Why doesnt my cat like blankets

It’s not uncommon to find cats spending time in weird places. Whether that’s inside their favorite cardboard box or the perfectly placed piece of crinkly paper on the floor, we usually see them out and about. But some cats prefer to find slightly more subtle hiding places…like under the covers!

Inhaltsverzeichnis Show

1. Kitty See, Kitty Do
3. It’s Warm
4. It’s Calming
5. It’s Matches Your Cat’s Style
6. Your Cat Wants To Play
7. Your Cat Isn’t Feeling Well
Is It OK For A Cat To Sleep Under Covers?
Why Does My Cat Hate Being Under The Covers?
Closing Thoughts
Why does my cat sleep under the covers?
2. Your cat wants to play
4. Your cat wants to spend time with you
5. Your cat wants to be alone
6. They’re not feeling well

But why do cats like going under covers or blankets?

While the specific reason will vary between cats, most cats like to hide under the covers because it’s warm and feels safe. For other cats, they may to get under the blankets simply because that’s where you are! Finally, some felines hide under covers to initiate playtime!

Those aren’t all the reasons but they are the most common ones. We’ve got 7 total possible reasons why your cat loves to bunker down under the blankets.

Let’s get started!

1. Kitty See, Kitty Do

Our cats are usually pretty darn interested in what we’re doing. Whether that’s peeking into the shower to see what’s going on trying to attack your hair while it’s being brushed, cat’s are constantly intrigued by all the weird things we humans do during the day.

There’s no reason why getting under the covers should be any different. Cat’s are also extremely curious and if you’ve seen a cat in front of a closed door you’ll know they aren’t big fans of being left out. So there’s a good chance your cat just wants to know what’s going on under there!

Cats like to squeeze themselves into all kinds of small spaces. Whether that’s the latest box from Amazon, under the bed, or like one of my favorite felines behind the fridge! These spaces not only make them feel comfortable, but cats also seem to have finding the newest, weirdest, and trickiest hiding space.

Maybe it’s all in my head, but I’m convinced that when you find a cat in their most secret spot they always look at you with a face that says, what took you long?

So it should be no surprise cats would like to hide under the covers now and again. In fact, going under the covers is the perfect addition to your cat’s hiding place rotation!

3. It’s Warm

To figure out why cats like going under covers it might be worth asking, why do WE like going undercovers? Most of the time, it’s for warmth!

While cats are well adapted to cold weather, that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy some warmth. There are honestly endless photo collections of cats finding weird or unusual places to hang out just because it’s warm. Here’s one of my favorites:

Source: Pinterest

4. It’s Calming

Some cats will choose to go under the covers when they’re feeling a little anxious, nervous, or scared. Different cats are sensitive to different situations and while some cats may be essentially “bomb-proof” others may get anxiety if you simply change your schedule. But even the most even-keeled cats will get anxiety with major changes like a new pet or moving to a new house. In those cases, your cat might like to get under the covers a bit more than usual.

Not only is it safe, warm, and hidden but there have been numerous studies on the calming effects of a pressure wrap on cats and dogs. Comparable to swaddling a baby, applying gentle and even pressure to your cat or dog’s torso has been shown to reduce anxiety. The most popular tool for this the ThunderShirt which you can see on Amazon. It’s essentially a little vest that fits around your cat’s back and sides to keep them calm. This link from Chewy also has a lot more information on how it works.

But your household covers and blankets may have the same effect which could explain why your cat likes going under there. Even if your cat isn’t showing any particular signs of stress or anxiety, they may still enjoy going under the covers just to relax!

5. It’s Matches Your Cat’s Style

Cats are naturally territorial and your cat’s wild relatives typically control a small area of land all their own. Within this land, each cat has a different style that they prefer. Jackson Galaxy, the famous cat behaviorist with an awesome last name, wrote a post going into detail on the three types of dwelling styles that cats have.

First, you have the tree dwellers which are the cats that like out anywhere off the ground. These high-flying felines feel safe when they can see the world from elevated vantage point. That could be on top of a table, chair, or even the fridge. If you’ve got one of these cats, you might want to consider investing in a cat tree and you check out all our favorites here.

Then there are the beach dwellers. These kitties prefer to hang out on the ground and stay out in the open.

Finally, we have the bush dwellers and these are the cats that like to go under covers and blankets! According to Galaxy, the bush dwellers are the “cats waiting under the coffee table or behind a plant. They are often waiting to hunt or to pounce and prefer to have all four feet on the ground.”

So your cat’s preference for going under the covers might just be a reflection of their own style.

6. Your Cat Wants To Play

Cats love a good surprise…but usually only if they’re the one delivering the surprise! Hiding under the covers giving you a couple of well-timed paw pats probably sounds like a great time for your cat! There’s also a good chance you’ve seen a cat attack your feet as they wiggle on the blankets. Your cat might like going under the covers just to see what the heck is moving around under there and get a better chance to play!

While I think cats creating their own blanket fort is a pretty cute way to play, my absolute favorite is the feline flop which you can read more about here.

7. Your Cat Isn’t Feeling Well

When cats are feeling ill, their natural instinct may be to hide. This would have kept your cat’s wild ancestors safer and give them a chance to recover. Just because your cat likes going under the covers doesn’t mean they’re ill but if you see a normally outgoing cat suddenly start hiding under covers and acting lethargic you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Is It OK For A Cat To Sleep Under Covers?

If your cat has a habit of crawling under the covers you might wonder if it’s safe. Could your kitty suffocate if they fall asleep under there?

While it’s generally okay for cats (or dogs) to go under covers and it’s probably not best for them to sleep under there for long periods or do it while you’re not around. While the risk is low, it’s always better to play it safe. As Dr. Fox tells the Washington Post, “Although an animal that begins to experience oxygen deprivation will eventually get out from under the covers, I consider it unhealthy for an animal to keep breathing the same air in a limited space for any length of time.”

Why Does My Cat Hate Being Under The Covers?

Some cats may not like how being under the covers can dull their senses. While they can still hear what’s going on, it’s not the same as being out in the open and in most cases, they can’t see anything. They may also not like the feeling of rebreathing some of the same air if they’re under the blankets for any length of time.

Closing Thoughts

It’s amazing how truly unique cats are and while this is one of the many reasons why we love them so much it can also make it difficult to figure out why they do the things they do! We’ve laid out 7 reasons why your cat might like going under covers and blankets but while some cats love it others hate it!

What do you think? Does your cat love hiding under the covers?

If your cat sleeps under the covers in your bed, he’s definitely not the only cat to do so. Many cats will work their way under your blankets or sheets, where they then curl up for a catnap. As cozy as it feels to you both, this isn’t always an ideal situation. A cat in your bed can disturb your sleep and is sure to leave behind some cat hair and maybe even some dirt, too. Read on to learn what to do if this sounds like the scene in your bed.

tvjoern/Pixabay

Why does my cat sleep under the covers?

You may be wondering why your cat sleeps under the covers. Here are the six most common reasons, as well as some suggestions to help you put a stop to this habit.

Your cat may seek out the bed because it’s a warm and cozy spot to sleep. He might just be snuggling up for a nap and knows that under the covers is the warmest place to be.

What to do: To discourage this, consider giving your kitty a cat bed in a warm and cozy spot of his own, like in a sunny window or near a heating element. You can also give him a heated cat bed, which will help keep him toasty.

2. Your cat wants to play

Some cats who get under the covers are looking for a chance to play. This can be particularly true if your cat burrows under the covers while you’re trying to make the bed, then rolls or races around as you keep adjusting the sheets and blankets. Your cat is probably feeling frisky and looking for a way to get your attention.

What to do: You can solve this issue either by closing your cat out of the room while you make the bed or by giving him alternative play options. Grab some cat toys and treat your cat to a play session. When he’s done, he’ll probably be ready for a nap and will forget all about the covers.

Some cats seek out the reassuring touch of your blankets because it feels safe. Your kitty can create his own little tent, and this enclosed space may feel like protection from threats. He may be more relaxed and less stressed when under the covers.

What to do: If your cat is seeking out this space because he’s looking for security, then it’s important to identify what might be upsetting him in your home. Look for recent changes, like a new pet, that could be making your cat feel insecure. Try to give your cat his own space, such as a room, where these new “threats” aren’t allowed. You can also try giving him an enclosed cat bed or some boxes lined with blankets where he can get the same secure feeling that he finds under your covers.

4. Your cat wants to spend time with you

Your cat might just be feeling social when he ducks under the covers, especially if he mainly does this when you’re in bed. He may associate the bed with where you spend a lot of time, and since the sheets smell like you, this spot can help your cat feel closer to you.

What to do: While you can’t blame your cat for wanting to sleep in bed with you, it can disrupt your sleep. You can try closing him out of your room at night or try giving him his own special blanket or cat bed on top of your bed or in your room.

5. Your cat wants to be alone

Getting into bed may be your cat’s way of establishing some alone time. If he crawls under the covers during the day when no one’s in your bedroom, he might just be seeking out a dark, quiet space where he can doze undisturbed.

What to do: If you have a busy house, you might need to find other ways to give your cat a quiet space. Teach kids not to disturb your cat when he’s napping and invest in a cat tree so your cat can get away from the action and enjoy some time by himself where others won’t bother him.

Dimhou/Pixabay

6. They’re not feeling well

If your cat doesn’t usually slip under the covers but starts this behavior suddenly, he might be signaling that he’s not feeling well. Illness and pain can prompt cats to seek out quiet, solitary places.

What to do: If you see other signs, such as a reduced appetite or lethargy, then make an appointment with your vet.

There are many potential reasons why your cat curls up under your sheets. When figuring out how to get him to stop, it’s important to determine what’s causing him to do this. Observe your cat carefully and think about any recent changes that may have occurred just before you noticed this behavior. You may need to get creative in providing an alternative spot to curl up, but with some persistence and patience, you should be able to reduce the amount of time your cat spends in your bed by encouraging him to bunk down elsewhere.