As a cat owner you may find your cat under a blanket. Felines are naturally known for their quirky sleeping habits. Sometimes, they curl up in tight spaces to sprawl out in the sun. However, one of the most endearing yet puzzling behaviors is a cat sleeping under a blanket. If you have ever seen your feline friend all cuddled up under the covers, then you might wonder: Why does my cat like sleeping under the covers? In this article, we will talk about what this adorable behavior could mean and how it relates to the comfort and welfare of your cat.
Common Reasons for Why Does Your Cat Sleep Under Blankets?
Cats are perplexing creatures, and their behaviors seldom are an amalgamation of instincts, comfort, or sometimes, even a health problem. The main reasons of sleeping under blankets are seeking warmth and comfort. Here are some likely explanations for why your cat likes sleeping under the covers.
1. Seeking Warmth and Comfort
Commonly, one of the reasons cats sleep under blankets is warmth. They can maintain a higher body temperature than humans. It is 100.5°F to 102.5°F (38°C to 39.2°C) on average. Thus, they tend to seek warmth to keep their body temperature in check.
When a cat wants to retain body warmth, it will most likely crawl into its blanket because a blanket provides a closed-in area that insulates the animal from the incoming air. This can usually happen during the cold season when the house is somewhat cold. Even for indoor felines who love snug places, it is quite common to find them curled up in sunbeams, near a radiator, or under a blanket for warmth.
2. Instinctive Burrowing Behavior
Cats are deeply imbedded in instincts from their feral ancestors. Small felines bury themselves in secluded spots in the wild. For example, under bushes, caves, or tree hollows, to hide from a predator or bad weather. Your pet is just imitating nature: hiding under a blanket to make ground because it feels like a small, closed, den-like environment where they feel secure.
3. Feeling Safe and Secure
There is something calming about being covered with a blanket; it can also provide some comfort and security. Cats are the type of animals that are both predators and prey, leading them to instinctively search for hiding places where they can rest undisturbed. And a blanket makes it easier to sulk against quick movements or noise or anything else that distracts a cat from the day-to-day activity of the household.
Sometimes, cats like to retreat under blankets when they feel the stress creeping in. If your feline companion is one of those that hides under the sheets when a thunderstorm erupts, fireworks blast off, or guests come over, then he might be using that as a way to manage anxiety. Creating a snuggery, closed space will at least give him some place to run to in such instances while hopefully helping him manage his anxiety better.
4. Marking Their Territory
Cat’s faces and paws contain scent glands. They use these body parts for marking their territory. When a cat sleeps under a blanket, it leaves behind its scent. That’s why they feel familiar and safe. This is why your cat may prefer certain blankets over others. A blanket that smells like you can even be warmer because the cat knows from its scent that it is in a safe place.
5. Bonding With Their Humans
Cats are more fond of sleeping under the blankets as they can be very close to their adored humans, and they bond well with their owners. They tend to sleep beside you for an affectionate stroke, for example. If your cat loves curling under the covers next to you at night, it's a sign that he or she trusts and feels comfortable with you.
6. Playfulness and Curiosity
Some cats hide under blankets for simply having a fun and playful activity. They are naturally curious creatures and love to explore new textures and spaces. A blanket provides an interesting sensory experience, from the soft fabric to the way it moves when they crawl underneath.
You must have noticed how kittens love to have blanket play-they would hide under it, pounce at it, and sometimes bite it as if the cat is still suckling. There are actually some that continue into adulthood, making them very comforting and entertaining.
7. Certain Breeds May Have a Stronger Preference
Though any cat may enjoy sleeping under blankets, some breeds tend to be a little more inclined towards burrowing. Among other breeds, Siamese, Burmese, and Sphynx cats are known to crave spaces where they feel warm and safe. For example, the Sphinx is one of the hairless types that would need to cuddle up in blankets since they do not have much fur with which to keep warm.
What Do the Experts Say?
To better understand this behavior, insights from veterinary professionals and cat behavior experts provide clarity.
Insight 1: Dr. Sarah Foster, Veterinarian
“Cats create very special places for themselves, which generally replicate being wrapped in some tight space similar to those they will look for in the wild. Not that it is a health concern, this behavior is very normal and usually reflects comforting tendencies.”
Insight 2: Megan Lawrence, Feline Behaviorist
“Burrowing behavior in cats represents not only a basic component of survival instinct but also an expression of the changing relationship between the domestic cat and its human companion. When a cat sleeps under the blankets of a family member, it generally means trust and emotional bonding.”
By understanding the behavioral and emotional triggers of this habit, we can better cater to our cat’s needs.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Cat Sleeping Under Blankets?
If you’ve welcomed this quirky behavior, ensuring your cat’s comfort is simple. But if this "under-blanket retreat" somehow becomes dangerous or problematic, here are the ways you can lend a helping hand.
1. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Heavy throws or blankets can trap heat and restrict airflow in areas where they are sitting. Always ensure that your cat has an exit route and that its coziness is not sealed off completely.
2. Create Alternative Cozy Spots
Designated cozy areas will help deter cats from sleeping under blankets. A covered cat bed, a heated mat, and even a cardboard box lined with soft fabric can be good alternatives. You can also offer them soft plush and fleece breathable blankets for coziness. If your pet can get just as comfortable there, it may reduce its need to hide under the blankets.
3. Monitor Their Behavior
Cats hiding under blankets is usually not harmful. But if you find excessive hiding behavior, then something is wrong, and you need to pay attention. Be alert for other signs, like isolating more than usual, not eating much, or atypical interactions with family members, which can signal stress or illness.
4. Reduce Stressors in Their Environment
If stress is the trigger, it is necessary to evaluate and eliminate the root cause. Try noise lowering, introduce new furniture or guests gradually, and give them plenty of enrichment such as toys, scratching posts, or interactive games to work their minds.
5. Schedule a Vet Visit When Needed
Such a simple path! In case the drift fails, trust your gut instincts. In case of any query on the cat's well-being or burrowing, you probably need to visit the vet, primarily to allay any doubts the cat might be harboring.
FAQs:
Q: Do cats like being under blankets?
A: Yes! Many cats like being under blankets for sleeping because of warmth, comfort and instinct. In addition to being close as sharing a blanket, many cats show attachment and need for closeness and sometimes cuddling behavior merely for fun. Most importantly, make sure that cats always have a way to escape from under the added weight of heavy blankets, especially kittens to prevent any risk.
Q: Can cats breathe under blankets??
A: Yes! Cats can breathe under blankets that are crafted from soft, plush fleece and breathable material.This type of throws or blankets allow for some airflow that provide them warmth without making them suffocated.
Q: Why do cats suck on blankets?
A: Cats suck on soft blankets for some factors like kittenhood memory, feeling of mother fur, self-soothing mechanism, natural instinct and more. If you are interested to learn more about the reasons behind this behavior and how to manage it, check out in-depth information about the reasons for cats sucking on blankets.
In a Nutshell
The direct answer of the question “why does my cat sleep under blankets” is for comfort, instinct, and affection. Whatever it is that makes your fur baby feel secure seems to be perfectly fine to do. As long as your cat is happy, well, and allowed to come and go from its cozy corner, there is no reason to discourage this endearing trait. This behavior serves as one more reason to adore our feline's quirky habits! If you want to encourage and enjoy this behaviour, offer them a pet safe soft and fleece breathable blanket. For a reasonable and high-quality cat throw blanket you can visit catspo.com. Send us a query if you have any questions related to your pet’s health.