How to Give Your Cat More Sunshine
There’s nothing quite so adorable as a cat sprawled out in a patch of sunshine! Just like humans, cats thrive off of natural light. In fact, cats actually need the warmth of sunlight to maintain a normal body temperature and conserve energy.
However, April showers are on the way, and you’ll want to be sure that your kitty can soak up some rays on the pretty days. Here are a few tips to optimize your cat’s sunshine time.
Adjust the Windows
Your windows are the best sources of natural light. In the winter, just a few small tweaks can boost the amount of light that shines through. Keeping curtains open during the day, removing mesh window screens, and trimming any outdoor foliage that blocks the sun are all good options.
Relocate Your Cat’s Bed
When the light shines into your home, your cat will likely find a spot on the floor where it can bask in its rays. However, you can encourage him even more by creating an inviting sleeping spot. If your cat has a favorite bed or cat tree, consider moving it to the area or your house or apartment that gets the most natural light. Add a few of their favorite toys or a piece of your clothing to help them feel comfortable.
Create a Designated Window Perch
If you don’t have one already, you can also install a special bed or sitting perch for your cat on a windowsill. Doing so not only offers them a secure spot for gazing outside (providing lots of entertainment), it also means they can sit and nap directly in the sun for as long as the daylight allows. Many cat perches are readily available for purchase online or at your local pet store.
Update Your Interior
Believe it or not, there are a number of ways you can update your décor to take advantage of any sunlight that does come in. Painting the walls white, using white or grey-colored coverings on furniture, and picking light-colored drapes allows sunlight to reflect, creating an overall brighter and lighter space for your cat.
If you’re worried about your cat’s warmth and happiness, our cat sitters can visit while you’re at work and open up the curtains to let the sun stream in.
Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.
Photo by Julian Majer from Pexels
