Why Do Cats Like Being Under Blankets?

Few feline quirks are as endearing — and mysterious — as a cat that disappears beneath a pile of blankets. One moment they’re kneading your comforter, the next they’ve tunneled in and gone blissfully quiet. Is this a survival instinct? A love for warmth? A sign of stress, or just play? In this deep dive, we’ll unpack the science of why cats go under blankets, why they burrow and hide, how to keep blanket time safe, and when that behavior signals something more.

1. The Big Reasons Cats Go Under Blankets.

While individual cats have unique preferences, most blanket-seeking behavior boils down to four overlapping instincts: temperature, security, scent, and play. Understanding each one will help you decide when to encourage the habit, when to redirect it, and how to make it safer and more enriching.

1.1 Warmth and thermoregulation

Cats are built to conserve heat. Compared with humans, they prefer warmer resting temperatures and often seek out microclimates — places that trap body heat, reduce drafts, and feel cozy. Blankets create a warm, semi-enclosed microenvironment that mimics the snug warmth of a cat cave, box, or den.

In general, domestic cats maintain body temperature with less energy when the environment is warm and draft-free. An insulated blanket fort helps reduce heat loss through convection and conduction, which is why you’ll see more under-blanket burrowing in cooler homes, near air vents, or during cold seasons.

Practical takeaway: if your cat dives under blankets most mornings or on chilly nights, they might simply be thermoregulating efficiently — a healthy, normal behavior.

1.2 Security, hiding, and stress reduction

Hiding is a fundamental feline strategy for staying safe and managing stress. Semi-enclosed spaces reduce visual and acoustic stimulation and grant a sense of control. Science has shown that providing hiding places can help reduce stress in unfamiliar or challenging environments for cats. A blanket tent recreates a cave-like shelter that feels secure.

If your cat tends to go under blankets when guests arrive, during thunderstorms, or after a household change, they might be self-soothing. That said, persistent hiding paired with behavior changes (less eating, less grooming, less play, less social interaction) can signal distress or illness and warrants a closer look.

1.3 The comforting scent of you

Blankets hold your scent, and scent is a powerful source of familiarity for cats. Many felines choose to sleep on clothing or under comforters precisely because they smell like their person and the household “scent profile.” For bonded cats, this can be deeply reassuring — especially when you’re away.

This doesn’t always mean separation anxiety; many healthy, secure cats simply prefer the familiar scent landscape of a bed and blanket. For anxious cats, leaving a worn T-shirt in their preferred rest area may help — but use this as a supplement to broader enrichment and routine, not a cure-all.

1.4 Play, predation, and the joy of burrowing

For some cats, darting under covers is a game. Blankets transform a bed into an instant hunting ground where shadows move and crinkly sounds entice pounces. The tactile feedback of fabric over fur may mimic the resistance of vegetation in a stalking scenario, encouraging ambush play. If your cat wriggles under the blanket and then launches at a feather wand as it passes by, you’re seeing predatory play in action.

2. Do Cats Naturally Burrow Under Blankets.

Cats didn’t evolve with duvets in the wild, but the instincts that underpin burrowing — nesting, denning, and moving through tight, protected spaces — are very real. Whether your cat becomes a habitual blanket-burrower depends on temperament, past experiences, environment, and sometimes breed tendencies.

2.1 Burrowing vs. nesting: what’s the difference?

Burrowing describes the act of pushing into or under a substrate to create a tunnel or cave-like space. Nesting is arranging materials to form a soft, secure resting area. Under a blanket, cats often do both: they knead and push to shape fabric (nesting), then scoot underneath or between layers (burrowing). The behavior is self-reinforcing because it results in a cozy, quiet, and warm resting spot.

2.2 Breed and individual differences

Some breeds and individuals are more inclined to seek enclosed spaces. For example, cats that are highly playful, curious, or prone to seeking out warmth may burrow more. Sphynx and other short-coated cats often appreciate additional warmth, while bold, high-energy cats may also enjoy the ambush play opportunities blankets provide. But plenty of long-haired or low-energy cats love blanket caves, too — personality trumps pedigree.

2.3 Kittens and seniors

Kittens, driven by exploration and play, may burrow frequently and energetically, while seniors may burrow primarily for comfort and warmth. Seniors with arthritis might prefer the pressure relief of a soft, padded nest and use blankets to create a warm, pain-easing nook. Always monitor elderly cats for overheating or breathing difficulties if they’re fully covered.

3. Is It Safe When Cats Hide Under Blankets.

In most cases, healthy adult cats are perfectly safe under light, breathable blankets. They typically know how to exit if uncomfortable. Still, certain risks deserve attention, especially for kittens, elderly cats, or those with medical issues.

3.1 Suffocation, overheating, and other risks

Suffocation: Light, loosely woven blankets allow airflow, and cats are adept at pushing free. Thick, weighted, or tightly tucked bedding poses more risk, particularly for small kittens or debilitated cats. Avoid trapping any cat under heavy layers.

Overheating: Cats can overheat, especially in warm rooms or hot climates. Elevated respiration, panting, restlessness, or seeking cool surfaces are warning signs. Flatten the blanket, open a seam for airflow, or provide a cooler option nearby.

Entrapment: Ensure there are exits. Avoid tight hospital corners or tucking bedding so firmly that a cat could be trapped beneath it.

Strings and buttons: Decorative tassels, buttons, or loose threads can be swallowed. Inspect bedding for chew hazards, particularly if your cat is a fabric chewer.

3.2 When to intervene

It’s usually fine to let your cat enjoy their blanket cave. Intervene if you notice:

• Rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, or persistent panting.
• Meowing or scratching frantically to get out.
• Excessive, all-day hiding paired with reduced food intake or play.
• Signs of heat stress: lethargy, drooling, red gums, or disorientation.
• Kittens or frail seniors sleeping under a heavy or tightly fitted duvet.

When in doubt, gently lift an edge to add airflow or guide them toward a lighter throw or a ventilated cat cave.

4. How To Make Blanket Time Safer And Better.

You can harness your cat’s love of going under blankets to create a cozy, stimulating, and safe rest zone. Small tweaks to bedding and environment go a long way.

4.1 Smart setups and fabric choices

• Choose breathable layers: Cotton, bamboo, or other breathable textiles help airflow.
• Build a tent: Drape a light blanket over a pillow or low box to create an airy entrance.
• Skip heavy tucks: Leave edges loose so your cat can exit easily.
• Mind the season: Use lighter throws in summer, flannel in winter.
• Watch for static: In dry climates, add a humidifier to reduce static shocks that can bother sensitive cats.

4.2 Cozy alternatives to blankets

• Cat caves and covered beds: Provide a vented, washable hideaway that mimics a burrow.
• Cardboard boxes: Simple, cheap, and science-backed for stress reduction.
• Heated mats with thermostats: Use a pet-safe heated bed on low with a towel layer; monitor use and never place under heavy blankets.
• Play tunnels: Satisfy the urge to burrow and ambush without trapping heat around the body.

4.3 Gentle training and enrichment

• Reward calm use: Drop treats or catnip in a designated blanket zone to reinforce appropriate burrowing.
• Redirect play bites: Use wand toys around the outside of the blanket to keep teeth away from hands and feet.
• Routine and predictability: Regular play, feeding, and quiet time reduce stress and may decrease compulsive hiding.

5. Behavior Decoding: Your Top Questions Answered.

5.1 Why do cats like going under blankets?

They’re seeking a combination of warmth, security, familiar scent, and play opportunities. This behavior is normal and usually healthy.

5.2 Why do cats burrow under blankets specifically?

Blankets are easy to tunnel into and mold into a nest. They trap heat, dampen noise, and create a den-like space that many cats find soothing.

5.3 Why do cats hide under blankets more during storms or change?

Hiding helps reduce sensory input and gives a sense of control. During stressors like storms, visitors, or household changes, many cats hide more.

5.4 Do cats understand how to get out from under blankets?

Healthy adult cats typically do. They push with their head and shoulders and find gaps. Provide loose edges and exits to be safe.

5.5 Is burrowing a sign of anxiety?

Sometimes. If it’s occasional and your cat otherwise eats, plays, and socializes, it’s likely comfort-seeking. If hiding becomes constant or your cat’s normal behavior changes, consult your veterinarian.

5.6 Why does my cat purr or knead under the blanket?

Purring and kneading are often signs of contentment and self-soothing. The soft resistance of blankets encourages rhythmic kneading, often a leftover comfort behavior from kittenhood.

5.7 Should I let my cat sleep under the covers at night?

Yes, if your cat is healthy and can exit easily. Use lighter bedding, avoid tight corners, and check the room temperature.

5.8 Why does my cat burrow next to me instead of alone?

Your body heat and scent add comfort. Many cats form secure attachments to their caregivers and choose to rest near them.

5.9 Why do some cats dislike being under blankets?

Preference varies. Some cats overheat quickly, dislike confined spaces, or prefer lofty perches where they can monitor the room.

5.10 Is it okay for kittens to be under blankets?

Be cautious. Kittens are smaller and less capable of escaping heavy bedding. Use light, breathable layers and supervise.

6. Troubleshooting Blanket-Related Issues.

Most blanket burrowing is harmless. If problems crop up, they’re usually solvable with small adjustments.

6.1 Allergies, asthma, and cleanliness

Blankets collect dander and dust. Wash bedding regularly in hot water to reduce allergens. If anyone in the home has asthma or allergies, choose tightly woven, washable covers and consider a HEPA filter in the bedroom. If your cat sneezes or coughs more during blanket season, see your vet to rule out respiratory issues.

6.2 Multi-cat dynamics and resource guarding

In multi-cat homes, a coveted blanket cave can become contested territory. To prevent tension:

• Offer multiple “caves,” beds, and resting stations at different heights and rooms.
• Create more than one safe path in and out of each hideaway.
• Reward calm sharing and watch for blocking behavior (one cat hovering at the entrance).
• Rotate blankets so no single item becomes the only prized spot.

6.3 Chewing, clawing, and fabric safety

If your cat chews or eats fabric (pica), blankets can be hazardous. Remove tempting fringe and strings, provide safe chew alternatives, and consult your vet to rule out medical or nutritional contributors. For avid kneaders with sharp claws, opt for durable, loop-free weaves to avoid snagging.

7. When To Talk To Your Veterinarian.

Going under blankets is usually normal, but behavior changes can hint at underlying health or anxiety issues. Err on the side of asking your vet if you’re unsure.

7.1 Signs that merit a checkup

• Sudden, persistent hiding paired with decreased appetite or weight loss.
• Changes in grooming (matted coat, dandruff) or litter box habits.
• Sleep-wake cycle changes, restlessness, or vocalizing at night.
• Respiratory symptoms: coughing, wheezing, open-mouth breathing.
• Heat sensitivity or intolerance, especially in seniors or brachycephalic (flat-faced) cats.

7.2 Anxiety and environmental support

If your cat burrows obsessively after stressors, discuss enrichment and behavior plans with your veterinarian. Adding vertical space, predictable routines, interactive play, and dedicated hideaways often helps. In some cases, pheromone diffusers or behavior therapy are warranted.

8. Quick Setup Guide: A Safe, Cozy Blanket Burrow.

Use this simple checklist to set up a safe, cat-friendly blanket space today:

• Pick a breathable throw and drape it over a pillow to create a tunnel.
• Leave edges loose for easy exits and airflow.
• Place the burrow away from vents or direct sun to avoid overheating.
• Add a washable towel inside; sprinkle a few treats to invite exploration.
• Keep a wand toy nearby for ambush play — outside the blanket.

With these tips, you can celebrate your cat’s love of going under blankets while keeping them comfortable and safe. Whether they burrow, hide, or simply lounge beneath a cozy layer, you’ll be supporting natural feline behaviors in a healthy, thoughtful way.

Citations

• Thermoregulation in Animals: Overview. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
• Heat stroke in cats. (VCA Animal Hospitals)
• Heatstroke in pets. (American Veterinary Medical Association)
• Why cats need to hide. (International Cat Care)
• Will a hiding box provide stress reduction for shelter cats? (Applied Animal Behaviour Science)
• Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans. (Current Biology)
• Spraying and marking in cats. (ASPCA)
• Pets and Indoor Air Quality. (U.S. EPA)