nights can get very cold. Therefore, try and keep your cat inside as much as possible. If you have an outdoor cat that is used to being outside, pick your time when the climate isn’t too harsh. If she gets wet during her stroll, dry her off gently using a dry towel and give her hot spots she can snuggle into.
- Put perches in strategic places. When things get cold, cats go into a special relationship with sunlight. You will find them beside doors and windows to take in all the morning sunlight on their belly. If she gets a comfortable warm bed or perch in her favorite resting spot, I promise you seeing her rest will give you restfulness. Here are my 5 recommended cat perches and comfy beds.
- Get some cat clothes. Because Persian cats are already blessed with a thick, furry and soft double coat you won’t necessarily need to clothe them if you are doing other things that I have described above. However, given that Persian cats have such a sweet disposition towards their favorite humans, they won’t mind if you clothe them if things get too cold. Here are some clothes for Persian cats that you can look to get.
- Keep them engaged. When the environment gets colder there are two things that will happen. Your cat (if she is an outdoorsy cat) she will obviously stay put more and she will probably sleep and rest more. Understand that cats need sufficient stimulation and enrichment activities to maintain good health. So, during winter times and cold climatic conditions balance their increased rest with entertainment activities, playtime and puzzles. This will keep her system active, heated and healthy. And you don’t necessarily need to invest in toys here as you can make some really interesting toys using easily available household materials.
Ideal Room Temperature For Persian Cats
A very commonly asked question among Persian cat owners is what is the ideal room temperature for Persian cats.
The question comes from a place where the owner is in two minds.
He or she knows that Persian cats are comfortable in cold environments and ecosystems and well we humans aren’t.
At least most of us aren’t.
So, what is that ideal intersecting temperature which is good for Persian cats and their owners.
The perfect room temperature for Persian cats isn’t too far from what we humans are comfortable with. Anywhere between 68°F to 75°F or 20°C to 23°C is an optimal temperature range for Persian cats. You may need to modulate the temperature a bit higher or lower depending upon subjective factors like your cat’s comfort zone and what Persian cat breed you have. But in general, this temperature is going to be good enough to maintain your cats optimal body temperature which is around 99.5°F to 102.5°F.
You can use your air conditioner to maintain this temperature.
However, you don’t necessarily need to buy an AC just for your Persian cat. All you need to do is maintain the necessary temperature that is comfortable for your Persian cats.
The 5 tips that I have shared above will help you do that.
FAQs Regarding Persian Cats
Alright so before I conclude this post on do Persian cats feel cold let me quickly answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Persian cat care.
This will make your knowledge base more complete and comprehensive.
Do Persian Cats Need AC?
Persian cats don’t necessarily need an AC. However, they do need an optimum temperature to evolve and thrive into. And a good AC will definitely help maintain an optimal temperature required by them to evolve, thrive and be comfortable. If you live in a place where the environment doesn’t get too extreme, you can maintain the necessary temperature (68°F to 75°F or 20°C to 23°C) using the tips I have shared above so that Persian cats can live comfortably.
Maintaining the right temperature for Persian cats is important because they are incapable of cooling themselves as effectively as other cat breeds owing to their flat face and because they are prone to certain respiratory ailments.
Therefore, if you can get a good AC or a portable cooler to maintain that temperature, your Persian will definitely thank you for that.
Here are my favorite picks.
- Portable AC: Use this personal air conditioner (15.3” x 14” x 24.8") in rooms up to 450 sq. ft. Stay cool in the hot summer months and sleep well with this BLACK+DECKER ac unit for bedroom.
- 3-in-1: 3-in-1: Our 5800 BTU DOE (10000 BTU ASHRAE 128) air conditioner also functions as a dehumidifier & fan. This portable air conditioner (47.3 lbs.) has a convenient remote control & top mounted control panel with LED display.
- Impressive Features: Set the temperature just right with this ac portable air conditioner. Our ac unit portable also has a slide-out washable filter, auto water evaporation, & 24-hour timer.
- Easy Mobility: Thanks to casters on the bottom and side handles on both sides of the small air conditioner, this air cooler can be moved from room to room without any hassle.
- Installation Kit: When it comes to fans that blow cold air, this indoor ac unit includes an easy-to-install window kit. A large, vented airflow outlet ushers in cool air.
- Experience Superior Cooling: Embrace the evaporative air cooler capabilities of the Hessaire 3,100 CFM! This portable swamp cooler combats heat and dryness while extending air coverage through its unique 3-panel intake system.
- Transform Your Living Space: Adapt to any environment with portable evaporative cooler outdoor high velocity cooling fan. This cooler fan ensures continuous water flow for 3-4 hours of use, delivering excellent cooling and fits comfortably in any space.
- Simplify Your Cooling Routine: Say goodbye to complex controls with our evaporative air cooler portable fan. This outdoor cooling fan's user-friendly design ensures easy operation. Just fill, plug, switch, and enjoy!
- Enjoy Continuous, Quiet Cooling: Molded with a lightweight polypropylene resin, the Hessaire cooler with a 10.3-gallon tank reduces refills thanks to its 80% larger evaporation surface. Its delivery system reduces noise and vibrations for a serene area.
- Cool Air Anywhere: As a trusted name in air-movement and cooling solutions since 1996, Hessaire focuses on innovation and energy efficiency and delivers reliable, low-noise evaporative air coolers that offer functionality without compromising quality.
Are Persian Cats Indoor Cats?
For the most part yes, Persian cats are indoor cats. Persian cats are some of the most expensive and high maintenance cats. They require special care, attention and need to be handled in a certain way given that they are prone to respiratory ailments. Therefore, most Persian cat owners agree the cons of letting taking their cat out far outweigh the pros it offers to them or their cats.
Certain other factors that contribute in maintaining that Persian cats are best kept indoors are:
- Persian cats have a very high maintenance coat.
- Persian cats are highly susceptible to respiratory ailments.
- They are gentle, docile, quiet and sweet cat breeds and aren’t “street smart”.
- Persian cats are easy target for thieves owing to the fact that they are an expensive cat breed.
Do Persian Cats Feel Hot?
Given the fact that their origins are rooted in cold climatic conditions Persian cats can experience some distress in hot weather. Add to that their thick, dense fur and it can easily lead to increasing discomfort during summer times. Necessary acts such as maintaining an optimal temperature using AC’s or portable cooler becomes essential so that they don’t overheat due to their thick double coat.
We will talk about the impacts of hot weather on Persian cats and the necessary steps you can take to make them feel comfortable during summer times in a separate post.
Because I think there is too much to discuss on this topic and putting them all here will make the post just way too big.
So, with that we are at the end of this post on do Persian cats feel cold and their response to cold climatic conditions.
I hope you found the post informative and I was able to put forth some comprehensive understanding on how Persian cats respond to cold environments and what you can do to make them comfortable in winters.
If you have any other comments, queries or feedbacks regarding anything we have discussed here don’t forget to leave them don below into the comments section.
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Take great care of yourselves and your cat and I will see you in the next one.
BBye!
