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Are you wondering if it is safe to leave your air conditioner on for your cat?

The answer is yes!

But only in situations in which humans would also appreciate air conditioning. When the temperature is high, air conditioning can help your cat stay cozy and reduce the risk of them getting heatstroke.

Cats can tolerate higher temperatures than human beings but they will probably need a cooler environment if the temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Some cats can show signs of stress such as panting or drooling just because the room temperature has increased by a few degrees due to an increase in humidity. So, you should decide if your feline needs air conditioning from their behavior rather than temperature.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of determining when and when not to use air conditioning for your cat. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about pet comfort.

What is the Best Temperature for Your Cat?

There is no one-size-fits-all temperature to ensure the comfort of your cat. It depends on a number of factors, which include:

• The size of your cat: Small cats prefer to be in a warmer environment. Anything between 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit can provide them with the comfort they need.

• The type and thickness of coat: Cats with thick and long fur coats prefer cooler temperatures than cats with thin coats.

• Weight of the cat: Underweight cats are usually weaker and more prone to health issues in extreme temperatures. If your cat is skinny and weak, you should consider leaving the AC on to protect it from heat exhaustion.

• Age of the cat: As cats get older, their ability to regulate their own body temperature decreases. You need to keep your older feline friend cozy and comfortable at all times.

Very young kittens tend to be sensitive to the cold. You should not leave the air conditioning system on for them. Instead, try to keep them warm and cozy.

The breed of the cat: Persian cats are at a higher risk of becoming overheated. Air conditioning can help them stay cool and reduce the risk of cat overheating during hot weather conditions.

Is Leaving the Air Conditioning System on a Good Idea?

Air conditioning costs can be a big addition to your home energy bills. So, leaving the AC unit on when you’re not at home may be a tough decision.

But cats like air conditioning, especially when they struggle to survive in high temperatures.

Cats only sweat from their paws. They also use methods like panting, stretching, and releasing excess body heat from their ears.

If you lock your cats in an enclosed space without airflow on the hottest days of the year, they may even die of heat exhaustion. So, it’s best to leave the air conditioning unit on to keep your cat cool.

You should also leave the air conditioners on if your cat shows any of the following signs of discomfort:

• Restless behavior
• Excessive paw sweating and panting
• Rapid breathing
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Body temperature over 101-103 degrees Fahrenheit

On the other hand, if you find your cat curled up or find them spending more time near the sunny windowsills, it means that your cat feels too cold. That’s when you should switch off your air conditioners and give them a warm area to rest.

The Best HVAC Tips for Pet Owners

To make sure that your cat or dog doesn’t feel chilly or too hot, you should maintain a comfortable indoor temperature at all times.

Here are a few tips that can help you maintain the ideal temperature for your feline companion:

• Keep your air conditioners in optimal working condition.
• Regularly change the AC filter to remove pet hair and debris and increase efficiency.
• Keep your AC setting at an ideal temperature range of 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use smart thermostats for temperature regulation.

Also read: Why is your AC blowing warm air and how to fix it?

Final Thoughts

The best way to shower your pets with love is to keep them comfortable and happy all year round. Your cat may need air conditioning during the summer just as they need to be kept warm during the winter.

You should only leave the air conditioner on for your cat when you can monitor your home temperature from wherever you are. We recommend using smart thermostats or smart AC controllers to make your cat or dog feel comfortable.

You should get your HVAC system serviced and cleaned regularly to check your air quality as pet fur can get stuck in the air vents of your air conditioner unit. Call us at (530) 903-6061 for HVAC services anytime.