Key Takeaways
- Cats have mixed preferences when it comes to being covered — some find it comforting, while others may feel trapped or anxious.
- Instinctual behavior plays a huge role, stemming from their ancestral need for warmth, safety, and concealment.
- Understanding your cat’s body language and history is essential before deciding whether to use a blanket or cover.
- Certain breeds, ages, and health conditions may make a cat more likely to enjoy or need being covered.
- Overcovering can lead to risks such as overheating, anxiety, or loss of trust.
- This article explores rarely discussed factors like feline thermal regulation, sensory overload, trauma history, and the psychological effects of confinement.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why This Topic Matters: Beyond the Obvious
- Feline Ancestry and the Need for Shelter
- Do Cats Like to Be Covered?
- When Covering Is Beneficial
- When Covering Can Be Harmful
- Understanding Your Cat’s Signals
- Factors That Influence Preferences
- Blankets vs. Cat Caves vs. Clothing: What's Best?
- How to Safely Introduce Covering
- Product Tips That Help with Covered Comfort
- Scientific Research and Statistical Insights
- Historical and Cultural Perspectives
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
"Do cats like to be covered?" is a deceptively simple question that many pet owners ask, especially when they see their cat burrow under a blanket or disappear into a cardboard box. At first glance, it may seem like a straightforward preference. But as with many things in the feline world, the answer is nuanced — layered with evolutionary instinct, environmental influence, and individual temperament.
This article explores both the practical and psychological aspects of covering cats — whether with blankets, clothes, or enclosed spaces. We'll go far beyond the conventional wisdom and dive into the seldom-discussed areas of cat behavior.
Why This Topic Matters: Beyond the Obvious
Understanding whether or not cats like to be covered can:
- Improve your bond with your pet.
- Help reduce anxiety-related behaviors.
- Influence your choice of beds, caves, or grooming techniques.
- Ensure better thermal comfort for your cat — especially during seasonal changes.
According to a 2021 pet behavior survey by the American Pet Products Association, 32% of cat owners said their cat “often hides or burrows under blankets.” Yet only 11% understood what it meant behaviorally.
So why the disconnect? Because this subject — like many feline behaviors — is often misunderstood.
Feline Ancestry and the Need for Shelter
Domesticated cats (Felis catus) descended from African wildcats (Felis lybica), solitary hunters that often sought burrows, crevices, or dense vegetation to rest during the day. This need for shelter wasn’t just about sleep — it was about avoiding predators and regulating body temperature.
“Cats are both predators and prey. Their need to find covered, safe spaces is deeply wired into their nervous system.” — Dr. Sarah Ellis, Feline Behaviour Specialist, International Cat Care.
That instinct still survives today in your house cat’s tendency to hide in laundry baskets, crawl under beds, or burrow under your blanket.
Do Cats Like to Be Covered?
The Short Answer
Some cats do, and some cats don’t. It depends heavily on their personality, experiences, health, age, and environment.
The Deeper Answer
Being covered might simulate the security of a den or cave. It may help certain cats self-soothe in response to stressors like loud noises, visitors, or other animals.
But for others, especially those with past trauma or sensory sensitivity, being covered might trigger feelings of panic, claustrophobia, or entrapment.
When Covering Is Beneficial
- Kittens often enjoy being covered due to their association with warmth and maternal comfort.
- Senior cats with arthritis may enjoy a warm covered bed to ease joint pain.
- Anxious cats may benefit from a blanket tent or covered space to reduce overstimulation.
- After vet visits or surgery, a gently draped towel or heated bed cover can provide therapeutic comfort.
Signs of Enjoyment:
- Purring or kneading under the blanket
- Slow blinking and relaxed posture
- Voluntarily going under the same cover repeatedly
When Covering Can Be Harmful
- Overheating in warm climates or with thick blankets
- Cats with breathing issues (e.g., brachycephalic breeds) may find it hard to breathe under covers
- Rescue cats with trauma history may panic when confined
- Long-haired breeds may overheat faster than short-haired ones
“Owners should be cautious about assuming all cats love being tucked in — cats are not dogs. Their need for control and autonomy is critical.” — Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist.
Understanding Your Cat’s Signals
If your cat tolerates being covered but quickly scrambles out, flattens ears, pants, or looks tense — those are red flags.
Behavioral cues to watch:
- Positive: Purring, relaxed limbs, choosing to re-enter the covered spot.
- Negative: Tail flicking, sudden movement, dilated pupils, scratching to escape.
Factors That Influence Preferences
- Breed: Ragdolls, Persians, and Scottish Folds are more prone to enjoy soft, enclosed comfort. Siamese or Bengals may prefer open space and high perches.
- Climate: Cats in cooler climates are more likely to seek thermal cover.
- Past experiences: Cats previously trapped or confined may fear covers.
- Age and mobility: Older cats may find comfort in warmth but dislike the effort of burrowing.
Blankets vs. Cat Caves vs. Clothing: What's Best?
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Blankets | Easy, comforting, accessible | Can overheat or restrict movement |
| Cat Caves | Enclosed, temperature-stable, instinctual | Some cats dislike the confinement |
| Cat Clothing | Can help hairless breeds (Sphynx) | Often stressful and unnatural for most |
Cat caves and partially covered beds strike the best balance. They let your cat choose how “covered” they want to be.
How to Safely Introduce Covering
- Let your cat lead: Offer the option, don’t impose it.
- Use breathable fabrics like cotton or fleece.
- Avoid tight or heavy covers that restrict movement.
- Monitor closely at first for any distress signs.
- Leave an exit path — always.
Product Tips That Help with Covered Comfort
While cats’ preferences differ, the following items tend to be favored:
- Soft-sided covered cat beds
- Heated pads with covers
- Fleece tunnels or hideaways
- Lightweight pet blankets
🛍️ At The Heaps Variety, our selection of covered cat beds, cat tunnels, and fleece hideaways are designed to help your feline feel safe and snug — on their terms.
Scientific Research and Statistical Insights
According to a 2020 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, cats provided with a hiding space in shelters showed significantly lower cortisol levels, suggesting lower stress.
Another study from Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2017) noted that cats provided with “tent-like” covered beds chose them 72% more frequently than open beds.
These statistics validate what many owners observe — that cats often seek covered options when given the freedom to choose.
Historical and Cultural Perspectives
In ancient Egypt, cats were often depicted lounging in shadows or nestled in textile-rich areas of temples and homes. Covered comfort was considered a luxury — much like in today’s designer cat beds.
In Japanese culture, the “Kotatsu” (a heated table covered with a blanket) is a popular sleeping place for cats in winter.
These cultural patterns show that covering cats for comfort is not a modern invention, but a long-standing practice across civilizations.
Conclusion
So, do cats like to be covered? Some do, and some don’t — and it’s your job as their human to figure it out.
The key lies in offering options, observing behavior, and respecting boundaries. Covered comfort can be a beautiful part of a cat’s life — but only if they feel safe and in control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats get cold at night and need to be covered?
Yes, especially short-haired or older cats. But they prefer to choose when and how to stay warm.
Is it okay to put a blanket over a cat while they sleep?
If they’re already asleep and don’t stir, it's usually fine. But always use breathable material and don’t restrict movement.
Do cats like sleeping under blankets?
Many do — it mimics den-like environments. But others find it stressful. Let them decide.
Can I train my cat to enjoy being covered?
You can encourage it by associating covering with positive experiences like treats and petting. But never force it.
What’s the best alternative if my cat hates blankets?
Try a covered cat cave or a soft tunnel — something with open access and breathable walls.