Why do cats sunbathe?

Ever seen your cat lying in the sun and wondered why cats seem to love sunning themselves so much? Cat sunbathing isn’t uncommon, and there are actually a few different reasons why cats like basking in the warmth of a nice sunbeam. Let’s look at why our feline friends love to sunbathe, and what you, as a pet parent, can do to make sure that they stay safe.

Key takeaways

• Sunbathing is very common for cats. 
• Cats like to sunbathe for a number of reasons, but mostly because it’s warm and keeps them cozy. 
• There is a risk of developing heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn, or even skin cancer if cats spend too long in the sun.

Why do cats like the sun?

The reason why cats love to sunbathe is actually quite simple - it’s all about heat! Cats love the warmth that comes from a nice sunspot, much the same as we people do. That’s why cats relax in sunlight as well as in warm places such as near heaters or in your bed - after all, who doesn’t love a sunny siesta?

Why do cats like heat?

Why do cats like sunbathing and warming up? Our furry feline friends like staying cozy for a variety of reasons, for example: 

Maintain their body temperature

Cats have a higher internal body temperature than humans. While cats have their fur coats to keep them warm, they’ll still find warm places to help make sure that they stay cozy. This difference in body temperature also explains why your cat might try to sunbathe even when you think it’s a bit too hot.

Comfortable sleep

There’s nothing worse than having a nap and waking up cold, right? That’s exactly why cats will choose to doze off in a sunny spot. Cats can sleep for a big part of the day, and maintaining their body temperature can be hard without somewhere warm to snuggle up, so cats sunning themselves might just want a nap.

Genetics

The cute furry house cat we know and love evolved from wild cats in hot desert regions, such as Africa and the Middle East. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that cats seek out warm places!

Pain and ache relief

Just like we humans, cats can get a few aches and pains as they age. Arthritis and joint pain are common in older cats, and warmth can help cats ease their aching joints and muscles. 

Of course, if you’re worried that your cat is in pain, you should talk to your vet to make sure that your feline friend is in the best condition possible. 

Do cats need to sunbathe?

While sunbathing isn’t a necessity, it’s natural for your cat to want to sunbathe (and often, pretty impossible to entice them away from their blessed sunspot!) If they don’t have access to a warm, cozy spot, you could have a sad and cold cat on your hands. If you’re in an area where you don’t get much sun, it might be worth looking at making them an alternative warm space, such as a cat bed near a heater, so that they can keep their body temperature up.

Do cats get vitamin D from sunbathing?

No, unlike us, cats can’t get vitamin D from sunbathing. The skin of cats (and dogs) can’t turn the sun’s rays into vitamin D - this means that they rely entirely on their diet for this essential vitamin.

Is sunbathing dangerous for cats?

Most things are safe in moderation. However, what happens when your cat sunbathes too much? Let’s look at some of the risks that cats might face if they become too much of a sunseeker.

Dehydration risk

Cats are generally good at retaining water, and they get most of their water from their diet. However, prolonged sunbathing could lead to your cat getting dehydrated, especially if they are older or have health issues such as diabetes or kidney disease.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is less common than simple dehydration and only happens if your cat becomes severely overheated. Persian cats, and those that are overweight or have long fur, are most susceptible. The symptoms of heatstroke include lethargy, drooling, and collapse, as well as red skin and gums. If you are concerned that your cat has heatstroke, take them to a vet as soon as possible. 

If you think your cat might have heatstroke, it’s essential to move them to a cool place and contact your vet right away. Pouring cool (but not ice cold) water over your cats’ body, and placing them near a breeze or fan, will also help to start reducing their body temperature to normal levels.

Sunburn

Despite having fur, cats sunbathing are at risk of sunburn. This mostly affects cats with white fur, thin fur, or patches without fur, but any feline can get burnt. The most commonly affected areas for skin damage are the belly, tips of the ears, and the face.

Can cats get skin cancer?

Just like in humans, prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the likelihood of your cat getting skin cancer. If you see any new lumps, bumps, or sores, it is advisable to get them checked out by your vet.

How can I make sunbathing safe for my cats? 

As we’ve covered, it’s important to take care of your pet in the heat and make sure they don’t overheat in the sun. Here are a few tried and tested tips to keep your furry feline safe: 

Recognize their habits

Try to become familiar with how much your cat likes to sunbathe and make sure that they are not showing any signs of distress from being in the sun too long. If your cat is a sunseeker, keep an extra close eye on them and try to keep them in the shade or somewhere cool if temperatures are high. Symptoms to look out for include drooling, disorientation, struggling to stand, or red skin - if you spot any of these signs in your cat, don’t delay and take them to a vet as soon as possible.

Provide fresh water

In order to prevent your cat from getting dehydrated, make sure they have access to fresh clean water at all times. Keeping fresh water available ensures your sun-loving feline stays hydrated. Some cats prefer running water, so consider a cat water fountain to encourage them to drink.

Use suncream

If your cat has particularly thin fur or likes to sunbathe their belly a lot, it might be worth looking into sun cream for them. Be sure to get suncream specifically designed for cats in the sun, as human suncream could be toxic to pets. You can use this to protect the tips of their ears and nose, their stomach, and any other areas with thin fur. When using any cat-friendly suncream for the first time, it is a good idea to test it on a small patch of skin first, to ensure your cat does not have a reaction. Distracting your feline friend for 5-10 minutes after application, with a few treats or playtime, will also help prevent the cream from being licked off while it is being absorbed!

Check for lumps

Always keep an eye on your cat’s skin and give them extra cuddles to help you feel for any new lumps which might be signs of skin cancer. Catching lumps early makes it easier to treat them, and a little care goes a long way.

Let them enjoy the sun - in moderation! 

Now that we know the answer to ‘why do cats sun themselves?’, all that’s left is to let them enjoy it. Ultimately, sunbathing is very normal for cats. Cats are creatures of habit, and once they've found a spot to sun themselves, it can be difficult to drag them away. However, too much sun basking can put our furry friends at risk - so remember, moderation is key! 

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

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