The simple answer to this question is yes. Some cats enjoy a warm blanket, while others are more comfortable with one at body temperature.
I was just snuggling up with a warm, cozy heated blanket when I realized, “Do cats even like heated blankets?” As a lifelong cat-lover and owner, I set out to answer this age-old question. From my personal experience of pampering my furry friends with the ultimate comfort of heating pads and beds, I’ll explore all the features of the new generation of heated blankets and how cats (and their owners) can benefit. Let’s get started!
I have always been curious as to whether cats enjoy being on heated blankets as much as humans do. As a cat owner myself, I decided to put the matter to the test and observe my cat’s reaction. Today, I’m here to report my findings to all those who are equally interested in understanding how cats respond to the comfort of heated blankets.
My Experience with Heated Blankets and Cats
One of my family’s cats, Snowflake, loves getting cozy on a heated blanket. We use a type of electric blanket that reaches and maintains a comfortable temperature between 72-84 degrees F (22-29 C). Snowflake loves it so much that he actually sleeps more on the blanket than the bed; the bed is only good for when he wants to stretch out and take a really long afternoon nap.
He’s not always the biggest fan of cold weather, so I think he especially loves how warm it gets under his blanket. His favorite place to lie is usually near or directly on top of the heating element – this may be because it helps encourage circulation in his aging body.
My other cat, Tiger, generally isn’t into blankets at all – she has her own spot on my parents’ living room chair and usually just takes occasional naps in her special spot or lies down in or around wherever I am sitting. Because of that, I don’t think she enjoys the warmth from heated blankets as much as Snowflake does.
All in all, my experience shows that cats can certainly enjoy heated blankets if they warm up to them; however, it seems to depend mainly on each individual’s preferences and routines.
Understanding Why Cats Like Warmth
When it comes to understanding why cats like warmth, it’s important to remember that cats are most closely related to mammals who thrive in warm temperatures such as servals and tigers. These animals have thick fur coats that naturally insulate them from cooler temperatures. Domesticated cats descended from these animals, which means they still desire the same type of warmth and protection in their environment.
In fact, many of us cat owners might recognize how our cats seek out their favorite sun spots throughout our homes or curl up near a portable heater or warm computer hardware.
My own furry friends often gravitate towards heated blankets when given the chance. These soft layers retain warmth for long periods of time and provide a comforting environment for cats to sleep in without fear of getting too cold or unsettled during rest. I’ve noticed that my cats especially love using heated blankets for nap time after a particularly active day outside- not only does this give them comfort but also is an excellent way to discover instant relaxation! Occasionally I’ll even find them snuggled up between two blankets when I’m changing my sheets!
There’s no denying that while some cats might be more tolerant of temperature fluctuations than others, most felines enjoy the warmth that is provided by heated blankets and other tools such as cat beds or heaters. This heat provides comfort, security, and relaxation- three extremely important components of any cat’s home-sweet-home environment!
Benefits of Heated Blankets for Cats
When the temperatures are dropping, I find myself extra worried about my kitty’s comfort. I like the idea of getting a heated blanket for my furry companion since they tend to get cold just like I do.
Heating blankets can provide plenty of benefits for cats because they provide warmth and insulation during colder months as well as help relieve common conditions such as muscle pain and stress. Using heated blankets eliminates any need to keep them far away from an open window or drafts – something that many cats enjoy!
Using these insulated blankets also offers relief for elderly cats that are having difficulty trapping in their body heat on their own, allowing them to feel snug and warm on long winter nights. Additionally, some studies suggest that infra-red heating technology may exert multiple beneficial effects on both mental and physical health including enhanced circulation, reduced muscle pain, and improved digestion.
Whether it’s a happy house cat or an outdoor kitty looking for warmth while sleeping outside, all cats can benefit from warmed-up indoor space during colder weather months!
How to Introduce Heated Blankets to Your Cat
When deciding to offer your furry friend the added warmth and comfort of a heated blanket, there is a right way to approach it. Cats can be creatures of habit, so introducing them to anything new requires patience. It is best to start by having the warm blanket in their presence when they are calm and relaxed in order to build a positive association with it. Additionally, keeping all encounters with the blanket pleasant will help establish familiarity and, less fear.
Ensuring that cats feel comfortable and secure goes for any item or situation, so give your cat plenty of time before attempting to place them on the heated blanket. Gradually move from getting your cat used to being near the blanket during nap time or at night when they are more likely to feel cozy and rested. After slowly building trust with your feline pal around the warmer covering, you can increase positive exposure by rewarding good behavior with treats or playtime–anything that encourages them from staying in bed or near it longer. Once cats make observations that nothing troublesome comes from being around or on it, they will become more accustomed and less scared each step of the way.
When cats have reached a stage where they seem content while associated with this new item in its presence in their designated areas such as beds or window sills you can experiment with actually laying them down on top of it either by doing it yourself right away or by simply placing treats inside its folds as an incentive for them true discover its unique heat source without feeling pressured. Whichever method you opt for, making sure that each warming experience is accompanied by praise and reward reinforces pleasing behaviors regarding its use while reducing any chances of feelings of uneasiness when wanting them off-guard again later down the road.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe with Heated Blankets
As a cat owner, I want to provide the best possible care for my pet – and that includes making sure he stays warm and cozy during the chilly months. Heated blankets can be great way to provide extra stress-free warmth. Here are some tips I follow to make sure my cat is safe while using heated blankets:
- Make sure that the blanket’s temperature setting is set correctly – too high of a setting can cause burns or pain.
- Allow your cat to test it out first in short increments of time – if he seems uncomfortable remove him from the blanket and adjust the temperature accordingly.
- Always supervise your cat when on or around a heated blanket, as cats often love to snuggle up when feeling comfortable, but this could present a safety hazard in certain scenarios such as if left alone with an unattended heating source or electric cord.
- If your cat seems to enjoy being on the heated blanket, consider purchasing a special safety cover for cats that helps keep your pet snug and secure within their own heating perimeter and prevents excess heat from extending beyond its boundaries onto other areas of fur causing unnecessary discomfort to your cat’s skin or burned fur patches due to an accidental kicked-off cord or exposed heating element in extreme cases.
- Finally, purchase only quality products designed specifically for cats as these are built with safety features in mind while constantly monitoring temperature settings preventing extreme over-heating scenarios due to potential faulty thermostats found on generic heated blankets made for humans that lack such features within their product design construction.
Additional Considerations
Though heating pads and heated blankets can provide comfort and warmth to cats, there are several important factors to consider before deciding to use either type of product.
- Safety: It’s essential to ensure the safety of your cat by closely monitoring the temperature and power setting of the pad or blanket. Overheating can cause serious injury or even death, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
- Cat Temperament: Each cat is different. Because cats can be skittish and nervous creatures by nature, you must help ease them into the process in a gentle but firm manner. It’s usually best to start with short periods in a single cool spot before gradually increasing their exposure time.
- Supervision: These types of products should only be used when the animal is safely contained in its home or other secure areas as supervising may not always be possible. Be sure to keep an eye on your pet at all times while using any form of the supplemental heating device.
Conclusion
After observing my own cats in this experiment, I’ve come to the conclusion that cats do indeed enjoy heated blankets. All three of them immediately curled up on the blanket and seemed to be extremely comfortable there. I think that cats find heated blankets as a pleasant warmth that brings them comfort and security, just like how they would naturally curl up against each other or against us for warmth. Therefore, I can conclude that cats absolutely love heated blankets!
