There's nothing more delightful for a cat lover than cuddling up with their pet on a chilly day in your lap. Even though it's consoling to think that they're cuddling with you simply because they adore you, the dirty little secret is that they're just taking advantage of you. for the warmth you possess.
Although they do, in part, appreciate your company, the true reason they enjoy cuddling is a result of millions of generations of evolution.
Ancestry from the Desert
Domestic cats are hardwired to survive in warm climates since they are descended from old desert creatures. Since cats have a body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit on average, they have to make up for their susceptibility to cold. As a result, certain breeds have grown thick, fluffy coats, but many others rely on outside heat sources, like humans, to stay warm.
That's why, in the absence of a warm human lap, it's not unusual to spot a cat curled up in the middle of a space heater, burrowing beneath a cozy blanket, or simply relaxing on a sunny windowsill.
Prioritizing safety
Even though it's cute and entertaining to see cats curl in front of a radiator, you should watch them closely to make sure they're not injuring themselves. Although they can tolerate high temperatures, that doesn't imply they can't get burned; in fact, because of the way their fur functions, they're frequently more vulnerable to injury.
Even though their fur acts as insulation, using our heat equipment may make this worse for them. Their fur will prevent them from sensing the temperature until it becomes quite hot, so they can curl around something warm without realizing it is growing warmer.
Provide your cat with a nice blanket that is placed a safe distance from the heat sources to entice him away from curled up too close to a radiator and space heater. Alternatively, embrace him tightly and engage in some feline snuggling. Naturally, that comes after you snap a cute picture of your cat enjoying the fake warmth.
Socialization
Although you might believe that all you do for your cat is provide warmth, their instincts go well beyond that. During the first few days of their lives, kittens are unable to control their body temperature. In order to survive, they frequently curl up together to exchange body heat. Since domesticated cats may live in groups and can endure cold climates and seasons by sharing body heat, this inclination is deeply ingrained in their genetic makeup.
Stray cats can stick together and cuddle up to one another in order to live. Therefore, your cat's affection for you goes beyond just keeping them warm. It's a sign that they value you and find solace in it.
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