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. With continuous humid days, it's easy to get sick. In fact, cats, like humans, are sensitive to this season. Their skin becomes sticky, they become irritable, and they have trouble falling asleep. They may also lose their appetite. As a result, they lose their strength and may encounter various problems. In this article, we will explain why cats are sensitive to humidity, as well as the diseases they are prone to and how to deal with humidity.
Why are cats sensitive to humidity?
Cats' ancestors, the African wildcats, lived in desert regions and therefore tend to be tolerant of dry heat. However, they do not do well in hot and humid climates like Japan. This is because only their paws have sweat glands, making it difficult for heat to escape, and when humidity rises, the amount of moisture in the air increases, making it harder for sweat to evaporate. Another reason is that humidity makes it harder for moisture in saliva to evaporate when the cat grooms itself. Cats use the heat of vaporization when their saliva evaporates to lower their body temperature.
What is the optimal room temperature and humidity?
So what are the ideal room temperature and humidity? According to the Ministry of the Environment's "Interpretation and Operational Guidelines for the Breeding and Management Standards for Dogs and Cats in Animal Handling Businesses"*1, a room temperature of around 20-23°C and a humidity of around 50% are generally recommended. However, for cats that are sensitive to humidity, it is necessary to keep it cooler. In addition, the optimal room temperature and humidity will 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 it is okay in winter because the humidity level drops, but on the contrary, dryness can be a problem. When the humidity level drops 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 will stop moving 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. Heat stroke
The mechanism of this condition is the same as in humans, where heat builds up inside the body and causes the body temperature to rise. 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. Higher humidity levels will increase their numbers, so you need to be extra careful. For example, there are the following:
Flea allergy dermatitis
A red rash appears on the neck, back, and buttocks, and is accompanied by severe itching. You may scratch the rash, which may result in hair loss or bleeding.
Scabies, ear 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 what we call molds, and the rainy season is their season of proliferation. They are classified as yeasts, molds, and hyphae, 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. It 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 an itchy pet.
To maintain a proper indoor environment
However, with a little effort on your part, you can protect your beloved cat from these enemies. To maintain the best room temperature and humidity, try the following:
・Ventilate the room frequently
To allow trapped moisture to escape, open two or more windows or doors to create an air passage.
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 wind. 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 of your air conditioner. Alternatively, you can set the humidity level on a dehumidifier or a free-standing clothes dryer dehumidifier used when hanging out laundry indoors. It dries your laundry in a short time and dehumidifies your home, killing two birds with one stone.
Place a dehumidifier
There are various types, such as stationary and hanging types. Please use them according to the location of your sleeping area.
In addition, you can create the ideal environment by placing a mat and pillow made of materials that have high moisture absorption and release properties in the sleeping area.
Beware of your cat's silent signs
For example, what if your cat suddenly changes where it sleeps? Maybe the humidity is making its sleeping area uncomfortable. What if your cat starts grooming itself thoroughly during a long rainy season? It may not be able to regulate its body temperature. Long-haired cats in particular are prone to eczema due to the heat generated by their skin becoming steamy, and may even develop bald spots. Cats cannot speak, so they cannot tell you if they are uncomfortable or unwell. If you think something is wrong, take action immediately.
Onddoka dehumidifying mat and pillow
At Onddoka, we offer mattresses and pillows made of BELLOASIS®, a cotton-like fiber that has a moisture absorbing capacity seven times that of cotton and twice that of silica gel, as well as mouton pillows that have a heat and cold insulation effect. The outer fabric is made of natural materials, so it feels smooth and comfortable even in summer. It also has excellent deodorizing properties. We also have designs that can be used as a set with the bed, so please take a look.
※1 ＜Reference＞ Interpretation and operational guidelines for keeping and managing dogs and cats in animal handling businesses https://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/aigo/2_data/pamph/r0305a/full.pdf