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Dr Kim Kendall
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 The classic image of the cat by the fireplace represents many of the facets of feline fascination. How can they sit so close? What are they thinking about? Will she purr when I pat her? Although very few modern homes have the old fashioned fireplace, the cat still gets the warmest spot! A visitor can always tell where the draught is least and the warmth is greatest by the feline heat seeking instinct. Sit next to a cat and you will be comfortable!
So how do we poor modern souls try to pamper our cats through the winter months?
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How can a cat sit so close to the fire?
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One of the interesting things about cats is their LACK of sensitivity to heat. They cannot feel heat on their footpads (which is why many a kitten is burnt jumping on the cooking hob – they don’t get off until their feet are burnt). They can detect heat with their nose leather (for the purposes of testing food temperature one assumes). The feline coat is an excellent insulator, with the ‘air in their hair’ preventing rapid changes of temperature and protecting them from heat and cold. Their skin will actually tolerate a heat of up to 54° C, while we humans move on at about 42°C. That is why the cat can sit so close and feel so warm to the touch!
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Food for warmth
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So how do we poor modern souls try to pamper our cats through the winter months? Well, there are many and varied ways to keep your cat comfortable. The oldest method is feeding – horse people say a good feed is better than a rug, and certainly for cats who have to live out in the elements, food is the best ‘warmer up’ there is.
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Heating mats
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For the more leisured cat, there are heating mats that run on a few watts of power, so they don’t overheat. These can really make a difference to an older cat or one with arthritis. Many a venerable feline has improved just with a warming bed to sleep 23 hours a day away. Veterinarians commonly use them for animals recovering from surgery or illness. If you think your cat would benefit from a heating pad your vet can organize one for you.
There are variations on the theme, such as ‘thermo-reflecting cushions’ that have a silvery reflective lining (like the ones ambulances use for hypothermic people).
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Cushions and 'igloos'
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Furry or fleecy cushions and ‘igloos’ are also very popular. These come as natural wool, or synthetic wool and both are washable. Snooza makes a pure wool futon mattress that keeps pets warm in winter and cool in summer. They are great for using inside, in the car, on the back verandah or for taking on holidays and a removable calico cover means they are easily washed.
Cats will fight for their place on a nice soft cushion (or two), especially in a warm or sunny spot. Washable inserts and removable covers make care easy, as well as allowing for a change in style if your cat chooses. Perhaps a faux fur leopard or cowhide print? Vet chic!
All cats love to hide & find a cosy ‘cave’ to snuggle in. The Snooza Igloo ensures they can do it comfortably and in style, with a range of tartan or luxury faux fur prints covering comfy foam in an ‘igloo’ design. These really get the thumbs up from cats!
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It's the position that counts
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Of course, you can never predict what a cat will like, and some cats ignore the most fabulous offerings in favour of a cardboard box and towel! Or the owner’s bed! Quite often it is the position of the bed that counts rather than the material. Cats like to be high enough to view the scenery, and send messages of demand with their meows or messages of love with their purrs. Always let your cat tell you what they want. It’s much less wasteful!
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Author: Dr Kim Kendall BVSc MACVSc (Feline Medicine) graduated from the University of Sydney in 1982 and established the East Chatswood Cat Clinic in 1994, a dedicated cat-only Veterinary Clinic. The practice does everything for cats and is a full service veterinary clinic.
www.catclinic.com.au
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