Adventuring in Extremes: Preparing for Your Climate

Across the world, adventuring with your cat can be complicated by temperature. Some areas of the world are too warm or cold for comfort at certain times of the year or all the time for cats!

If you’re planning on hiking with your indoor cat, remember that they likely live 24/7 in a climate controlled space. They may not be as adjusted to temperature changes as us humans. Even if it feels okay to us, it’s crucial to make sure that your cat is not too hot or cold.

Take your specific cat into consideration before taking them out in warmer or colder temperatures. Some factors that will affect their ability to be out in these conditions include coat length, age, obesity, breed (especially brachycephalic or hairless cats), and other medical conditions.

When in doubt, skip the hike and choose a day with better conditions.

Hot Weather

In these areas, you will want to choose cooler parts of the day like the morning to hike with your adventure cat. Especially if you live in a humid area, there is a big jump from an air conditioned living room to the muggy outdoors. Your cat may become overheated quickly in warm conditions, so watch the humidity and temperature.

Considerations:

Make sure you give your cat extra water breaks
Keep the hikes shorter
Watch body language closely
Skip the outdoor time if it is too humid or hot
Hike in cooler times of the day (morning, possibly evening)

Extra Items to pack: instant cool packs, extra water, list of veterinary clinics in the area, sun protection (pet safe sunscreen)

Pet First Aid Kits:
RC Pet First Aid Kit
Kurgo First Aid Kit
Make Your Own Cat First Aid Kit

Signs of heatstroke in your cat:

Rapid breathing and pulse
Panting
Restless behavior, trying to find a cool spot
Drooling
Sweaty paws
Sudden, excessive grooming
Redness of tongue or mouth
Disorientation
Stumbling or staggering gait
Vomiting
Lethargy

If you suspect that your cat is getting warm, seek a cool place and let your cat cool down. If they are showing signs of heat stroke, soak them in cool, not cold water, and find a vet immediately.

Cold Weather

In cold climates, you will need many of the same considerations as warm weather adventuring. Watch the thermometer closely to make sure that the temperature isn’t dropping. Just like humidity in warm weather, wind and snow are factors that can affect the way it feels outside regardless of the temperature. As I mentioned above, for an indoor cat that is used to a certain temperature, even a 15 degree difference can be too much.