As a pet parent, you may have noticed how your cat’s body always feels warm to the touch. This is because, unlike humans, cats have a higher body temperature. Their faster metabolism keeps their body temperature around 102°F, while a human’s normal body temperature is 98.7°F. This difference in body temperature makes cats seek warm or hot spots to cuddle against.
However, warmth is not just a matter of comfort for cats. Their desire to stay warm may stem from a variety of reasons, including inherited behavior, health problems, and natural instincts. Moreover, aging cats become more susceptible to the cold and may need extra warmth to stay comfortable. In this article, we will explore the reasons why cats love warm things, the possible health concerns, and the solutions to provide your beloved feline friend with warmth.
1. Higher Body Temperature
As mentioned earlier, cats have a higher body temperature than humans due to their faster metabolism. This means that your cat will always feel warmer to the touch than you. Their natural warmth-seeking behavior is a way to regulate body temperature and stay comfortable. You may notice your cat curling up next to a radiator, a warm blanket or basking in direct sunlight. Providing your cat with an area in your home where the sun passes through windows daily will allow them to soak up the warmth they crave.
2. Inherited Behavior
If you have ever wondered why your adult cat still snuggles up against you or wrapped in a blanket like a kitten, there is a logical explanation. When cats are born, they cannot regulate their body temperature, and it’s their mother’s task to keep them warm. To do so, the mother cat licks her kittens’ bodies until they can regulate their temperature at four weeks old. This ritualistic behavior of cuddling against their loved ones or warm items stays with cats as they grow up and throughout their lives.
3. Health Problems
While warmth-seeking behavior is natural for most cats, there may be underlying health problems that cause your cat to seek warmth more than usual. If your cat’s heat-seeking behavior is accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, or other strange behavior, it is best to consult your vet. Cats are skilled at concealing their discomfort, and early medical diagnosis is crucial.
4. Natural Instincts from Their Ancestors
Cats’ love for warmth is not just a matter of comfort but is also a reflection of their natural instincts. Since cats originated from wild cats that had to endure extreme temperatures, some of that natural instinct may have been left behind. You may notice your cat sleeping in a sunny location near a window, basking in direct sunlight throughout the day. Warmth gives cats a sense of security, and they enjoy lying around on warm blankets, freshly-dried laundry, heaters, or windowsills.
5. Aging
Like humans, older cats are more susceptible to the cold, and they may need extra warmth to stay comfortable. You may notice your senior cat rolling into a ball to preserve its body temperature, seeking warmth by cuddling up against their owner’s lap or a warm item. To keep your cat warm during the cold seasons, you can purchase a cat heating pad, which provides heat in a safe way.
How To Provide Your Cat with Warmth
The best way to keep your cat warm is to provide them with comfortable, warm spots throughout your home. Here are some ways to ensure your cat is warm and comfortable:
1. Allow access to a sunlit area: If you have an area in your home where the sun passes through windows daily, your cat will surely adore spending time by that window. Declutter the area so your cat can lay undisturbed, and place your cat’s pillow, a blanket, or a comfortable rug on the floor where the sunlight is strongest.
2. Install a window perch: To provide your cat with privacy and unlimited sunlight access throughout the day, install a window perch. This requires a cat window perch installation, which is quick and easy.
3. Use cat heating pads: You can purchase a cat heating pad, which provides heat in an entirely safe way. Place a pillow near a heating device, such as a radiator, while making sure your cat is safely distanced and not getting burned.
4. Reduce drafts: Drafts can be quite unpleasant for cats, let alone for humans. Reduce drafts in the room where your cat is resting to keep them warm and cozy.
Conclusion
Cats’ love for warmth stems from a variety of reasons, including higher body temperature, inherited behavior, health problems, natural instincts, and aging. As a pet parent, it’s crucial to provide your cat with warmth throughout your home, ensuring they are happy and satisfied. Find a spot where the sun passes through windows daily, install a window perch, use heating pads, and reduce drafts to keep your cat warm and comfortable. With these tips, you can ensure your feline friend is always cozy, happy, and relaxed.
