Do Cats Hibernate In Winter?
Although it does not always seem like it, animals change their habits to adapt to the new temperatures. We have all heard of animals that hibernate and we notice that domestic pets change their activity when it is 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. Additionally, finding food this season is very difficult. In response to these circumstances, some species conserve their energy by hibernating.
Is it known if cats hibernate?
Hibernation is more than sleep, since in this state the animal experiences drastic physiological changes. Body temperature drops almost to the same temperature as the environment.
Also, the heart rate and respiratory rate will drop dramatically. A hibernating animal would have a diminished consciousness, so it will be oblivious to its surroundings.
House cats would have no need to hibernate. In our homes, cats receive enough food and enjoy the temperature-controlled environment.
So why do cats become less active in winter?
Many cat owners suspect that their cats hibernate during the winter because they are often sleeping. While sleeping a lot is common for cats during all seasons, some claim that their feline companions sleep more during the cold season.
This is not a cause for concern: there are even people who tend to be less active or feel more lazy during the winter. This is normal, but cat owners are encouraged to engage their cats in fun indoor activities to avoid obesity and boredom during winter.
What about wild cats?
Stray and wild cats can survive the winter months because they have thicker fur. While it is accepted that there is no such thing as the fact that cats hibernate, these animals can go through a form of temporary hibernation that lasts for hours: lethargy.
In the state of lethargy, 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 doing its usual activities.
The importance of knowing your cat
Like humans, cats are different from each other. Some cats are more sensitive to the cold and others do not enjoy 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 change their behavior.
Mood disorder
It is known that, with the arrival of winter, some people may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), characterized by symptoms of depression.
Although cats cannot be formally diagnosed with this disorder, veterinarians and feline fans say they notice similar changes in some cats, so they are sadder and less playful in the winter.
How to help a cat improve its mood in the winter season
Fortunately, you can do a lot to cheer up your pussycat. Regardless of whether cats hibernate, simple changes could positively influence your cat’s behavior:
- Activity offers : it will help you not sleep so long. Remember to interact with your cat. Be fresh by swapping toys, hanging a bird feeder near a window, or simply offering a variety of cardboard boxes for your kitty to explore. It is vital to minimize the stress of the cat as much as possible.
- Exposure to light : be sure to open the curtains to let in the sun. Natural light can be important to your cat’s mood. You can also place a small lamp near your cat’s bed.
- Attend to changes in temperature : Make sure your cat has warm options, such as a heated cat bed, near a sunny window, or a safe heater.
- Watch eating habits : like people, cats can eat out of boredom. Review and control food intake and its quality.
