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Between the cats we know personally and the images we see everywhere, there is a narrative out there that cats like blankets. Sure, some cats have preferences that other cats don’t have – my own Domestic Shorthair, Charlotte, generally prefers to sleep on both hard and soft surfaces. Your cat may not like soft surfaces like blankets. It’s good to question things from time to time, which begs the question, do cats like blankets?
Yes, cats do like blankets. In fact, many cats enjoy lying on blankets. Some cats like particular blankets more than others. If you have a cat lying on your blankets, it is essential to wash those blankets weekly to cut down on shedding hair, dander, and cat smells.
Check out the article below to learn more about cats and blankets!
Cat Product Note: I will talk about and recommend some products in this article that pertain to cats, which will hopefully provide your cat with a more enriching life. These are Amazon affiliate links, so I receive a commission from them. These are my honest recommendations, so if you are interested in checking them out, feel free to click below!
- The knitted cat blanket on Amazon (affiliate link) that is similar to the one my own cat likes: Click Here for Great Cat Blanket on Amazon!
- The Catnip spray on Amazon (affiliate link) I use and recommend. It isn’t expensive, and when my cat smells it, she knows that the thing she smells it on is for her: Click Here for Catnip Spray on Amazon.
Why Do Cats Need a Blanket?
Cats need a blanket because they love being in warm spots, especially if temperatures are colder. Cats will often snuggle into a blanket for the security and warmth that it can provide. Additionally, cats love to be comfortable and blankets are comfortable.
Don’t we all love to be snug and cozy? As mysterious as cats are, they are no different in this particular matter.
This is also often true with cat blankets. There are some soft textures out there that are commonly found in blankets and cats like to take a nap on top of them.
My cat, Charlotte doesn’t want anything to do with lying on or inside the comforter on my bed. It would not surprise me if some cats are all about the soft comforters on people’s beds. Because of this, my cat often sleeps directly under my bed, directly under me.
Do Cats Need Blankets in Winter?
Sometimes cats need blankets in Winter. Since most of us consider cats part of our family, you may want to consider getting your cat a blanket of their own to keep them warm in Winter. If you keep it in one of their favorite spots, and give it a few sprays of catnip spray or calming spray, your cat will likely realize that it is for her.
Why Does My Cat Love Blankets?
Cats love blankets because of the security and comfort they provide. A personal blanket for your cat might keep your cat comforted during car rides also. Cats love the warmth that comes from laying on a blanket.
A cat blanket is just another touch that you can provide to try and keep your cat calm during car transportation.
I know that when I transport my cat in my car, usually to a veterinary visit, I’m thinking the whole time about how is my cat doing? And, what is she thinking right now?
Cat Loves Blanket
You might find that your cat loves different blanket materials more than others. Many cats love knit blankets to lay on. Additionally, if your cat has a blanket that it loves it will help confine the cat hair to a specific area.
This is an Amazon affiliate link to a blanket similar to the one that my cat enjoys lying on: Click Here To See Great Blanket on Amazon.
Why Do Cats Love Fleece Blankets?
Fleece blankets are another great option for cats because of the warmth they provide. Cats love the soft comfort that fleece blankets provide. Placing a fleece blanket on your bed or sofa will invite your cat to lay down and be comfortable.
You might be thinking, wait a minute, you let your cat lay on the blanket on your couch? Yes, I do. I also wrote an article talking about if you should let your cat on your furniture.
While it’s true that cats will snuggle on top of a blanket, they won’t do that with just any blanket. Certain criteria may need to be filled for the blanket to be accepted by your little furball.
What Material Do Cats Like To Sleep On?
Your feline friend will likely approve of blankets that are made of material like cashmere, chenille, fleece, or silk. You might also win a cat’s heart with a wool blanket or a cotton one. These are the most comfortable blankets for your cat to snuggle on.
If you do try to choose a blanket specifically for your cat, make sure that it is breathable and warm.
Why is My Cat Obsessed With Soft Blankets?
Soft blankets are comforting and warm. A cat will find security and comfort in a soft blanket. Cats that find soft blankets they enjoy laying on will frequently return to them, sometimes every day. Cats have good memories and will remember the soft blanket is a nice place for them to lay.
Is it OK for your Cat to Sleep Under Blankets?
It is usually fine for adult cats to sleep under light blankets. Cats can still breathe fine under light blankets. Do not pile blankets on top of a cat as they may become trapped. Additionally, do not let your cat sleep under a weighted blanket.
Why Do Blankets Calm Cats?
Blankets calm cats for a variety of reasons including providing security, warmth, and holding onto their scents. Cats will return to blankets that keep them calm because cats love the comfort from feeling safe on something soft.
How to Clean a Cat Blanket
Cats have a knack for cleanliness, but the trouble is that they, especially the furry ones, shed a lot. And you will notice that they don’t simply go away after brushing an area – not unless you wash it.
To ensure proper upkeep of your cat’s blanket, note whether the material is machine washable or you need to wash it by hand. This is central to preventing tears and wearing out the material too soon.
Besides that, use mild detergent on the cat blanket; make sure it is non-scented since cats have a strong sense of smell. After the blanket is dry, you might want to go ahead and give it a few sprays of catnip spray or calming spray again.
Can You Wash a Cat’s Blanket?
Yes, you can wash a cat’s blanket. If your cat shares a blanket with you, it is essential that you wash and wash it regularly. In this case, you will need to wash your bedding once every week. Even if your cat has a separate blanket and a bed of its own, it will require regular washing.
Keeping cat blankets clean is equally as important. As a matter of fact, your cat’s personal blanket will need a weekly wash to get rid of any bacteria, allergens, and of course, the cat hair. Not only that, but it will also help you minimize pet smells in the house.
Here is an Amazon affiliate link to an excellent (and cheap) catnip spray that I use myself and recommend: Click Here To See the Catnip Spray on Amazon I Recommend!.
Are Blankets Safe for Cats?
Yes, most blankets are safe for cats to lay on or even be covered. However, it may not be safe for your cat to be under a weighted blanket. Additionally, try to avoid cat blankets that have decorative pieces or tassels on them since cats may try to ingest these parts.
Another important consideration is that when you are shopping for a cat blanket, try to avoid blankets that have decorative tassels or stones on them. Your curious little one will most likely want to taste the decorative pieces and may end up swallowing them, which can soon turn into a choking hazard.
How To Remove Cat Hair From Blankets
Use a lint roller to remove cat hair from blankets. The sticky material on the lint roller will pull the cat hair off the blanket. The lint roller is more effective than balling up tape because the lint roller can roll quickly across the blanket and cover more area faster.
Cats and Static Electricity
You may have witnessed a strange phenomenon where a cat’s fur stands upright, looking as if they received an electric shock. This phenomenon results from static electricity, which is caused due to friction between cat fur and blanket, duvet, carpets, etc.
What happens is that there is an imbalance of charge between the two surfaces, causing a temporary flow of electricity. If you pet your cat at that moment, you will likely experience a mild electric shock.
Does Static Electricity Bother Cats?
Static electricity will bother cats. Cats will receive a shock, albeit mild, when it comes close to any metal and will immediately bolt from the scene, thanks to their strong survival instinct. Static electric shocks surprise cats and usually trigger their flight responses which is why they will run to another room.
Static electricity is most likely produced from a synthetic blanket. So, when picking up a blanket for your cat, it’s best to get one that is made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool.
Does Static Electricity Hurt Cats?
Yes, static electricity hurts and annoys cats. Cats can receive electric shocks from static electricity and can become annoyed by the event. Do not be surprised if your cat runs after a static electric shock since this may trigger their flight response.
Cat Fur Static Electricity
Cat fur is good at making static electric shocks happen. Unfortunately, cats do not enjoy static electric shocks. Sometimes when people pet cats they will give a cat a shock when coming into contact with their cat fur. Cats that get shocked will frequently get annoyed and run and hide.
Do Cats Hate Static Electricity?
Yes, cats hate static electricity. Cats feel shocks from static electricity that do not feel good. Cats will get annoyed by a static electric shock and their flight response will have them run and hide. No cats are going to like static electricity.
Why do Cats Knead Blankets?
Cats likely knead blankets because it makes them feel secure and the action is tied to memories of their Mother cat’s milk flow. It is believed that cats begin to knead exceedingly early on in their life. Newborn kittens start kneading on their mothers as they are being nursed by her; this even stimulates her milk flow.
Cats push their front paws in and out following a steady interval; it is almost as if they are baking cookies.
Why Do Cats Knead Blankets Before Lying Down?
Since childhood, cats can develop the habit of kneading and thoroughly enjoy doing this action on soft surfaces like blankets. Cats will knead blankets before lying down because it makes them feel comfortable and secure. Not only that, but they also love to knead on other animals as well as their humans.
I’ve noticed my cat, Charlotte kneading on different surfaces before laying on them. I do wonder if she knows she is doing it or not though…
Why Do Cats Knead and Bite Blankets?
Cats sometimes knead and bite blankets, which has been observed in many cats and your cat may also be doing this to mark territory since cats have scent glands on their body, including their paws. If your feline kneads or bites blankets, there is probably a good chance that they will keep at it throughout their entire life.
Why Do Cats Knead With Their Paws?
Cats knead with their paws for two main reasons. One reason cats knead with their paws is because of the security it makes them feel, since this behavior is tied to wanting their Mother’s milk. Another reason cats knead with their paws is because they can transfer their scent onto what they are kneading.
Why Do Cats Knead Their Bed?
Cats knead their bed because beds are soft and comfortable and kneading reminds cats of their soft Mother’s stomach that used to provide them milk. Additionally, cats knead their bed to transfer their scent and make the bed smell more like them as they prepare to lay down on it.
Why Do Cats Knead and Suckle?
As kittens, cats knead and suckle to receive their Mother’s milk. As adults, cats knead and suckle because it reminds them of their mother’s milk. Additionally, these are ways for cats to transfer their scent to things they want to smell like them.
Why Do Cats Knead On You?
Cats knead on you because they like the security that kneading makes them feel. Kneading reminds cats of their Mother’s milk, which makes them feel comfortable. Cats can also transfer their scent to you by kneading on you, and this comforts your cat.
Why Do Cats Knead Their Owners?
Cats love their owners and they knead on them because it reminds them of their Mother’s milk. Cats also like to transfer their scent to their owners and kneading is a way to do this. These actions make a cat feel more secure and comfortable.
Summary
So, do cats like blankets? Absolutely! It is evident that cats are cravers of comfort and personal space. That being said, my observations are that cats like some materials more than others. Make sure you wash that blanket regularly if your cat is using it. If you enjoyed this article, please check out a few others:
- Do Cats Like When You Talk To Them: Click Here To Read
- Do Cats Like Cold Weather: Click Here To Read
- Do Cats Hunt Cockroaches: Click Here To Read
Here are some of my favorite cat products
In addition to checking out some other More Meows articles, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite cat products as well. These are affiliate links, so if you end up using them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you. These are the products I really do find most helpful.
Litter Box: I started out with normal, traditional litter boxes for my cat. Then, I tried this automatic litter box on Amazon (affiliate link), which helped reduce the litter upkeep. Finally, I am now a believer in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on Amazon (affiliate link). This robotic litter box is not for everyone based on the price tag, but for me the benefits (very little upkeep, works efficiently, clean, mobile app) far outweighed the cost.
Cat Tree: I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link). My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa. She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.
Cat Water Fountain: I love this cat water fountain on Amazon (affiliate link). There are three main benefits to having a water fountain like this for your cat. The first benefit is that it keeps water running so that your cat doesn’t need to drink still water. The second benefit is that it filters the water. The third benefit is that it will keep your cat hydrated!
