Tiger Thermoregulation: How Big Cats Maintain Body Temperature

Tigers (Panthera tigris) maintain a core temperature of ~38–39°C through integrated physiological and behavioral mechanisms:

1. Insulation: Dense fur (guard hairs + undercoat) traps air; seasonal shedding adjusts thickness.
2. Vasomotor control: Cutaneous vasodilation (heat loss) vs. vasoconstriction (heat conservation).
3. Panting: Evaporative cooling via respiratory tract (limited sweat glands on footpads only).
4. Behavioral thermoregulation: Shade-seeking, water immersion, activity timing (crepuscular/nocturnal), sunbathing when cold.
5. Low basal metabolic rate: Reduces endogenous heat production at rest.
6. Brown adipose tissue (BAT): Non-shivering thermogenesis in cubs; diminishes with age.
7. Cub care: Mother provides nest insulation; huddling reduces surface-area-to-volume heat loss.

These adaptations allow tigers to thrive from Siberian winters (–40°C) to tropical forests (+40°C).