Do cats like blankets? As a cat owner, you must have caught your cat snuggling up under your blanket severally. This trait is common to Felines, so you are not alone.
Cats love their privacy and, as such, have a strong instinct to seek out cozy, enclosed spaces to rest and relax. Think of them as human introverts who want their space most of the time.
If you have always been curious about why your cat loves hiding under blankets, this article will help put your curiosity to ease. We would explore some of the compelling reasons why cats snuggle under blankets. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why Does Your Cat Like Being Under The Blanket?
- Do Cats Like Blankets, And Why Do Cats Knead Blankets?
- What Types Of Blankets Do Cats Prefer, And Are There Substitutes?
- Is It Safe for Cats to Sleep Under Blankets?
- Conclusion
Why Does Your Cat Like Being Under The Blanket?
Do cats like being wrapped in blankets? Yes, they do. Cats are known to be mysterious, and out of their many mysteries is their love for being under blankets. Whether snuggling up under a warm blanket on a cold winter day or hiding under a blanket for a quick nap, cats can’t find any cozier place.
There are several reasons why your cat seems to have an affinity for a warm blanket. We’d explore why cats like being under blankets and how it benefits them.
Security
Being under a blanket gives your cat a sense of security. This is because the blanket draped over your cat creates a small, enclosed space that mimics a cozy little haven. Your cat would consider it a safe area if it is anxious or stressed.
Warmth
Cats naturally seek out warm and cozy places, and being under a blanket provides that feeling. This is especially true if you live in a cold climate with your cat and as the cat ages, just like humans.
A Cat was resting on a blanket.
Calming Effect
Sometimes, cats want someplace private to hide out, someplace that gives a calming effect. And most times, that place is underneath your blanket. The weight of a blanket can have a calming effect on cats, which helps them feel more relaxed. This is because the pressure created by the blanket can stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of calm and well-being.
Hiding Spot
Cats like to hide and be in secluded areas. It’s part of their introverted nature. Being under a blanket helps them create that private hiding spot they want and need. When next you see your cats wrapped up in blankets, please respect their privacy and let them be.
Familiar scents
Cats have a fantastic sense of smell and will usually associate familiar scents with feelings of comfort and security. It’s their way of showing their attachment and trusts in you. Being under a blanket with your scent or some other familiar thing or place makes them feel more at ease.
Do Cats Like Blankets, And Why Do Cats Knead Blankets?
Cats habitually knead blankets, usually as a sign of affection and comfort. It is a behavior they picked up right from when they were kittens because kneading helped stimulate milk flow from their mother’s nipples. However, cats knead for the following reasons;
- For A More Comfortable Nursing Experience: When kittens want to feed from their mother’s nipples, they knead their paws against their stomach. This act enables the milk flow to be enhanced. As they grow older, they tend to maintain this habit, which brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort.
- Setting Up Their Sleeping Areas: A domestic cat will always knead on a blanket in preparation for a sleeping area or to give birth. Cats like comfort and would go to lengths to achieve that.
- Female Cats In Heat: When a female cat is in heat and ready to mate, she kneads on a blanket or soft surface. This is her way of informing male cats that she’s prepared.
To Mark Territory: When you have more than one cat in your house, they will individually mark their sleeping territory. This is possible because cats have scent glands in their paws, so the scents are released when they knead into a blanket. This is how they mark their territory.
A cat under its blanket
What Types Of Blankets Do Cats Prefer, And Are There Substitutes?
If your curiosity has made you wonder if cats need blankets, well, yes, they do. Cats have varying preferences regarding coverings; while some prefer certain textures, others may not. Some of the common types include;
- Knitted blankets
- Woven blankets
- Fleece blankets
- Felt blankets
- Quilt blankets
- Tufted blankets
- Fluffy blankets
- Roulette blankets
- Towels
- Camouflaged blankets
A patterned blanket
If you don’t have any of these, you can use a substitute for a blanket to see if your cat likes them. Some substitutes you can use include; a warm, cozy bed or a soft, cushioned pet bed instead of a blanket. Your cat may also enjoy hiding in a cardboard box, which provides a similar sense of security and comfort as a blanket.
If your cat likes to hide under furniture or in small spaces, you can place a blanket over the area to make it more appealing.
Is It Safe for Cats to Sleep Under Blankets?
It is generally safe for cats to sleep under blankets as long as they are comfortable and have adequate space to move around. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your cat is always safe and comfortable.
- Ensure the blanket is not too heavy or restrictive, as this can make it difficult for your cat to breathe or move around.
- Ensure that the blanket does not pose a suffocation hazard by keeping it away from the cat’s face.
- Be cautious if you use heated blankets, as burns or overheating are risky if not used properly.
- Endeavor to observe your cat’s behavior and body language to ensure they are comfortable and happy sleeping under the blanket.
Additionally, it’s important to note that cats, like all animals, have different needs and preferences. Some cats may enjoy sleeping under blankets, while others prefer to sleep without any cover. It’s important to respect your cat’s individual preferences and not force them to sleep under a blanket if they are uncomfortable with it.
In general, as long as your cat is comfortable and safe, it is okay for them to sleep under a blanket.
A cat in a cardboard box.
Conclusion
It depends on the cat’s preferences, so it’s worth trying different options to see what your cat likes best. Pay attention to your cat’s behavior and body language to see if they are comfortable and happy with their blanket or substitute.