Final answer:
Hairless cats maintain homeostasis through behavioral adjustments and physiological mechanisms, including seeking warmth, increasing metabolic rate, using body fat for insulation, and sweating through the pads of their paws.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hairless cats maintain homeostasis similarly to other mammals, despite their lack of fur. Homeostasis is the ability to keep a stable internal environment within an organism. Even without fur, hairless cats can regulate their body temperature through behavioral adjustments and physiological mechanisms.
Thermoregulation is a key aspect of homeostasis that involves maintaining the body's temperature within a certain range. Hairless cats might seek warmer areas, enjoy sunbathing, or seek physical contact with others, including their human companions, to conserve or generate heat. Additionally, they might have a higher metabolic rate to generate more internal heat and may have a slightly higher body fat percentage which provides insulation.
Another aspect of homeostasis involves the skin's ability to produce sweat. Cats have sweat glands in their paws, and while hairless cats might not sweat through their fur like humans do, they can still utilize these sweat glands to help cool down when necessary. Homeostasis is also maintained by behavior, such as moving to cooler areas, and physiological responses, like changing their metabolic rate to adapt to temperature changes.