Creating a comfortable space for cats who are sensitive to humidity
The high humidity of the rainy season is a big enemy
Humidity rises dramatically during the rainy season. Continuously humid days can make you feel unwell. Cats, like humans, are also sensitive to this season. Their sticky skin can make them irritable and they may have trouble falling asleep. They may also lose their appetite. As a result, their physical strength declines and they may encounter various problems. This article explains why cats are susceptible to humidity, as well as common illnesses and countermeasures against humidity.
Why cats are sensitive to humidity
The African wildcat, the ancestor of cats, lived in desert regions and therefore tends to be tolerant of dry heat. However, they do not do well in hot and humid climates like Japan. This is because they only have sweat glands in their paws, making it difficult for heat to escape, and when humidity rises, the amount of moisture in the air increases, making it difficult for sweat to evaporate. Another reason is that humidity makes it difficult for moisture in saliva to evaporate when the cat grooms itself. Cats lower their body temperature by using the heat of vaporization when their saliva evaporates.
What is the optimum room temperature and humidity?
So, what are the ideal room temperature and humidity levels? According to the Ministry of the Environment's "Interpretation and Operational Guidelines for Dog and Cat Husbandry Management Standards in Animal Handling Businesses"*1, a room temperature of around 20-23°C and a humidity level of around 50% are generally recommended. However, for cats that are sensitive to humidity, it is said that the temperature needs to be cooler. The optimal room temperature and humidity levels will also vary depending on the cat's breed, habits, and individual physical characteristics and health condition, so please find what is best for your beloved cat.
By the way, some people may think that winter is a safe time because humidity levels drop, but on the contrary, dryness can be a problem. When humidity levels drop below 20%, static electricity is more likely to occur, and brushing can be painful. Also, if your cat does not drink enough water, it may develop urinary tract diseases. Cats tend to become immobile in warm places and will not move to places where there is water, so be careful.
Health hazards caused by high humidity
Next, we will explain the main diseases that are likely to occur from the rainy season to summer.
1. Heatstroke
The mechanism behind this condition is the same as in humans: when heat builds up inside the body and the body temperature rises. If your cat starts panting with its mouth open, it's time to be careful. Long-haired cats, kittens, senior cats, overweight cats, and brachycephalic cats with collapsed noses that make it difficult for them to breathe due to their skeletal structure are particularly susceptible to this condition.
2. Diseases caused by fleas and ticks
Fleas become active when the temperature reaches 13°C, and mites become active at 20°C, and they multiply more when the humidity rises, so you need to be more careful than usual. For example,
Flea allergy dermatitis
A red rash appears on the neck, back, and buttocks, accompanied by intense itching. Scratching the rash may cause hair loss and bleeding.
Scabies, ear mites
The intense itching can cause the cat to shake its head violently. Another characteristic is the production of black earwax.
3. Diseases caused by fungi
Fungi are molds, and the rainy season is their season of proliferation. They are classified as yeasts, molds, and hyphal fungi, and while some are harmless and can be effectively used in human food, others can be harmful.
・Dermatophytosis
The fungus causes hair loss on the face, ears, hands, and feet, and can cause flaky, bumpy skin and severe itching.
Malassezia dermatitis and Malassezia otitis externa
This is a disease caused by the abnormal proliferation of yeast, which causes redness and itching of the skin and ears.
In addition, sweating of the fur can cause acute moist dermatitis (hot spots) and aggravate atopic dermatitis. It can be really distressing to see your pet suffering from itching.
To maintain a proper indoor environment
However, with a little effort on your part, you can protect your beloved cat from its enemies. To maintain the best room temperature and humidity, try the following:
・Ventilate frequently
To allow trapped humidity to escape outdoors, open two or more windows or doors to create a breeze path.
Move the bed to a cooler place
Choose a place with good ventilation and shade to place your bed. The key point is to make sure that it is not directly exposed to the air conditioner's breeze. If your body gets too cold, you will get sick.
Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier
You can be sure to use the dehumidification function or room temperature setting on your air conditioner. Alternatively, you can set the humidity level on a dehumidifier or a freestanding clothes dryer/dehumidifier used when hanging laundry indoors. This kills two birds with one stone by drying laundry in a short time and dehumidifying at the same time.
・Place a dehumidifier
There are various types available, including fixed and hanging types. Please choose the appropriate type depending on where you sleep.
Furthermore, you can create the optimal environment by placing a mat and pillow made of materials that are highly moisture-absorbent and moisture-releasing in the sleeping area.
Beware of your cat's silent signs
For example, what if your cat suddenly changes its sleeping location? Perhaps the humidity is making its sleeping area uncomfortable. What if your cat starts grooming itself thoroughly during a long rainy season? It's possible that your cat isn't able to regulate its body temperature. Long-haired cats in particular are prone to eczema due to their skin becoming damp, and can even develop bald spots from licking their skin. Cats can't speak, so they can't tell you if they're uncomfortable or unwell. If you notice something strange, take action immediately.
Onddoka dehumidifying mat and pillow
At Onddoka, we offer mattresses and pillows made from Bell Oasis®, a cotton-like fiber with a moisture-absorbing capacity seven times that of cotton and twice that of silica gel, as well as mouton pillows with heat and cold insulation properties. The outer fabric is made from natural materials, so it feels smooth and comfortable against the skin, even in summer. It also has excellent deodorizing properties. We also have bed and set designs, so please take a look.
*1 <Reference> Interpretation and operational guidelines for dog and cat husbandry management standards for animal handling businesses https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/2_data/pamph/r0305a/full.pdf