Cats and dogs enjoy a comfortable environment with good temperature just like us. And they do have their own biological, build in Circadian Rhythms of normal human beings. It is thus quite important to keep your pet healthy with the right temperature setting to keep them healthy and happy. The ideal temperature settings for cats and dogs, for our quick reference is during the Summer between 24° to 25.5°C (75° to 78°F), and in the Winter between 20.5° to 22°C (69° to 72°F). But of course, there are more to just the temperature shown in the below.
Quick Disclaimer: All the information on this post is for your reference only. For professional advices do seek the nearest professionals near you.
Why is an ideal temperature important for cats and dogs?
Just like us, we need the right temperature of not too hot and not too cold to stay comfortable and healthy. When it is Summer, we tend to dress light and expose more skin. While in the Winter, we dress much more and stay indoors. We also inform others if we feel too hot or too cold so to adjust the thermostat settings (or do it on our own). But for cats and dogs, since they can’t speak to us like we do, it is important we provide the right settings for them by using our knowledge and understanding of our own pets.
What parameters affect an ideal temperature for your cats and dogs?
Aside from the recommended temperature range stated above, the below are additional considerations when setting the temperature for your pets:
- Furry Pets: If your pet is furry, set it to the lower bound temperature. And vice versa (set to higher bound temperature) for pets with less fur.
- For people who needs to work and keep the pets at home: To save energy during a prolonged day away from your pets (say if you go out to work), you may set the temperature to slightly higher. However, do provide areas where your pets can cool off, such as tiled floors and enough water to drink from.
- For small, young/old or sick pets: If the pet is small, young, older or sick, set it to the middle of the range so to ensure a decent average temperature.
- Cats do tolerate warmer temperatures: Cats can stay comfortable even with a warmer temperature of to 30° to 31°C (86° to 88°F). But of course, remember to provide water for them.
What more can you do for your pets?
Here are some more things you may consider when setting the ideal temperature for your pets.
- Ensure furnace and air conditioner reliability so to keep your pets safe at home.
- Study and learn about energy efficiency, so you save the environment and your bill.
- Apply smart home technologies, like Google Nest, AI Smart Box and others.
- Join the pets community. For example, SUPPAW is a social network for pet owners who has recently expanded to North America to help pet owners with various topics of interests!
References
- Mathew Kevin. (Nov 4, 2019). Ideal Thermostat Temperature Settings for Dogs, Cats & Pets. ThermostatGuide. Retrieved Aug 25, 2022, from https://thermostatguide.com/thermostat-settings-for-pets/
- Aire Serv. (April 05, 2018). What Is the Ideal House Temperature for Dogs and Cats? Aire Serv. Retrieved Aug 25, 2022, from
https://www.aireserv.com/about/blog/2018/april/what-is-the-ideal-house-temperature-for-dogs-and/ - Elizabeth Heath. (Feb 11, 2022). What Is the Best House Temperature for Pets? Family Handyman. Retrieved Aug 25, 2022, from https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/best-house-temperature-for-pets/
- Pet Care. (Jan 28, 2019). How to Set Your Thermostat to Keep Your Pets Cozy in the Winter? Kelly’s Creature Comforts. Retrieved Aug 25, 2022, from https://www.kellyscreaturecomforts.com/how-to-set-your-thermostat-to-keep-your-pets-cozy-in-the-winter/
Written by Louis Ng for Intelligence of Care, Aug 31, 2022