Greetings,
Just a simple question, I have tried to google this but all I seem to find are articles about a cats internal body temp. I have 4 rescued cats all about 2-3 years of age by the vets estimate. With winter coming, is there an agreed upon temp to keep the thermostat at when I am not at home?
I try to use as little energy as possible to stay as green as I can, so before I had cats I would turn the thermostat down when I left for work (I work 10 to 12 hour days), and when I went to sleep. Now that I have cats to consider, I am just looking for some advice on this. I typically would set the thermostat to say 50 degrees when I was not home (again before being a cat owner).
Thanks!
Indoor temp for cats?
Re: Indoor temp for cats?
Rule of thumb, keep the house temp as comfortable as you would have it when you are home, especially in winter months (68 degrees F). Despite having a "fur coat", cats do get chilly and cold, and will try to seek warm areas, usually near appliances, which isn't necessarily a good thing.
50 degrees is too low! The standard house temp in winter months is no less than 68 degrees F, and if your thermostat is in proper working order, it will regulate heat/turn on when it senses the temp is too low. You can also help heat the home by keeping window shades/curtains open on the south and west sides so sunlight can come in.
If your home is older, you want to investigate cracks, crevices, ill-fitting doors and windows and address them to save energy and keep heat from escaping. Change filters in your furnace as often as the manufacturer recommends, and make sure it is inspected as often as necessary to ensure it is working properly and efficiently.
You can also provide kitty beds for them or a soft, fleecy blanket on top of your bed to help keep the kitties warm and comfortable, they like to be warm when they are napping.
50 degrees is too low! The standard house temp in winter months is no less than 68 degrees F, and if your thermostat is in proper working order, it will regulate heat/turn on when it senses the temp is too low. You can also help heat the home by keeping window shades/curtains open on the south and west sides so sunlight can come in.
If your home is older, you want to investigate cracks, crevices, ill-fitting doors and windows and address them to save energy and keep heat from escaping. Change filters in your furnace as often as the manufacturer recommends, and make sure it is inspected as often as necessary to ensure it is working properly and efficiently.
You can also provide kitty beds for them or a soft, fleecy blanket on top of your bed to help keep the kitties warm and comfortable, they like to be warm when they are napping.
..........Traci
Re: Indoor temp for cats?
Well, I have wondered about that myself, because Dolly although very thick fur gets cold easily especially as she is getting older. If I get under the cover she wants under too. Just this morning she was sleeping on the couch very fidigity so I put a throw over her and all was well for a 2 hour catnap. 
Re: Indoor temp for cats?
I am surprised about that. My cats and dogs in the house live at my preferred temp. Usually 64 at night, and 66 in the day time. I really don`t like it any warmer, and when coming in from the barn, I have to open a window or two in winter to cool down. Never thought that would be hard for the animals.
Re: Indoor temp for cats?
unfortunately, with the cost of LPGas and our house being TOTALLY LPGas, we keep our house between 62F and 65F...
however, we have old couch cushions at ALL of the heat vents, as well as LOTS of those microfiber/fleece blankets that the cats LOVE to sleep in and on....these are on furniture, on the cushions or in boxes that the cats have chosen for their own...
I keep curtains open and the sun shines in and they will follow the sunny spots throughout the day....
And most often, they sleep in pairs or groups....
however, we have old couch cushions at ALL of the heat vents, as well as LOTS of those microfiber/fleece blankets that the cats LOVE to sleep in and on....these are on furniture, on the cushions or in boxes that the cats have chosen for their own...
I keep curtains open and the sun shines in and they will follow the sunny spots throughout the day....
And most often, they sleep in pairs or groups....
Re: Indoor temp for cats?
Tambrey- If I come back I want it to be as one of your cats...they have it good and I bet are happy. btw- how is Tri...more pics!