Why your cat seeks warmth on cold winter days
The radiator becomes a cat's favourite place during the fall and winter months. Sometimes, it lies there for hours or even the entire day. Why does the pet choose the radiator over a comfy bed? There is a scientific explanation for this.
Cat owners try to make their pets' lives more pleasant by buying fancy and soft seats; however, the pet still prefers to rest on or near the radiator. Is this a cause for concern? Definitely not.
Why does the cat like to lie on the radiator?
A cat spending entire days on the radiator should not worry us. Cats also love to lounge next to a lamp, on a sunny windowsill, on a heated floor, or even in a warm closet. We often notice them entering tight spots in the apartment or cozying up to us. This behaviour occurs because they are naturally drawn to sources of heat.
Why does the cat like warmth?
Research conducted by the National Research Council shows that the ambient temperature suitable for a cat ranges from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, their body temperature fluctuates between 38 and 39 degrees, which is higher than that of humans.
Therefore, it's no surprise that our pet seeks warmth, especially in the colder months when, in many homes, it is around 20 degrees Celsius. Additionally, cats spend a large part of their day sleeping, which cools their bodies. During naps, they lose heat, so to prevent getting cold, they seek out a cozy place to warm up.
During winter, it's worth taking extra care and paying attention to candles, fireplaces, or heaters, which could lead to burns on the pet. A cat seeking warmth will tend to circle around such places.
