Understanding How Weather Influences a Cat's Mood

Under certain circumstances, a lack of warmth and sunlight can lead to mood disorders in cats. Generally, felines are not fond of thunderstorms, heavy rains, and fierce winds with lightning. Many cats experience stress due to these conditions. Moreover, extreme heat can also cause numerous issues, such as heatstroke.

1. Does Weather Affect a Cat's Behavior?

There's a popular belief that cats can predict the weather. This isn't just a myth; cats are inherently more sensitive to atmospheric changes, which is why their senses are more acute.

Specifically, a cat's ear pressure can detect changes in atmospheric pressure. This means that their behavior and feelings can change in the coming hours, days, or even longer periods.

While cats may not know that an increase in air density is a sign of an approaching storm, it can still cause them to become anxious and seek refuge.

So, can we rely on cats to predict the arrival of bad weather? To some extent, yes. However, it shouldn't be the sole basis for making such predictions. A cat's mood is closely linked to its health, so when you notice any abnormalities, it's essential to consider whether there might be an underlying health issue.

2. Does Cold Weather Affect Indoor Cats?

Cold weather can lead to increased activity in indoor cats. When they seek warmth, they move around more, generating heat to maintain their body temperature:

They want to stay active to promote blood circulation

They seek out warm spots in the home

Although indoor cats may not experience significant temperature changes like outdoor cats, windows and doors are not completely insulated, so they can still sense temperature fluctuations. When the temperature drops, a cat's appetite may also change. They might eat more to generate more heat to maintain their body temperature.

Therefore, when the indoor temperature drops, it's important to provide your cat with ample food, in addition to external heat sources.

However, changes in appetite and activity levels can also be caused by diseases such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, so it's crucial to differentiate between the two.

Negative Effects of Cold Weather

Cold weather can also have several negative effects on cats, especially when sunlight is scarce. These include:

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), joint stiffness and inflammation, and dry skin

SAD is a psychological phenomenon that can occur in both humans and animals. According to central nervous system medications, SAD is often caused by prolonged exposure to lack of sunlight. Sunlight is associated with the production of serotonin, a hormone that can boost mood and energy, among other things.

Therefore, if your cat is exposed to insufficient sunlight for an extended period, its serotonin levels may be low, leading to SAD.

If your cat has SAD, it may exhibit behavioral changes, such as: shedding, inappropriate urination, aggression, seeking more attention, and drowsiness.

Cats may experience changes in activity levels when temperatures drop, which is normal. Respiratory problems can cause cats to become more sleepy. However, if a cat is not very active to begin with, this can lead to issues.

Joint stiffness and inflammation can occur due to a lack of exercise and temperature drops. Joint problems can further lead to a decrease in activity, and the cycle continues to worsen.

Dry skin, like in humans, can be uncomfortable for cats, especially in colder temperatures. This can lead to other diseases and issues, such as skin looseness, infections, and matted fur.

Is the Cat Too Drowsy? Is It Sick?

Don't worry too much if your cat is sleepy during cold weather. However, if there are other concurrent symptoms, it's essential to take notice. The following symptoms indicate that your cat may be too cold:

Loss of appetite, shivering, lack of concentration, decreased alertness, pale gums, drowsiness, weak heartbeat

These symptoms are considered signs of hypothermia in cats. Immediate warming measures should be taken, as hypothermia can be fatal, much like a high fever.

3. Does Rain Affect Cats?

The impact of rainy weather on a cat's mood can vary depending on the cat's breed and personality, sometimes negatively, and sometimes positively.

Cats generally dislike water because it adds weight to their fur, making it more difficult for them to move. If they are outdoors, this can affect their hunting behavior.

Cats' fur takes a long time to dry completely, so if they get wet, they need help drying off. Additionally, damp fur can make cats feel cold, further reducing their body temperature and potentially leading to illness. This is especially important for longhaired breeds, as it takes even longer for their fur to dry.

However, not all breeds are affected in the same way. Some breeds, such as Maine Coons, Bengals, Turkish Angoras, and Abyssinians, have fur with waterrepelling properties.

Previous experiences can also be a significant factor. Some cats may have negative experiences with water or rain, and encountering similar situations can trigger their sadness and fear.

4. Does Windy Weather Affect Cats?

This depends on the strength of the wind.

If windy conditions are common in your area, your cat may already be accustomed to them.

If your cat associates wind with heavy rain, it may become afraid as well.

Additionally, cats are highly sensitive to their owners' emotions. If you appear anxious, your cat may also become afraid. It's like a mirror for them.

Moreover, strong winds can blow things over in your yard (if you have one), and the loud noises can scare cats, as they generally dislike sudden and loud sounds. These details can lead to subconscious stress.

5. Does Thunder and Lightning Affect Cats?

Cats have keen senses, which is why sailors in the age of exploration believed that cats could predict storms. Cats can sense changes in air pressure, which are consistent with the approach of a storm.

When they detect these changes, their behavior will change accordingly.

Will cats be afraid of thunder and lightning? The sound and flash of lightning can scare cats, causing them to hide. This is a selfdefense mechanism from their ancestors, and domestic cats have not lost this skill.

So, hiding during storms is quite normal. However, if your cat is still trembling after the storm, even when it's time for meals, it's essential to take notice. This could indicate a strong fear caused by underlying factors.

Remember, cats are highly sensitive animals, and they pick up on their owners' every move. If you are afraid, especially if you are a young woman, your cat will also be afraid. This pattern can also be applied to other situations.

6. Does Hot Weather Disturb Cats?

The answer is yes, especially in the following situations:

Longterm exposure to hot weather without the ability to cool down gradually.

In hot weather, cats may become more drowsy, reducing their activity levels and the energy they need. This leads to fewer meals and less food consumption.

Negative Effects of Hot Weather

Extreme heat can have three main effects on cats:

1. Sunburn

Don't assume that just because they have fur, they won't get sunburned. Like humans, they can get sunburned.

Especially in areas with less fur, such as around the nose, ears, etc.

Whitehaired cats are particularly susceptible to sunburn. The most effective way to prevent this is to use sunscreen.

2. Skin Cancer

In extreme cases, cats can develop cancer. Whitehaired or thinfurred breeds are more prone to problems.

Some areas are more susceptible to cancer, including:

Ears, nose, eyelids, lower abdomen

The most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer forms scabs and wounds that do not heal, and if not treated promptly, it can be fatal.

3. Heatstroke

Excessive heat can lead to heatstroke. Some signs to watch out for include:

Constant licking, seeking cool surfaces, drowsiness, heavy breathing, increased thirst, sweating on the paws

If a cat's body temperature is too high and you do not help it cool down, it may suffer from heatstroke. Heatstroke is fatal, as elevated body temperature can damage internal organs.

For cats with a high body temperature, it is essential to lower their temperature immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

Increased heart rate, discoloration of the gums or tongue, muscle weakness, heavy breathing, drooling, vomiting, disorientation, loss of vision

7. Does Humid Weather Affect Cats?

Humidity, often accompanied by heat, can also affect cats.

If it's both humid and hot, it's essential to use external methods to cool down:

Fans, cool floors, water, and grooming

Excessive humidity can make cats feel exhausted. Therefore, controlling temperature and humidity is crucial.

Heatstroke is fatal for cats. Keeping the indoor environment wellventilated, using dehumidifiers and fans to lower humidity and temperature, and creating a suitable environment are worth studying.

8. What Kind of Weather Do Cats Like?

Cold and hot weather can make cats sick. Thunder, lightning, and windy weather can scare cats. So, is there any weather that cats truly enjoy?

Yes, bright, sunny, and warm weather is an ideal environment for most cats.

What is the Ideal Temperature for Cats?

The ideal environmental temperature for cats is between 2025 degrees Celsius. For most families, maintaining this temperature throughout the year can be challenging. This requires external assistance to achieve.

In winter, provide blankets, cat beds, and small heaters, among other items. In summer, provide plenty of water, fans, air conditioning, tiles, and shaded areas, among other things.

Why Do Cats Like Sunlight?

Cats like sunlight for two reasons:

Genetic Determination

Sunlight helps keep them warm

According to the records of the Library of Congress, all domestic cats share a common ancestor: the African wildcat. This wildcat lives in the deserts of Africa, Europe, and Southwest Asia. Domestication originated in the Middle East and Egypt. Therefore, a preference for sunlight may be genetically determined, as their ancestors originated in warm climates and grew there.

In simple terms, sunlight helps cats stay warm and relaxed during sleep. Cats, like many other animals, experience a drop in body temperature during sleep. To prevent feeling too cold, cats like to find sunny spots beforehand.

9. Does Seasonal Change Affect Cats?

Cats are not too different from humans, especially when their mood changes with the seasons. Spring and summer bring warmth and sunlight, which can improve a cat's mood and comfort. It can also trigger the onset of estrus or mating behavior.

Winter and autumn are usually the coldest, wettest, and darkest seasons of the year. This can lead to cats feeling drowsy and even experiencing seasonal sadness. Of course, the intensity of temperature changes or seasonal variations depends on your geographical location.

Regardless, cats are still affected in the same way. Even if your pet is an indoor cat, it cannot be immune to the effects of weather or temperature changes. It often depends on you to keep it safe and comfortable.