Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Today's Trivia - Cats and High Temperatures

I often find my cats basking in the sun even on those really warm summer days. And I wonder how in the world they tolerate it. Just looking at the heat and sunshine beating down on them makes me break out in a sweat! Don’t they overheat with that fur coat on?

Well, apparently...not that easily...

 
 

Possibly because of their descent from desert-dwelling species, cats are able to tolerate relatively high temperatures. They show no discomfort until their skin reaches around 52°C (126°F), and can tolerate temperatures of up to 56°C (133°F) if they have access to water. Humans generally start to feel uncomfortable when their skin temperature passes about 38 °C (100 °F).

And that explains it.

 

32 comments:

  1. It is also preparing them for their descent into hell because cats are evil. ;-)

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  2. Hilarious pics! Mine loves lying in the sun (when it's out) and rolls around contentedly for hours on a sunny day. he is a super furry Maine Coon, so I was wondering about how he could take so much heat!

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    1. A friend of mine has a Maine Coon, and it lies in the sun, too. I used to wonder how in the world it didn't boil to death!!

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  3. Ah, adorable!! I think cats would enjoy the nice North American sun, so pleasant especially when there's still a bit of chill in the air; here, they avoid it -- I imagine they'd just get roasted! Weirdly though, sometimes I'd see Kip siting out in the blazing heat...

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    1. You are probably right. I can't imagine the cats lying in the sun in areas that are extremely hot. It's a little easier for them where I live.

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  4. Aww that is so cute!!! The last two pictures are how my cat Ming likes to sleep. Except he doesn't sleep in the sun, that would be too hot! Our cats like to look for the coolest spots in the house, just like me!!

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    1. I love when the animals lie around on their backs like that. It's a very vulnerable position, so it depicts how much they trust us.

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  5. I didn't know that. Amazing creatures!

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    1. I just learned about it this week. I went to search for info about why cats enjoy lying in the sun and VOILA!

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  6. ahahahaha so funny!

    -liv
    http://chocolivlovelaugh.blogspot.kr

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  7. Solar recharge, love it! HRH knows exactly where the sunbeams will be in our house at every hour of the day and makes sure she is there to bask in them.

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  8. We have one of each type: a sun-worshiping female who would stay there 24/7 but for the need to eat and poop; and a cool cat who shuns the rays... he will actually get up and walk away if the sunlight "accidentally" reaches his spot.

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    1. One warm, one cool. They sound like fluorescent lights...LOL...

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  9. Those were all cute! My pets can be found wherever there is a sunbeam. All 4 of them.

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  10. Great pics! Mine will shove each other out of the sun and fight over it. Cats are funny.

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  11. Such cute pictures! I need to channel more of the first one. Be :)

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  12. Replies
    1. I know... I stay away from the sun. It makes me overheat and that drives me batty!

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  13. Thank you Auntie Martha for the birthday wishes!!!

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    1. Awww...this is very sweet! You are welcome :) You are adorable and kind...just like your momma! The fruit does not fall far from the tree.

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  14. Lol, I get uncomfortable as soon as it gets past 72 degrees. But our cats love going outside in the heat and staying indoors on chilly days.

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    1. I hear ya. I'm not one for heat either. Drives me crazy when it's too hot!

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  15. Yep those crazy cats!I love the first comment by Birdie! When we occasionally light the fireplace and get a really good fire going, the cats will get right up next to it. Fortunately we have glass doors, otherwise I think the sparks would ignite them!

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    1. Birdie's comment is hilarious!

      Thank goodness you have the glass doors or else...!

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  16. HAHA They really do love the sun, mine find the weirdest places to lay down and can not for the life of me figure out how they got there or how the could even be comfortable!

    Alice

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    1. If there is sun, they will somehow manage to find it...and squeeze into the space if necessary!

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