How to use air conditioning for cats! Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity

Japan's rainy season and summer are hot and humid. Even for cats, who are said to be heat-tolerant, there is a very real risk of heatstroke.

An air conditioner is essential to help them get through it safely. By effectively using the cooling and dehumidifying functions, you can maintain a comfortable environment for your cat.

Here, we will explain how to use your air conditioner properly, including the ideal temperature and humidity for cats, and what to do if your cat dislikes the AC.

Ideal AC temperature for cats

A cat's normal body temperature is around 38–39°C, which is slightly higher than that of humans.

The room temperature cats find comfortable is also slightly higher than what we prefer. The ideal room temperature during the rainy season and summer is about 27–30°C, with humidity between 40–60%.

When turning on the AC, try setting the cooling function to 26–28°C and check the room temperature. If you are using the dehumidification function, please also adjust the settings while monitoring the room temperature and humidity.

Use dehumidification if it's too cold

Cold air from the AC pools near the floor, so depending on where the cat bed is located, it may feel colder than the set temperature. Also, be careful because the tops of cat towers may be directly hit by the AC airflow.

Try adjusting settings, such as switching to a "quiet" mode or using the dehumidification function.

Should you leave the AC on while you're out?

If you leave a room closed up while you are out, the temperature and humidity will rise more than you might imagine.It is safer to leave the air conditioner on when your cat is home alone.

Short-nosed breeds and long-haired breeds are especially prone to heatstroke and require extra attention. Kittens and senior cats also struggle to regulate their body temperature, so it is necessary to maintain a comfortable environment with the AC.

Electricity bills are a concern, but nothing is more important than your cat's life. Consider energy-saving measures such as setting the airflow to "auto."

When to start using the AC

At what room temperature should you start using the AC? Keep these guidelines in mind.

When the temperature reaches 26–28°C

It can reach midsummer temperatures even before the rainy season ends. Turn on the AC when the room temperature exceeds 26–28°C or when you start to feel hot yourself.

If your cat shows signs of being hot

If your cat is sleeping on their back or hanging out in cool places like wood flooring or the bathroom, these are signs they are feeling the heat. Ensure they stay hydrated and turn on the AC to lower the temperature.

If humidity exceeds 60%

If your cat seems lethargic or is sleeping constantly, the humidity may be too high. Cats are descended from desert dwellers and find humidity much harder to handle than heat. Because high humidity can easily lead to health issues, make good use of the dehumidification function.

Why cats might dislike the AC

You turn on the AC with the best of intentions, but your cat dislikes it and leaves the room. This is a common problem.

Let's consider why cats dislike the AC and how you can handle it.

The AC noise is unpleasant

Cats have much better hearing than humans—they can even detect the faint sound of mouse footsteps. It is said they can distinguish frequencies in a wide range from 25 Hz to 75,000 Hz.

Therefore, they may find the sound of the AC, which is inaudible to humans, to be unpleasant.

The room is too cold

Even if it feels comfortable to you, your cat might find it too cold. The room may also be cooler than your AC setting suggests.

They dislike the airflow

Humans have sweat glands all over their bodies, so we feel cooler when air hits us. Cats only have sweat glands in their paw pads, so they may not feel "cool" from the wind at all, and may simply find it annoying.

How to deal with a cat that dislikes the AC

If they absolutely refuse to stay in the AC, you can use a window screen lock to keep the window open, use a cooling mat, install blackout/heat-shielding curtains, leave a well-ventilated bathroom door open (with the water drained), or create a space that the AC airflow doesn't reach.

However, you shouldn't have to suffer on hot midsummer days without AC. In such cases, keep doors between the air-conditioned room and other rooms open so the cat can come and go as they please. You can leave the door slightly ajar and use a doorstop to keep it in place.

Cats are adept at finding comfortable spots. Try to arrange your home so they can choose their own location.

Precautions when using the AC

Leaving the AC on is effective for preventing heatstroke in cats. However, some cats may dislike it and retreat to another room, or others may stay in one spot even if it's not the most comfortable.

Since they may drink less water than usual, you should be concerned about dehydration and heatstroke. It also places a burden on their kidneys.

Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times by providing multiple water stations. If your cat doesn't seem to be drinking enough, try using a fountain-style automatic water dispenser.

Also, consider that power outages or sudden breakdowns can occur. Just as with dealing with a cat that dislikes the AC, it is important to have other heat countermeasures ready beyond just the AC.

Take humidity measures for the "cat collar" too

It is also important to take care of your cat's collar during the hot and humid rainy season and summer.

Cat collars are worn as a precaution against escape. However, high humidity can cause bacteria and mold to thrive. Not only can this cause unpleasant odors, but it can also lead to dermatitis and even "collar hair loss."

For your cat's health, we recommend changing their collar once or twice a week during the humid season.

It is a good idea to sterilize the collar your cat was wearing by applying iron steam. Disinfectant sprays are also fine, but be sure to choose an "unscented" one.

Summary

Many owners find themselves checking the weather forecast more often after they start living with a cat. You'll be especially concerned on days when your cat is home alone, as the risk of heatstroke becomes a worry.

Since Japan's rainy season and summers are hot and humid, an "air conditioner" is essential. Set it to maintain a temperature of 27–30°C and humidity of 40–60% to prevent heatstroke.

Since many cats dislike the AC, keep doors slightly ajar so they can move freely, and have other heat-mitigation strategies in place. This will provide peace of mind in the event of a power outage or AC breakdown.

Also, don't forget to maintain your cat's collar. Mold and bacteria can cause dermatitis, which can worsen into hair loss. Change their collar once or twice a week and sanitize it with iron steam or disinfectant spray.

Every cat has their own preference for temperature and humidity. However, "heat" and "high humidity" are major enemies of a cat's health. Make good use of your air conditioner while discovering what your cat prefers best.

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