Who hasn't seen a cat lying on a sofa where the sun's rays come through the nearest window and hit it directly? Well, this situation is so common among all of us who have a feline as a pet that it has led us to ask ourselves Why do cats like the sun?
There are many theories and/or myths that affirm that cats like the sun and that is clear because there is no kitty who does not like to take it somewhere warm and comfortable, either inside or outside. away from home, but if you really want to find out why, keep reading this article on our site and you'll immediately know why cats love the sun so much.
Benefits of sunbathing for cats
If cats look for sources of heat in every corner of the house or outdoors, it must be for a reason, and if this action brings them something good, all the better. For this reason, we are going to explain the benefits of sunbathing for cats below:
Balance your body temperature
Cats are domesticated felines that, if they were wild, would sleep and rest during the day and hunt their prey at night. Having them as pets, this rhythm of life no longer corresponds to them but even so, they usually spend most of the daytime hours replenishing their strength and sleeping somewhere warm where, if possible, the sun's rays hit directly. And why is this? Because the body temperature of cats, like that of all mammals, decreases when they are sleeping because when they are still and relaxed, their body does not burn any type of energy and caloric expenditure decreases, so they seek to compensate for this difference in temperature and prefer to sleep in hot areas or those directly exposed to the sun's rays, such as in front of windows, balconies or sofas. Because cats feel the cold too.
Source of vitamin D
Everyone knows that thanks to the king star, our skin absorbs the sun's rays and our body is capable of synthesizing the vitamin D we need so that everything the body works correctly, and the same thing happens with cats. The sun's rays help cats obtain the vitamin D that their bodies need, but not as much as we would like because, despite how important it is, it has been shown that cat hair blocks the ultraviolet rays responsible for this process and that the contribution of this vitamin is negligible compared to other living beings. What does provide the necessary amount of vitamin D to cats is a good diet, so it must be balanced and appropriate to their age.
For pure pleasure
The last but not least benefit of sunbathing for cats is the pleasure that this activity gives them. And there is nothing more that kittens like than lying down somewhere warm and comfortable to take a good nap. But what cats really like is not the sun's rays but the source of heat that it provides. Did you know that these animals are capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 50ºC and adapt to all types of climates, whether cold or hot? Well, how can sunbathing anywhere not give them pleasure?
Still, is the sun good for cats?
Yes, but moderately Although it has been shown that cats can live without the sun, especially when they are house cats who live in interior flats that do not directly face and never go outside, our pets will be much happier if they can enjoy a peaceful nap at the foot of the bed or in other warm areas of our house.
Although cats like the sun, it is necessary to be vigilant and ensure that our cat does not take it in excess, especially in summer and if it is a hairless cat or with little fur, because otherwise it could suffer some of these problems or conditions:
- Heat stroke in cats
- Heat Stroke in Cats
- Caring for a cat in summer
