Low Body Temperature in Cats

Hypothermia is a serious health condition that can become a life-threatening situation within minutes if the feline is unable to restore its core body temperature. Outdoor cats, stray cats, short haired and hairless cats are commonly affected by hypothermia during the winter months, but cats that undergo surgery are also at risk. Anesthesia slows the heart rate and flow of blood, resulting in a lower body temperature. Veterinary professionals use proactive methods during the use of anesthesia to prevent hypothermia, but prolonged surgeries can put a cat at risk. Low body temperature can also be an after-effect of cats in shock, cardiovascular disease and limb thromboembolism, so seeking a proper diagnosis from a veterinary professional is a must. 

A cat’s normal body temperature is between 37.7 and 39.2C or 100 to 102.5F. When a feline’s core temperature drops below the standard value, he or she is believed to have low body temperature. Low body temperature, or hypothermia, has initial signs of shivering as the body uses muscle contractions in an attempt to warm itself. If the feline cannot restore body temperature in time, the condition soon becomes severe, resulting in slow blood flow, a decreased heart rate and eventual death. Cats with short hair, or hairless cats, living in cold environments are the most susceptible to low body temperature. 

Symptoms of hypothermia range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause and the amount of time the cat’s temperature has remained below normal. Low body temperature in cats can easily be detected by a cat owner through the following symptoms:

Mild Low Body Temperature

• Lethargy
• Listlessness
• Cold skin 
• Shivering

Moderate Low Body Temperature

• Blue or pale gums
• Slow heartbeat
• Slow, shallow breath
• Drowsiness

Severe Low Body Temperature

• Coma 
• Collapse
• Death 

Environment-Associated Hypothermia 

The cause of low body temperature in cats is quite similar to the cause of hypothermia in humans. If your cat has become wet and is the temperature is cold, the feline’s temperature could easily drop. Cats that are left outside in the rain or snow without shelter can easily develop environment associated hypothermia. Cats with short hair or no hair are most susceptible to this type of hypothermia, as well as infants and elderly cats. 

Anesthesia-Associated Hypothermia

Cats which undergo lengthy surgeries that require heavy sedation are prone to anesthesia-related hypothermia. Anesthesia slows the heart rate, slows the breath, and blocks all nerve receptors, preventing the cat from moving or feeling. As anesthesia slows bodily functions, it also lowers the body’s core temperature and the cat could develop hypothermia if not properly monitored. 

Toxicity-Related Hypothermia 

Cats that ingest ivermectin (a parasite medication), paracetamol (acetaminophen), rat poisoning, or other toxic substances can experience blood loss and low heart rate, resulting in a low body temperature. 

Shock-Related Hypothermia

Septic shock related to an intestinal leakage or infection of the blood can cause a feline to go into shock and suffer a lower core temperature. 

Low body temperature in cats can be easily diagnosed through the use of a rectal thermometer, which will give the veterinarian an estimate of your cat’s core temperature. A physical examination of the feline is also a very helpful diagnostic tool for the veterinarian as symptoms such as shivering, blue mucous membranes, and a weak appearance are clear warning signs of hypothermia. During this time, the veterinarian will ask you to talk about your cat’s current medications, behavior at home, and the chance of accidental ingestion of a poisonous substance. 

The main treatment goal in a cat with low body temperature is to warm her up and increase her core body temperature. There are two treatment options for increasing the body temperature in a cat: passive external and active internal methods. 

Passive External

Passive external treatment is used in cats with mild to moderate hypothermia. The feline is warmed from the outside through the use of blankets, heating pads, and heated water bottles. Heating pads and heated water bottles will be covered by protective blankets to prevent burns to the cat’s skin. A hair dryer should NEVER be used to restore a cat’s core body temperature. 

Active Internal 

Active internal treatment is used in severe cases of hypothermia, as the veterinarian will warm the feline from the inside out. Intravenous fluids and heat ventilation are commonly used during active internal treatments, but your veterinarian may choose one or the other. 

Low body temperature in cats can have a positive result if immediate treatment is sought by the pet owner. The longer a cat remains hypothermic, the greater the chance for permanent tissue damage to result as the blood flow was slowed for that length of time. Your veterinarian may ask to hospitalize the cat for a couple of days or for you to keep the cat isolated to the indoors to monitor her condition.