Do Cats Hibernate In Winter?
Although it doesn’t always seem like it, animals change their habits to adapt to new temperatures. We’ve all heard of hibernating animals and we’ve noticed that pets change their activities when it’s cold. This leads to questions like the following: why does my cat sleep so much? Do cats hibernate in winter?
In winter, animals need to burn more energy in all their activities. Also, finding food at this station is very difficult. In response to these circumstances, some species conserve their energy by hibernating.
Do cats hibernate?
Hibernation is more than sleep, as in this state the animal undergoes drastic physiological changes. The body temperature decreases and almost equals the ambient temperature.
In addition, heart and respiratory rate decrease drastically. A hibernating animal has a decreased consciousness, so it is oblivious to its environment.
Domestic cats would not need to hibernate. In our homes, cats get enough food and enjoy a temperature-controlled environment.
So why are cats less active during the winter?
Many owners suspect that their cats hibernate during the winter because they always seem to be sleeping. While a lot of sleep is common for cats during all seasons, some claim that their feline companions sleep more during the winter.
This is not a cause for concern : there are even people who tend to be less active or feel weaker during the winter. It’s normal, but it’s recommended that cat owners involve their pets in fun indoor activities to avoid obesity and boredom during the winter.
What happens in the case of wild cats?
Stray and wild cats can survive the winter months and have thicker fur. Although cats do not hibernate, these animals can experience a form of temporary hibernation that lasts a few hours: lethargy.
In the lethargic state, the body’s metabolism slows down for short periods throughout the day. With this strategy, the cat would maintain its normal body temperature during the day while carrying out its usual activities.
The importance of knowing your cat
Just like humans, cats are different from each other. Some cats are more sensitive to the cold and others don’t like the summer. While there are general sleep patterns for each species, the details change due to the needs of each pet and external factors that can alter its behavior.
mood disorder
It is known that, with the arrival of winter, some people may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD, derived from its acronym in English), characterized by symptoms of depression.
Although cats cannot be formally diagnosed with this disorder, veterinarians and cat owners say they notice similar changes in some felines, as they are sadder and less playful in winter.
How to improve your cat’s mood in winter
Fortunately, you can do lots of things to encourage your pussy. Simple changes can positively influence your cat’s behavior:
- Offer of activities : will help the cat not to sleep so long. Remember to interact with him. Innovate by changing toys, hanging a bird feeder near a window, or simply offering a variety of cardboard boxes for your pussy to explore. It is essential to minimize the cat’s stress.
- Exposure to light : open the curtains to let the sun in. Natural light can be important to your cat’s mood. You can also place a small lamp near your cat’s bed.
- Watch for temperature changes : Make sure your cat has warm options, such as a heated cat bed, near a sunny window or a secure heater.
- Observe eating habits : just like people, cats can eat out of boredom. Check and control food intake and quality.
