Beware of "Air Conditioning Sickness" in Cats During Summer
Summer has arrived, and many devoted cat owners, concerned that their feline companions might overheat, thoughtfully turn on air conditioning to keep them cool. But did you know that cats can also suffer from a condition similar to humans' "air conditioning sickness"? Excessive exposure to cold air from AC can actually make cats ill.
Just like people, cats are sensitive to temperature changes. While air conditioning helps prevent overheating, prolonged or direct exposure to cold drafts can cause problems such as dry skin, respiratory irritation, and even chills or cold symptoms akin to "air conditioning sickness". In particular, cats lying directly in front of an AC vent can develop cold-related ailments, which may include congestion, stiffness, or lethargy.
Older cats, those with short fur, or cats with pre-existing respiratory issues are especially vulnerable. The dry cool air can also exacerbate skin dryness and respiratory discomfort. Moreover, the sudden transition from a hot outdoor environment to an overly air-conditioned room can stress their bodies, sometimes leading to illness.
To keep your cat both comfortable and healthy this summer, it's important to maintain a moderate indoor temperature—ideally around 22-26°C (72-79°F)—and ensure they have warm, cozy resting spots away from direct air vents. Monitoring your cat's behavior is also essential; if they seem to avoid certain rooms, shiver, or curl up excessively, the environment may be too cold for them.
By balancing air conditioning use and your cat's comfort needs, you can protect your pet from the downsides of air conditioning while keeping them cool and safe throughout the hot season.
3 Common Symptoms of Air Conditioning Sickness in Cats
Former Japanese pet care specialist Koizumi summarizes the three common symptoms of cats' "air-conditioning sickness" that owners must keep firmly in mind.
1. Cat Sneezing and Runny Nose: Causes and Risks
When the weather is very cold or the indoor environment is too dry, cats may begin sneezing and experiencing a runny nose, much like having a common cold. Additionally, if the air conditioner filters are not regularly cleaned, accumulated dust and mold inside can also trigger allergic reactions in cats.
Cats have relatively delicate respiratory systems, so prolonged coughing or sneezing can easily develop into more serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Therefore, it is important not to ignore persistent respiratory symptoms in your cat.
2. Understanding Your Cat's Discomfort: Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Poor Appetite
Just as some individuals experience stomach upset or the need to use the restroom frequently when exposed to air conditioning, cats can also develop gastrointestinal issues if they are exposed to cold air for too long. This can manifest as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or even a loss of appetite and vomiting. If you notice your cat suddenly reluctant to eat, passing softer stools, or frequently visiting the litter box, it's important to consider if they might be feeling too cold.
Signs Your Cat Might Be Cold
While the translated text highlights gastrointestinal issues potentially linked to cold exposure, several other signs indicate your cat might be feeling cold:
- Shivering: Similar to humans, cats may shiver when they are cold. However, shivering can also be a symptom of anxiety, pain, or illness, so observing other behaviors is important.
- Hunching Down and Puffed Fur: A cold cat might hunch closer to the ground and slightly puff up their fur to conserve warmth.
- Cold Extremities: Their ears, tail, or nose may feel cooler than usual to the touch. If their skin feels cold, it could signal more serious conditions like shock or hypothermia.
- Seeking Warmth: Cats feeling cold will actively look for warmer spots, such as burrowing under covers, snuggling on laps, or lying near heat sources like radiators.
- Lethargy and Decreased Appetite: When cold, cats direct their energy toward staying warm, which can lead to reduced activity levels and a decrease in eating.
Cold-Related Symptoms vs. Cat Colds
It's important to distinguish between a cat feeling cold and a cat having a "cold" (an upper respiratory infection). While some symptoms overlap, particularly reduced appetite, they are distinct conditions.
Symptoms of a Cat Cold (Upper Respiratory Infection)
Cat colds are typically caused by viral infections, such as feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, and are highly contagious among cats. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose (nasal discharge)
- Watery eyes (discharge from eyes)
- Coughing
- Mild fever
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
- Sores in the mouth or corneal ulcers in more severe cases
If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, or if your cat stops eating or has difficulty breathing, veterinary attention is necessary.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If you suspect your cat is too cold and exhibiting signs like shivering, lethargy, or refusal to eat, providing warmth is a good first step, such as an extra blanket. However, if your cat's core body temperature becomes dangerously low, it can lead to hypothermia, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of hypothermia include severe shivering (which may eventually stop), cold extremities, pale gums, weak movements, slow heart rate, and confusion.
For cat colds, most cases are mild and resolve within one to two weeks. However, if symptoms worsen after four days, or if your cat develops a cough, difficulty breathing, or stops eating or drinking, immediate veterinary consultation is crucial. Never administer human cold medication to your cat without consulting a vet.
3. Bladder Inflammation in Cats
Bladder inflammation, also known as cystitis, is one of the common ailments in cats. One potential trigger for this condition is exposure to air conditioning that is set too cold. When the weather is chilly, cats tend to drink less water, which reduces their urination frequency. As a result, urine stays in the bladder for too long, increasing the risk of bladder inflammation.
If you notice your cat repeatedly entering and exiting the litter box without producing urine, or if your cat cries out in pain while urinating, it is important to be vigilant and seek veterinary advice promptly.
How to Prevent Air Conditioning Sickness in Cats?
1. Maintaining Air Conditioner Temperature for Your Cat's Comfort
When using an air conditioner at home, it's important to keep the temperature between 25°C and 28°C. Cats are sensitive to cold, so try to avoid setting the air conditioner below 25°C.
Additionally, using the timer function on your air conditioner is a good idea to prevent it from running all day long. This helps maintain a comfortable environment for your cat while also saving energy.
2. How to Adjust Air Conditioner Direction for Your Cat's Comfort
When using an air conditioner around your cat, it's important to ensure they stay comfortable and healthy. One simple yet effective tip is to adjust the air conditioner's airflow direction upwards.
By directing the cool air upwards, you avoid having cold air blow directly onto your cat, which can be uncomfortable or even harmful. Instead, the air circulates evenly throughout the room, helping to cool the entire space gently and uniformly.
This adjustment not only protects your feline friend from direct cold drafts but also creates a more pleasant environment for everyone in the room. Keep your cat safe and cool by simply aiming the air flow upward!
3. Providing a Warm Resting Space for Cats
It's important to create a cozy and comfortable resting environment for your cat. Allow your cat to freely enter and exit the air-conditioned room so they can regulate their temperature as needed. Additionally, place cushions and small blankets in other areas of your home to offer warm spots where your cat can snuggle up and stay warm when they feel cold.
4. Keeping Your Cat Warm Indoors
When you turn on the air conditioning, the floor temperature can be colder than you might expect. To prevent your cat's paws and limbs from getting chilled, it's a good idea to spread a blanket or rug on the floor. This simple step helps keep your furry friend cozy and comfortable even in a cool environment.
Keeping Your Cat Healthy with Air Conditioning in Summer
Air conditioning is an indispensable tool for cooling down during the summer, but it can sometimes cause cats to become ill. To keep your feline friend comfortable and healthy throughout the hot season, it's important to manage the temperature properly, adjust the airflow direction, provide a warm space for your cat to retreat to, and carefully observe any changes in their health.
By taking these precautions, you can prevent what is commonly known as "air conditioning sickness" in cats, ensuring that your furry companion enjoys a comfortable and healthy summer.
