Why Do Cats Like to Lay in the Sun?

Have you ever wondered why cats like to lay in the sun? Many of our little furballs enjoy sunbathing. In fact, if you remove the curtains from your sunny window, you will surely find a sleepy kitty. Even if it’s the hottest day of the summer, you will find your cat laying in the sunlight.

There are several reasons why a cat likes sunlight. Sunbathe offers the warmth a cat needs to survive. Plus, like humans, cats also get vitamin D from sunlight that provides energy and makes it easy to groom their fur. 

However, the sun is not all good for your feline friend. Too much heat can cause sunburn and sunstroke. In some rare cases, a cat might even get skin cancer from the sun. Read on to learn everything you need to know about why do cats like laying in the sun:

Why Do Cats Like Laying in the Sun?

In general, cats prefer warmth. These little felines are not fond of cold weather as it can lead to some serious health issues. Therefore, sometimes, a full fur coat is not enough to keep your cat warm. In that case, they will perch over a heat vent, snuggle in blankets, and lounge in the sunshine. 

So, the main reason why your feline friend likes laying in the sun is that cats love warmth. Even though they have a higher body temperature compared to us, they will find sunshine and spend their whole day sleeping. 

Health benefits of the Sun

We get it; cats crave warmth and sunshine. But the real question is, Does the sun give any health benefits to cats? Well, the answer is, YES. There are hundreds of health benefits that cats can get from the sun. In this part of the article, we have mentioned some of the most important benefits of the sun to cats:

Hormone Cycle

The natural environment and sunlight influence a cat’s hormone cycles. Compared to male cats, sunlight is more important for female cats. If your female cat is not spayed, you probably know that your feline undergoes heat cycles around a specific season.

Most female cats get their heat cycles at the start of spring. As cats don’t have a calendar, they use the natural environment and sunlight to determine the season. If your feline friend is getting enough sunbathe, its body will create less melatonin – a hormone that reduces the heat cycles. 

Vitamin D

We, humans, need the sun for heat and sunlight. However, the sun also provides an essential vitamin, known as vitamin D. Unfortunately, due to the thick fur, your little feline friend cannot get enough vitamin D from the sunlight. So, cats have to get sufficient vitamin D from cat food.

However, this doesn’t mean that the sun’s radiations are not useful for cats. In fact, cats ingest vitamin D offered by the sun during grooming. This might not be as effective as direct sunlight, but it is surely better than nothing.

Energy

We all have heard a myth that cats get their energy from the sun. Keep in mind that the sun does not offer energy to your feline. It will not make your kitty more vibrant compared to other felines. However, sunshine does allow your cat to preserve its energy.

Cats usually burn their calories during playtime. That’s why they tend to sleep after a busy day. The sunshine offers warmth and comfort that makes your cat recuperate and relax after a busy day.

Is the Sun Bad for Cats?

As a responsible cat owner, you must ask, is the sun bad for my cat? Well, the sun is not all good for your feline. If your cat spends most of its day in the sun, it might encounter some health problems, including sunstroke and sunburn.

Keep reading to learn how you can treat sunstroke and sunburn in cats: 

Sunstroke

Sunstroke is like heatstroke that can cause hyperthermia in cats. Remember that hyperthermia is more serious compared to overheating. This disease can lead to irreversible or permanent damage to your cat’s organs. 

The common signs of sunstroke in cats include:

• Mental confusion
• Muscular weakness
• Lethargy
• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Drooling
• Dizziness
• Panting

Hydration is the best treatment for sunstroke in cats. If your cat shows any signs of sunstroke, offer him/her water. If it’s not drinking water, you can offer cat food that is rich in moisture. 

You can also use a damp cloth to decrease the body temperature of your feline. However, don’t put your cat into the cold water. It can lead to seizures and other health issues.

Sunburn

If you leave your cat in direct sunlight for a longer period, it can experience sunburn. Just like humans, sunburns are quite painful for cats as well. This condition can lead to peeling and blistering of the skin. If your cat has a long-haired, thick coat, it might not get sunburned easily. However, if left without protection, sunburn can occur.

If your feline has sunburn, you must protect it from the sun. Even a little sunlight can cause excruciating pain to your cat. Keep your little furball indoor, and close all drapes and curtains until he/she is fully recovered.  

The Sun and Skin Cancer in Cats

Skin cancer in cats is not that rare. If your cat is exposed to sunlight for a longer period, it can increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Before getting skin cancer, your cat will get sunburned several times.

So, to avoid these health issues, you should not let your cat enjoy the sun for a longer period of time. You can also use commercial creams to protect your cat’s skin from the sunlight.

Final Verdict

Cats just love to lay in the sun. These little furballs love the warm and comfy environment. However, the sunlight is not all that good for cats. If your cat spends too much time in the sun, it might experience sunstroke or sunburn.