Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 sun-warming spots your cat will gravitate to in the spring

Here are the best spots for your cat to laze in the sun

Does your cat have a favorite sun-warming spot? If you have a feline fur baby, then you’ve most likely caught them sprawled out in a strip of sunlight, happily catching the rays. Some cats have a preferred spot they always seek out for sunbathing, while others will find any patch of light they can find to enjoy the sunshine.

You may be wondering, “Do cats actually need sunlight? Why do cats sprawl out on sunny windowsills?” We’ll investigate the reasons our crepuscular critters enjoy sunbathing, and we’ll share a few tips for creating a cozy atmosphere in the five spots your cat is most likely to seek out during the springtime.

A Russian blue cat sunning herself on the floor near a window

Why cats are drawn to sunlight

Have you ever wondered why cats love to sleep in sunbeams? The answer might have something to do with their biology. While humans start feeling the heat at around 112 degrees Fahrenheit, our feline companions actually have fewer heat receptors than we do. Your fur baby won’t experience any discomfort until the temperature rises to a scorching 126 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why cats sometimes sleep scarily close to space heaters or might even stroll across a hot stove. 

Cats also have a naturally higher body temperature than we do — around 100.4 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to our average of 98.6 degrees — meaning they can handle heat better than we can. So, why do cats sunbathe? Hint: it’s not to get vitamin D. Unlike humans, cats can’t synthesize vitamin D from sunlight. (Their vitamin D needs are met through their dietary intake.) Lazing in the sun is simply an efficient way they maintain their body temperature while they sleep, a time when their temperature tends to decrease. 

A tabby cat sunning herself on a wicker chair

5 spots where cat loves to sunbathe

Here we offer some tips you can use to make your cat’s favorite sunning spots safer and even more inviting. 

1. Windowsills

Keep your windowsills free of knickknacks. Windowsills make optimal sunbathing spots for your cat. Raise the window blinds, pull back the curtains, and let your fur baby sprawl out in the sun. Sure, you might have to dust your windowsills more often than usual, but it’s well worth it to see your feline companion enjoy the warm spring sunshine. 

2. Window perches

Some cat breeds, like Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest cats, are simply too large to fit on the average windowsill. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. You can purchase a window perch that suction cups to your window, or a cat bed shelf that adds space to the windowsill — just make sure it will support your cat’s weight. Don’t want to spend the money? Try relocating a bookcase or a table beneath the windowsill and covering it with a fleecy blanket to create the perfect sunning spot. 

3. Furniture

Does your cat have a favorite chair? Now is the perfect time to rearrange the furniture and place your fur baby’s preferred spot directly in line with the nearest window for optimal sun exposure. If you don’t want your cat to sunbathe on your kitchen table, you might want to move it away from the window. Cats are drawn to any warm, flat surface.

4. Cat tree

Placing your furry friend’s favorite cat tree near a window is a surefire way to get the most bang for your buck. Your cat will not only enjoy spending her days napping in the sun, but she’ll also get some much-needed exercise climbing up and down from her perch. Cat trees are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but you might want to check out the numerous tutorials online that teach you how to build your own

5. Screened porch

If you’re lucky enough to have a screened-in porch, then your fur baby has probably already claimed it as her favorite spot to get some sun. No porch? No problem! Cat patios — also known as catios — are readily available and relatively easy to install. If you want to let your fur baby spend some time outdoors safely, outdoor playpens can be a great option. 

A close-up shot of a tortoiseshell calico licking her lips in the sun

It’s no secret that cats love to spend time in the sun, but it can be problematic if your fur baby’s favorite sunning spot happens to be your kitchen table or your expensive sofa. Fortunately, you can create a perfect alternative spot that your cat will be drawn to day after day to sunbathe. Just be sure to avoid setting up a cat perch in a drafty area. Also, remember to keep window coverings out of reach, and lure your cat to her new perch with a few treats

Editors' Recommendations

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
This video shows another side to the war in Ukraine: All the cats
These cats are working alongside their humans in service to their country
Kitten peeks out of a military helmet

Pets might not be our first thought when we think about armed conflict, but they're a surprising part of it. In the current war in Ukraine, many refugees fleeing the country are bringing beloved pets with them and, luckily, neighboring countries have been able to take some of them in. Despite nearly impossible circumstances, animals are being saved and even brought to the US and going to loving families. Some, however, are living directly on the front lines with soldiers, including the adorable cats featured in this video.

In it, you see cats of all shapes and sizes hanging out with their buddies dressed in fatigues and often ready for action. The kitties climb up their people or ride along in satchels or assist the war effort by becoming lookouts (or at least pretending to). While they may not be a lot of help in that arena, they can provide friendship and become true assets to their units (some trained military dogs deploy with troops around the world to help with things like finding land mines and search and rescue). Interestingly, animals have always been essential to war, not just as the cavalry but in a companionship role as well.

Read more
These are the 10 most popular cat breeds, as counted by The Cat Fanciers’ Association
Here are the top 10 most popular cat breeds in the world
A Devon Rex cat is held up against a blue sky

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognizes 46 different feline breeds, but not all of them can be the most popular. That's why the CFA took a look into its registries to determine the top 10 most popular cat breeds of 2022. It welcomes registrations from "nonstandard" and "non-pedigreed" cats as well, but those feline friends weren't included in this particular count.

Which types of cats do you think were the most popular in 2022? Whether you can list off every breed or can't even name one, we guarantee there's at least one surprise on this list.

Read more
Can large cats enjoy a cat tree? Here are the ones to get
Cat trees for large cats might be hard to find, but you can get the right one
Large black cat sits in a cat tree

While you probably know that your dog needs a decent amount of exercise, you might not realize that your cat does, too. Experts estimate that most indoor cats don't get enough exercise, and as many as 40% could be overweight or obese. Some big kitties might need a bit more, just as would be true for many dogs. One way to help encourage their heart rate is to gift them a structure. A cat tree for large cats will stimulate both their bodies and their minds.
Why do our felines love cat trees?
In the wild, cats climb trees, every one of those felines, from your escaped house cat to lions and leopards -- they all love to get height. You might also see your indoor pet trying to do the same in your house with mixed success. Many pet parents investigate a sudden noise to find their little jumper now sitting on top of the cabinets or on a bookcase. If you give them a cat tree, that will satisfy much of their need to climb. It also allows the kitty to have space to themselves up high when they want to get out of the way and burn a few of those calories.
What are the benefits of a cat tree?
Cats love to climb whether they live inside, outside, or both. Some owners like to mimic the great outdoors by installing a cat tree indoors. It should be fun for your kitty, but it will also have health benefits. This is a great way to give them a little exercise, a scratching post, and mental stimulation. Make sure to pick the right one, depending on your cat's size, interests, and behaviors.
Which one should I get for my big cat?
A large cat needs a sturdy cat tree! Stick to a few of these bigger and safer ones that will work perfectly for your larger animal.

FEANDREA 67-inch Multi-Level Cat Tree for Large Cats
This tree, aptly billed as "Exclusive Luxury for Cats," will give them plenty to do no matter what mood hits them. With this cat tree, your feline has multiple heights, hidey holes, and balls to bat on. Most importantly, it's incredibly stable and boasts high reviews -- a distinguished 4.8. One top reviewer said their 20-pound beastie even fit on it, so this one works well if you have a big kitty.

Read more