Every cat parent is concerned for its health and always tries to keep a regular check on their cat’s behavior and activity.
But there are some things related to a cat’s health and body that its owners may not be aware of, including the changes in body temperature of cats.
Cats like to be scratched over their body, especially on the backside of their ears and the forehead side between their brows.
This is when you realize a slight change in their temperature around those sides that whether they are a bit less warm or cold than the rest of their body.
But again that is completely normal and poses no threat to the cat’s health. The problem is when their ears are colder than they usually are.
This is where the owner should show concern as this may be a sign of some health-related issue for their cats.
Why Are My Cats Ears Cold?
Cats’ ears that feel cold can be due to hypothermia and their subsequent exposure to cold environments. But, if the feline’s ears are cold and stiff, it’s a sign that it’s suffering from frostbite. However, cats’ ears that are cold can also mean they’re anxious about the new place they’re living in.
Why A Cat’s Ears Feels Cold
Let’s first clear out the importance of the temperature changes in a cat’s ears.
The ears of a cat are one of the most vital parts of its body as they help them in the regulation of temperature through their body.
The normal temperature of the cat’s ear can be up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
But this can also be a couple of numbers ahead or below depending on the ratio of fur around the cat’s ears or even the thickness of them.
Then how to determine the cat’s ears are cold as usual or not?
The technical answer can be found by using a rectal thermometer and identify the usual cold temperature of your cat’s ears.
Another way you can assume the rise in cold temperatures of a cat’s ears is when your hand feels a lower temperature.
Human hands possess a temperature up to or more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit when scratching your cat’s ears.
Keeping in view the possibility of health concerns due to the cat’s cold ears, here are some conditions the cat may be going through and can potentially be the reason for your cat’s cold ears.
Hypothermia
Yes, your cat could be suffering from Hypothermia, if having cold ears.
The condition occurs when the normal thermoregulation of the cat’s body gets disturbed due to low rates of heat-releasing by the cat in contrast to the production and absorption of the heat.
This usually leads to cats having very low temperatures.
It can also be felt in other peripherals of the cat, like paws, by comparing them with the temperature of the cat’s back.
This can happen to any cat if exposed to some cold environment or air along with wet fur.
The best way to avoid any serious health issue is to immediately check on the cat, if it is having shivers or chills, and try to start warming it by using some blanket or pre-heating the room to provide a warm environment to your cat.
This remedy can help prevent serious health issues to the cat including convulsions, unconsciousness, or even a shock that may also lead to the death of the cat.
Cold Environments
Cats that live in a cold environment are more likely to have more cold temperatures.
Especially if there is snow in their area and they wander in that snow, this may make their body and other peripherals cold.
But cold could cause trouble if neglected. Hence, the most sensible way is to immediately make your cat warm when it is at room temperature.
Warm water can also be used if the ears feel a bit stiff. But even after these remedies the cat’s ears are still cold and feel a bit swollen, then they might be going through frostbite.
Frostbite
Frostbite can be a huge reason for a cat’s swollen, stiff, and very cold ears.
In these conditions, the cat’s ears also become a bit blue in color due to the crystallization of tissues and may also be a reason for pain when touched.
Here the owner must take the cat immediately to a veterinarian for special care and examination to avoid any serious health issue.
Anxiety
Another reason your cat might be having cold ears is that they are simply new to an environment.
Keep a check on their behavior and see if they feel nervous due to a change in environment.
Try relieving cats of their nervousness by engaging them in fun activities like playing with them and strolling with them around the neighborhood so that they have a good recognition of a new place.
What to do when your cat’s ears are cold
Well, the first thing you need to do is to consult the veterinarian and let them know about this condition to avoid any possible health concern for your pet.
In case your cat is ever exposed to the harsh cold weather, bring your cat inside the house immediately, cover them in dry towels and try bringing their core temperature back.
Giving your cat a few warm water bottles would help their temperature to come back to normal.
However, in some cases, cats might need warm IV fluids to get their temperature back to the usual.
If your cat is one of those who need one, you need to contact your cat’s veterinarian as soon as possible.
According to MedVet, underlying health conditions such as hypothyroidism and hypoglycemia can possibly be the cause of hypothermia in cats.
If you feel your cat’s ears cold, holding them and cuddling would help a lot. Natural body heat would comfort the little pal and also let them know that you are here for them.
If the problem’s due to the cat’s anxiety about the new place, then engage it in outdoor activities to help the feline acclimatize to its new environment.
Conclusion
Prevention is better than cure. Keep your cat as safe as possible in colder months and keep them covered.
Also, cats with declining immune systems and health issues need extra care, especially aging cats. Their body temperature is lower as compared to younger cats.
Keep warm dry towels near whenever you feel their ears cold.
Contact a vet right away if their cold ears are now a routine.