Although sometimes it may not seem like it, our animals also feel it and change their habits adapting to the new temperatures. Questions arise such as: Why does my cat sleep so much? Do cats sleep more in winter?
Those of us who have cats at home know that they love to sleep and can do so anywhere, especially on our favorite part of the sofa or our bed. They tend to choose the coolest places in summer and the warmest in winter. But sometimes this is not so marked and when talking to other owners we have doubts as to whether it is normal or something is happening to them.
In this article on our site we will try to answer these small questions to be alert when appropriate and relax with them in situations typical of our kittens. It is about enjoying with them these beautiful customs of each species.
We are not all equal
Those of us who are lucky enough to share our lives with them know that they spend a lot of time during the day sleeping and many times, so placidly, that we would love to be able to sleep with them. Kittens can sleep up to 20 hours a day and adults between 15 and 17 hours It is considered normal according to various studies.
Just like humans, our felines are different from each other. We have some who are colder and others who don't like summer too well. Although we have the generalities of the hours of sleep for the species, this can be altered by external factors that change the behavior of our pets. In the following sections I will try to clarify the most common unknowns that we have at home.
Interior vs. Exterior
It is important to take into account the cat's lifestyle There are certain differences and details to take into account whether our feline is of interior (does not go out) as if it is exterior (it has access outside the home and even takes daily walks). This detail is essential when evaluating the temperatures to which your feline is exposed.
indoor cats have the great privilege of exploring their environment to choose the warmest places in winter and the coolest or most ventilated ones to get through the summer heat. But their own exploration can sometimes betray them as they choose sites attached to stoves or fireplaces where they can suffer burns and colds when moving away from these sites and changing temperatures abruptly, with severe respiratory processes, especially in older cats.
To avoid these problems we must offer them warm places with their own bed and even blankets so they can get in and feel comfortable. Remember that elderly or hairless cats are the ones that are going to suffer the most from these sudden changes in the seasons. We can take advantage of sites that are warm with the sun of the day or high up, since the heat always tends to rise. Hairless cats often appreciate a coat at times of day when the cold is pressing.
Care for outdoor cats is somewhat more complicated, since it is more difficult to ensure that they are always well. If we have a garden we can build shelters where they can take shelter in times of cold or rain and in this way, better conserve heat.
We will try to avoid placing blankets inside if they are not changed regularlybecause they tend to hold moisture and can cause fungus in the cat. In the case of finding a hypothermic cat it is necessary to take it to the vet urgently, but on the way we can wrap it in a towel or blanket to try to warm it up.
In both cases we must pay attention to feeding During the winter, just like humans, our cats need more calories. Consult with our veterinarian to avoid overweight and/or weight loss in our pet. We can always warm the food to make it more pleasant for them at me altime. Many times, placing the dish in a place where the sun shines helps stimulate the appetite and enhances the aromas. Your cat will thank you.
Tips for baby kittens at home
Is there anything cuter than a kitten curled up on the couch? Although we said above that babies can sleep up to 20 hours a day, here are some tips to help them spend these moments as best as possible:
- Make sure you have a warm place to rest at night.
- Special attention with food and water, since they get sick very easily and it is not so easy for them to recover.
- Vaccines up to date, we consult our veterinarian so that he informs us according to the age of our feline puppy.
- If you let them go outside, they may need a little more food. In this way we ensure that they can regulate their temperature correctly.
Bearing in mind these data, and always consulting the vet in case of any doubt, from our site we wish you a winter full of pampering, naps in front of the stove and warm nights for the whole family.
