If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed your furry friend burrowing under blankets or curling up in baskets with towels. This behavior seems cute, but it begs the question – do cats actually like being wrapped up in blankets?
As both a cat lover and a curious pet parent, you likely want the full story on your cat’s affinity for blankets.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Most cats do enjoy being wrapped in blankets, especially soft, warm ones. The enclosed, cozy feeling appeals to their natural instincts to seek shelter and feel secure.
However, cats can overheat easily so blankets should be used safely and in moderation.
Why Cats Love Blankets: An Appeal to Instincts
Blankets Satisfy Nesting Instincts
Cats have an innate desire to seek out cozy, safe spaces that mimic the comfort and security of a nest. Blankets provide the perfect nesting environment, allowing cats to indulge their natural instincts.
The soft, flexible fabric enables cats to knead, burrow, and mold the blankets into the perfect little nook. Many cats will even suckle on blankets, harkening back to the comforts of nursing in the nest as kittens.
Creating a nest out of blankets likely releases happy hormones in cats’ brains, satisfying their drive for security and contentment.
Swaddling is Calming and Reduces Stress
Wrapping themselves up in blankets enables cats to feel swaddled, which research shows has a calming effect on mammals. The light pressure and warmth of being bundled in a blanket triggers the release of oxytocin, increases relaxation, and lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
For anxious or stressed cats, self-swaddling in a cozy blanket can be an instant soother and mood-booster. The swaddling sensation reminds them of the comfort and safety they experienced as young kittens nestled against their mother and littermates.
Blankets Provide Warmth
Given their desert-dwelling ancestry, cats are very sensitive to temperature changes and get chilly easily. Blankets offer cats a handy source of warmth and insulation, allowing them to get cozy and elevate their body temperature.
Curling up under a blanket traps their body heat, creating a little microclimate that keeps them toasty and content. Thinner cats with less body fat and fur, like Sphynx cats, especially appreciate blankets for keeping them warm.
Elderly cats also tend to have poorer circulation and may need blankets to stay sufficiently heated.
Signs Your Cat Enjoys Being Wrapped in Blankets
Kneading and Curling Up
One of the most obvious signs that your cat enjoys being wrapped up in blankets is that they will actively knead and curl up when you wrap them. Kneading is when cats rhythmically push in and out with their front paws, similar to how kittens would nurse from their mother.
This motion is instinctual and shows contentment. If your cat kneads while you wrap them up, they are likely very happy and comfortable. Curling up into a tight ball is also a sign of security and comfort. The tighter they can make themselves while bundled, the more they enjoy it.
Purring
Another dead giveaway that your cat loves blankets is if they start purring as soon as you swaddle them. Purring is a clear sign of happiness and comfort in cats. They purr when petted, when nursing, and when snuggling up with loved ones.
If your cat starts purring loudly when bundled, it’s a sure indicator they are enjoying the warmth and security of the blanket cocoon. Some may even drift off to sleep while purring! 😴
Relaxed Body Language
A wrapped up cat who enjoys it will demonstrate relaxed body language. Signs to look for include:
- A loose, floppy body (rather than tense)
- Ears in a natural, relaxed position (not flattened)
- Normal blinking and eyes half-closed
- Their head and legs tucked in
When a cat feels safe and cozy, their whole body relaxes. A bundled cat who looks sleepy and calm is clearly enjoying the experience! An anxious or distressed cat will appear stiff and alert instead.
Seeking Out Blankets
Some clever kitties will take matters into their own paws by seeking out blankets when they want to be wrapped up. Have you ever noticed your cat nudging or trying to burrow under blankets on their own? This is a surefire way to know they like being bundled up!
You may come home and find your kitty napping under the covers. When cats intentionally crawl under blankets, they are comforting themselves, just like a child might. Allow them access to soft blankets so they can wrap themselves up whenever they please.
Choosing the Right Blanket for Your Cat
Soft Materials They Can Sink Into
When selecting a cat blanket, opt for soft, plushy fabrics that your feline friend will enjoy burrowing into. Materials like faux fur, flannel, fleece, and even cashmere or wool blankets offer warmth while mimicking the comfort of a fur coat or soft bed of grass.
According to pet experts, most cats prefer blankets they can really sink their claws into as they knead and circle before settling in for a nap.
Additionally, lightweight blankets like cotton or bamboo can make good swaddling wraps for cats that enjoy being bundled up. Just be conscious of any embroidery, appliques, or other decorations that may catch on your cat’s claws. Simple, smooth fabrics are best.
Avoid Dangerous Strings, Buttons, etc
When selecting a cat blanket, check carefully that there are no loose strings, ribbons, buttons, or detachable accessories that could present a choking hazard or damage your cat’s digestive tract if swallowed. Any small, detachable item poses a major risk.
According to the ASPCA[1], things like sewing needles, pincushions, and straight pins are some of the most commonly swallowed foreign objects by curious cats. So inspect any blanket thoroughly before use.
Wash Regularly
To keep your cat’s blankets fresh and free of hairballs, dander, and odors, launder them regularly according to label directions. For machine-washable blankets, a weekly wash is ideal. This frequent cleaning limits the spread of feline allergens and keeps blankets feeling fluffy and clean for kneading paws.
If possible, maintain two sets of cat blankets so you can rotate them out of the wash. And consider keeping a small blanket or towel near the food bowl to wipe faces after mealtime.
Give Them a Choice of Blankets
Since cats may have specific texture preferences or temperature regulation needs, consider offering a selection of light and heavy blankets so your pet can choose what suits their mood. An article from iwantcatnip.com explains that a cat’s average body temperature ranges between 100-102°F and they prefer ambient temperatures between 75-86°F.
So providing access to both warm plush blankets and thinner, breathable blankets allows them to self-regulate.
You can even designate separate traditional bed blankets vs. wrap-around style blankets to cater to different instincts. Offering options provides your cat a sense of security and control over their environment.
Now, they can selectively burrow in or stretch out atop their preferred blankie for the ultimate cat nap! Just be observant about which blanket type seems to be their fave for future purchases.
Using Blankets Safely with Cats
Don’t Cover Their Head
When wrapping your cat in a blanket, it’s important not to cover their head or restrict their breathing. A cat’s normal body temperature ranges between 100-102°F, and covering their head can cause them to quickly overheat.
Their heavy fur coats already insulate them against the cold, so take care not to make them too warm and uncomfortable.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), restrictive head coverings on cats can also increase anxiety, fearfulness, and aggression. So for safe and happy blanket snuggling, leave your kitty’s head poking out!
Monitor for Overheating
While a blanket can help keep your cat cozy, their bodies are designed to self-regulate temperature. Watch for signs of overheating like panting, drooling, restless behavior, or trying to escape from under the blanket.
The AVMA recommends setting a 5-15 minute timer when wrapping your cat. This allows you to frequently check on their comfort level. If they seem distressed or overly warm at any time, promptly remove the blanket to let them cool down.
Give Them An Escape Route
Even if your cat seems perfectly content bundled up, it’s wise to leave them an exit strategy. Tuck the edges of the blanket loosely rather than wrapping them up tightly inside. This ensures they can easily wriggle free if they want to.
Letting your cat retain their independence reduces overheating risks and minimizes scary entrapment situations. As the old saying goes, “better safe than sorry!”
Consider Your Cat’s Preferences
While many cats enjoy being bundled up, others may not. Pay attention to your individual cat’s inclinations about being wrapped versus lounging on top of a blanket.
In a survey conducted by CatPerson.com:
| 45% of cats | Loved being wrapped in blankets |
| 35% of cats | Tolerated it or were neutral |
| 20% of cats | Disliked it and tried to escape |
So while wrapping your kitty in their favorite fuzzy blankie seems appealing, observe cues from your cat to see if they actually enjoy it or not. Every cat has unique preferences!
When to Reconsider Blanket Use
Excessive Heat-Seeking
Cats have a higher body temperature than humans and their soft, furry coats act as natural insulation. Although some cats love snuggling under blankets, others may overheat if wrapped up for too long. Signs your cat is getting too hot include panting, stretching out, restless behavior, and trying to wiggle free from the blanket.
If you notice these signs, it’s best to unwrap kitty and let them cool down to avoid heat exhaustion.
Agitation or Distress
While many cats find blankets comforting, for some it can cause stress and agitation. Anxiety, fear, or discomfort may lead to meowing, growling, dilated pupils, lashing tail, and attempts to escape the blanket.
If your cat seems distressed when covered up, it’s important to respect their boundaries and avoid forcing them under blankets against their will. Try supervised blanket time and watch closely for signs of agitation.
Injuries from Buttons, Strings, etc
Cats can get tangled in loose strings or threads when playing under blankets, potentially leading to injuries. Buttons, hooks, and embellishments may also scratch or snag on fur. Carefully inspect blankets before use and avoid those with loose threads, dangling ornamentation, or small parts that could come loose.
If kitty seems prone to getting caught, stick to soft, plain blankets without attachments.
Hiding All Day
While burrowing under blankets is normal feline behavior, excessive hiding may indicate an underlying issue. If your cat retreats under covers for most of the day, seemingly to avoid interaction, they may be stressed, anxious, or ill. Make sure blankets do not become a hiding place that prevents kitty from engaging in normal activities.
Check for signs of depression, pain, injury, or sickness and consult your vet if hiding persists.
Conclusion
In the end, most cats do genuinely enjoy snuggling up in a cozy blanket, thanks to instincts that draw them to safe, warm places. As a caring cat parent, provide blankets judiciously, stick to safe materials, and keep an eye out for overheating or distress.
Get to know your individual cat’s preferences, and both you and kitty can enjoy the bonding benefits of blanket time.
