You’re randomly scratching your cat’s head one day when you notice that their ears are cold.
Many owners will dismiss this as a symptom of flu.
However, cold ears could be a sign of something much more serious.
If you want to understand why your cat’s ears are chilly, keep reading ahead!
Why Does My Cat Have Cold Ears?
Finding out that your cat’s ears are cold is quite alarming for many owners. Fortunately, cold ears are not a sign of any serious disease in most cases.
The ears are anatomically quite narrow and mostly made up of cartilage. A cat’s ears have the least fur compared to the rest of the body, making them prone to becoming colder than the rest of your cat.
Still, it’s worth knowing when chilly ears can indicate something more serious. Let’s take a look at some of those reasons below:
Reasons for Cold Ears in Cats
If your cat’s ears are consistently cold, it might be time to consult with your veterinarian. Below are some of the most common explanations for this phenomenon and ways to identify them:
1. Regulating body temperature
Aside from hearing, cats use their ears for another crucial function; regulating their body temperature. In summers, their ears dissipate heat and reduce their body temperature, while in winters, they sacrifice warmth for the rest of the body by becoming colder.
When your cat takes a quick stroll in the snow, its body automatically reduces circulation to the ears to keep the vital organs running. Although it sounds like a desperate measure, this situation isn’t a cause of concern. Once your cat steps back inside, it will adjust the temperature by warming up near a heater or your lap.
2. Hypothermia
Hypothermia is not only limited to humans. It can also occur in cats subjected to extreme cold for an extended period. As a result, their body will be unable to maintain warmth, and their temperature regulation system will give up. Hypothermia is an emergency as your cat can experience convulsions, shock, and even death if not treated immediately.
If you suspect your cat is hypothermic, look for the following symptoms:
- Cold ears, tail, and paws
- Shivering
- Lethargy
- Lack of alertness
When do cats get hypothermia? Temperatures below 45°F (7°C), wet fur, and extended periods outdoors in winter are all perfect scenarios for cats to develop hypothermia. If you notice that your cat has returned from outside with wet fur, immediately check their ears and body temperature. Also, look out for breeds with shorter coats, such as the Bengals, American Curls, and Burmese, as they are more prone to hypothermia in winters due to less insulation.
What to do if your cat feels hypothermic? If you notice any of the above symptoms, as well as shivering, dilated pupils, and mute heartbeat, immediately warm your cat by wrapping them in a thick blanket. Place your cat in a warm room, and contact your vet ASAP to prevent the situation from worsening.
3. Frostbite
For pet owners living in cold climates, it’s worth knowing that cold and painful ears can also be a sign of frostbite. Not only ears but the paws and tail are also highly susceptible to frostbite due to their large surface area and contact with cold surfaces such as snow.
When do cats get frostbite? The blood vessels of a cat exposed to sub-zero temperatures will constrict, starting at the farthest from the heart. This constriction is particularly problematic if your cat already suffers from cardiac diseases or diabetes, as the blood circulation is already disturbed.
As a result, the ears are the first body part to freeze (even faster if they’re damp). You will initially notice swelling, redness, and pain when touching the ear. If you don’t take quick action, the frozen tissue will start to die in the following days. It will first discolor and turn gray/blue/black, then start to fall off after a couple of weeks.
What to do if your cat gets frostbite? As soon as you notice that your cat cries when you touch their cold ears, your priority should be to bring up their body temperature gradually. First, get your cat to a warm area and cover them with a cozy blanket. Use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel as a heater to increase their body temperature steadily.
Make your way to a vet as soon as possible so that they can examine your feline friend for signs of shock or infections. They will likely administer antibiotics to prevent infections and provide painkillers to your cat.
How To Keep Your Cat Warm in Winter
Assuming that a cat’s thick fur keeps them warm is a mistake many owners make. The truth is, your cat cannot verbally tell you whether they’re feeling cold. They will only exhibit signs that you can take a clue from, such as:
- Curling up into a ball 24/7
- Trying to cuddle in your lap all the time
- Spending most of the day near the heater/thermostat
- Having cold ears, paws, and tail
Even one of these signs could indicate that your cat feels uneasy with the indoor temperature and needs extra insulation. We highly recommend confirming your suspicions with the help of a rectal thermometer, which should indicate a body temperature greater than 95°F, so you can rule out hypothermia.
But if you record a temperature anything below 90°F, it would be wise to put the following tips into effect:
1. Place your cat’s bed above the ground
Higher ground is generally warmer than the floor since heat travels towards the ceiling. If your cat is feeling chilly, it might be a good idea to move its bedding above ground, such as on the top of a dresser. Make sure the surface is stable and there isn’t any furniture nearby!
2. Give your cat some warm blankets
Although you can’t buy your cat a pair of fluffy trousers, a nice cotton blanket can do wonders for their body temperature. You can get cat blankets from any major online pet store and lay them around your cat’s sleeping area to make their bed cozier and warmer during winter.
3. Let the sunshine through
Nothing feels as comforting as the winter sun! Ensure your cat can get some rays by opening your curtains during the daytime. They will naturally soak this heat during the day by relaxing under the window.
4. Increase their food intake
Even though cats don’t go into hibernation, they can benefit from extra food by using it as fuel to warm their bodies. Many experts recommend this technique too, but if you’re worried about weight gain, talk to your weight before implementing this tip.
5. Buy them a heated bed
If you live in colder states or your house generally stays cool during winters, it might be worth investing in an electrically heated bed for your feline friend. The bed will ensure your cat stays warm throughout the day without damaging its skin. You will also want to invest in a heated bed if you have kittens or breeds with shorter coats.
FAQ’s
How To Tell if Your Cat Has a Fever?
A cat suffering from fever will have a body temperature over 102°F and experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, decreased drinking, shivering, hiding, and rapid breathing.
Do Cats With Frostbite Die?
If your cat gets frostbite on the ears and gets treated before necrosis sets in, they have a high chance of survival. Look for symptoms of frostbite like skin discoloration, pain, and swelling. Take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Should a Cat’s Ears Be Cold or Warm?
A cat’s ears should be around 100°F, the same temperature as the rest of its body. If they’re feeling cold or hypothermic, the ears are the first body part to lose circulation. So cold ears are generally a good indicator of unusually low body temperature.
How To Tell if Your Cat Is Cold?
You can check if a cat is feeling cold by feeling its ears, which should ideally be around 100°F. Our hands have an average temperature of 90°F, making it easy to detect a cooler object. Still, we advise you to use a rectal thermometer to get a more accurate reading and decide how to deal with your cat’s cold.
