Yes, cats can get very cold after a bath because their fur loses insulation when wet, causing their body temperature to drop, which can lead to shivering, lethargy, and even hypothermia, so thorough drying and keeping them warm is crucial to prevent discomfort and health issues. Stress from the experience can also contribute to trembling, making post-bath warmth important for recovery.
Be sure to dry your cat well after a bath so they don't remain damp and become cold. It might seem obvious, but your cat might feel cold to the touch if they're wet.
Cats will very often shake after a bath. Shivering is a natural response to being wet and cold and as long as you dry them off the best you can, it shouldn't last very long. Trembling helps to warm the body up and is their way of drying off a little quicker.
Place her on a heated pad. Pop the towel in the dryer and pull it out freshly warmed when her bath is done. Wrap her in it. Use calming and steady strokes to dry her. If no heating pad, place her by a space heater.
Curling Into a Ball
For many cats this is their go-to sleeping position, but this position can sometimes be a sign that they are feeling the cold. A cat that is feeling the cold will also tuck their paws and tail underneath them to keep extra warm. Always make sure that your cat is well fed, and watered.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
Key Takeaways
Cats can get cold if they're outside when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cats with medical issues like kidney and heart disease should not be outside in the cold.
The 3-3-3 rule for new cats is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 days to decompress (hiding, overwhelmed), 3 weeks to start learning routines and showing personality (exploring, getting comfortable), and 3 months to feel truly at home and bonded (revealing true self). Patience is key, providing a safe, quiet space and consistent routines helps reduce stress and build trust during these stages, allowing the cat to adjust at its own pace.
If your feline pal is getting bathed because you accidentally dropped barbeque sauce on her or because she had a run-in with a skunk, it's safe to say that she'll probably feel much more comfortable afterward. Cats infested with fleas will also feel relieved after.
Cats can find being bathed extremely stressful which makes them far more likely to become defensive or even aggressive, hissing, raising their fur and even lashing out at you.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
The worst part is done. Now, to dry them off as quickly and efficiently as possible, lay out the towel and set your cat on it. Then fold the towel around your cat (not unlike a burrito, or should I say a purrito) and gently rub them as dry as possible. For cats with long hair, you may need to brush out any tangles.
It's common for cats to shake after a bath due to being cold or stressed. However, if the shaking continues or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to pay attention. Shaking could be due to cold or stress. Warm and dry your cat thoroughly after a bath.
The number one killer of cats depends on age and lifestyle, but cancer is the leading cause of death in older cats, while Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), accidents/trauma (especially for younger cats), and diseases like kidney/heart issues are major factors, with FeLV often cited as the top infectious killer. Causes range from diseases like FeLV, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and FIP, to organ system failures (kidney, heart), and external factors like poisons or trauma.
Air Dry in a Warm Room
Your cat should never be left in cold temperatures when they're wet. If they are an indoor cat, make sure that they are in a warm location, such as a cozy bed, until they're completely dry.
Indoor Cats: If your cat lives exclusively indoors, it is less likely to get dirty, so you can bathe it less frequently. A bath every 3 to 6 months is usually adequate. Outdoor Cats: Cats that spend time outdoors may require more frequent baths, especially if they get dirty, such as from rolling in motor oil or mud.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Wrap the cat in a clean, dry, terry cloth towel.
I like to wrap them up quite snugly; I call it a “kitty burrito.” Most cats find this to be a calming experience.
Cats are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Major changes such as switching owners and households can be dramatic and very stressful. Cats are aware of even the smallest changes in your household.
The most difficult age for a cat can vary depending on the individual. But generally, adolescence (around four months to two years) is often considered the most challenging phase. During this period, cats undergo significant physical and behavioural changes.
Cats who feel cold may also be cool to the touch or show signs like shivering, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Indoor temperatures below about 45–50 degrees Fahrenheit can be uncomfortable for many cats, especially kittens, seniors, thin cats, or hairless breeds.
Do Pets Need Blankets? Pets who are older or young and growing, with less muscle mass to keep them warm, might benefit from a blanket while being supervised. Pets who have anxiety might benefit from using a blanket for comfort's sake. Not all pets need a blanket for warmth and comfort.
Yes, cats can feel the cold. As they aren't used to extreme weather, they can develop hypothermia and frostbite.