Why do cats seek out warm spots?

While normal body temperature for cats varies somewhat depending on breed and age, the average cat has a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to humans’ average 98.6 degrees. So, why do cats crave warmth?

First Off, Not All Kitties Like Being Warm All the Time
Turns out, not all cats crave warmth as much as others. Long-haired cats tend to conserve body heat easier than short-haired cats, unsurprisingly, so short hairs are more often found sunbathing.

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But overall, cats do seek warm spots — from sunshine streaming through the windows to snuggling up under a blanket. There are a couple reasons why.

Why do Cats look for warm spots in the house?

Genetics
Let’s start by looking at genetics. Research on cat DNA has shown that domesticated cats evolved from a wild species, Felis sylvestris, that lives in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

The genetic line of all of our feline friends goes back about 10,000 years ago to wild cat populations in the Middle East, specifically Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Cyprus — desert country.

So, it’s pretty hot there. It stands to reason that our cats crave warmth because genetically they are desert creatures and they lose heat easily because of their body’s traits to live in such a hot climate.

Diet
Combine these genetics with their protein-rich diet — protein just doesn’t work the same way as carbohydrates in terms of energy conservation — and this doesn’t afford much extra energy that can go to keeping cats warm when their environment is just a little chillier than for which they are biologically designed.

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So, sunbathing might also be helping your kitty’s body conserve some energy too.

To Stay Warm While Sleeping
When your kitty goes to sleep, her body temperature drops a bit, so she might start to feel a little chilly. For this reason, she might prepare for a nap by first finding a warm and cozy spot, such as one where there is plenty of sunshine, to settle down. T

he sun will be there to keep her body warm while she’s snoozing, helping her stay nice and comfortable.