Best AC Temperature for Cats at Home

As a cat owner, your feline friend is part of the family. You go above and beyond to ensure they’re happy and healthy. But have you ever considered that your thermostat settings might be making your cat uncomfortable?

Your cat might just spend more time inside of your home than you do (we know, we know, don’t get jealous). So it only makes sense to consider what the best temperature is for your feline companion.

Read on to learn the ideal house temperature for cats.

What’s the Ideal House Temperature for Cats?

While cats can survive in a wide range of temperatures (around as low as 30 degrees and as high as 115 degrees), that doesn’t mean they’re comfortable in these climates. Just like you, your cat feels their best at a certain temperature.

If you’re trying to decide what thermostat settings to choose for your furry friend, we recommend considering the following factors.

Size

Cats come in all sizes. If your feline friend is on the smaller side, then they will lose body heat through their skin more quickly than a larger cat. Kittens in particular need in a warmer climate as they can easily suffer from hypothermia, even in relatively normal environments.

Weight

Is your cat lean and agile or do they have a little more to love? Your cat’s weight is another factor that can influence their body temperature. If your cat is lean, it will get colder faster than a cat that is a heavier weight.

Coat

Cats with thin, short coats tend to get colder faster than cats with long, thick coats. A Siberian cat or a Maine Coonm for example, are much more prepared for cold temperatures than a Burmese cat or a tabby.

Age

Kittens get colder faster and easier than older cats do. If you have a kitten at home, it’s important to ensure they’re warm.

Health

Certain health problems can affect how much heat a cat does (or doesn’t) give off. Cats with thyroid problems, for example, are more averse to warmer climates. Cats that have an infection or another type of sickness will feel much better with a little warmth.

With the factors above in mind, you can set your thermostat to an ideal temperature for your cat. Here is what we recommend:

Winter

We recommend homeowners set their thermostat between 69 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit whenever they’re at home in the winter months.

If your cat is healthy, you don’t need to worry too much about them being cold indoors. At the temperature above, they will be more than comfy. If your furry friend is smaller, on the lean side, or a kitten, you might want to set your thermostat slightly higher.

Homeowners often wonder what temperature is too low for their cat. If you’re going to be away and want to program your thermostat to a more efficient setting, we recommend setting it no lower than 60 degrees. Don’t forget to make sure your cat has a soft, warm bed to curl up in. If you have blinds, leave them open so your cat can get some sun if they like.

Summer

During the summer season, we recommend keeping your thermostat settings between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. At this temperature, your cat should be comfortable. If you have a large cat or a cat with long, thick fur, they may be more comfortable with the temperature set a few degrees lower.

If you’re going to be out of your home and want to program your thermostat to a more efficient setting, set it no higher than 82 degrees. Don’t forget to make sure your cat has fresh water, food, and a shaded area to relax in.

Energy Saving Tips for Pet Owners

With the right thermostat and thermostat settings, you can keep your cat comfortable while keeping your energy consumption low.

These are our top energy-saving tips for pet owners:

1. Invest in a programmable thermostat

You want your cat to feel comfortable throughout the day, but you also want to do so without having to leave your air conditioner running for hours while you’re not at home.

Investing in a programmable thermostat means you get the best of both worlds. With a programmable thermostat, you can program your device to automatically adjust the temperature in your home to something more efficient while you’re at work, running errands, or doing another activity.

2. Set your thermostat to the right temperature for each season

Energy savings start with knowing how to use your thermostat to your advantage. We recommend setting your thermostat between 69 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit whenever you’re home in the winter months. When the summer season starts, try bumping up your thermostat settings to somewhere between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home.

When considering your pets, you can set your thermostat a little lower in the winter or higher in the summer while you’re out. While you obviously don’t want to subject your cat to extreme temperatures, cats can handle temperature discrepancies better than humans.

3. Ditch the fans

If you have been using your fans to keep your cat cool, don’t be fooled! Your cat doesn’t cool off by sweating the same way you do. This means they don’t really feel the benefits of a fan like we might. Fans simply circulate the air throughout your home and do little when it comes to lowering the temperature. Rather than wasting excess energy on running a fan, turn them off and adjust your thermostat instead.

Learn More About Programmable Thermostats at A Plus Air Conditioning

If you haven’t already invested in a programmable thermostat, we recommend it for keeping your furry friend as comfortable as possible throughout the day. At A Plus Air, we provide thermostat installation services and more throughout North Central Florida and would love to answer any questions you have. Call us at (352) 374-4988 or contact us online.