Cats like to bask in the sun.

By basking in the sun, cats can obtain vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption.

Cats that have not been exposed to the sun for a long time are not only deficient in calcium, but also prone to unresponsiveness.

But cats also have “degrees” when basking in the sun.

In order to let their cats fully bask in the sun, some cat owners keep their cats on the balcony to bask in the sun every day. Over time, the cats will develop health problems.

Cats should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than 40 minutes at a time.

For purely domestic cats, a total of 95 minutes of sun exposure per day is enough.

Wild cats rarely bask in direct sunlight.

What cats really like is the sunshine under the shade of trees.

In the wild, cats prefer to bask in the sun under the shade of trees. Wild cats prefer to get in touch with the sun in areas where the sun is not too strong.

When wild cats are basking in the sun, they generally do not let their heads be exposed to direct sunlight.

This is how wild cats protect their eyes.

Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can cause problems with your cat’s eyes.

Some cats may even suffer vision damage when exposed to strong direct sunlight.

Cat owners sometimes mistakenly believe that "the stronger the sun, the better for the cat."

Some people even put cats in direct sunlight. In fact, this is a very dangerous way for cats to bask in the sun.

There are 5 misunderstandings about cats basking in the sun, the first of which is direct sunlight.

1. Cats should not be exposed to direct sunlight, especially noontime sunlight

The sunlight at noon is not suitable for cats.

In the wild, cats usually bask in the sun between 2pm and 4pm.

In areas close to cities, wild cats will also bask in the sun around 9 a.m. But at noon, all wild cats will find shelter and avoid direct sunlight.

Direct sunlight has three hidden dangers for cats:

First of all, direct sunlight can cause sunburn on cats’ skin. Cats can also get sunburned. Sunburned cats will have red spots on their bodies, and some cats may develop skin infections due to scratching.

Secondly, direct sunlight can make cats prone to colds. Cats that have been exposed to direct sunlight can easily catch a cold if they enter a cool room immediately. Especially in summer, domestic cats are prone to colds after being exposed to direct sunlight.

Direct sunlight can also cause irreversible damage to a cat’s eyes. Cats that have been exposed to direct sunlight for a long time are prone to eye damage. Some are often exposed to direct sunlightDomestic cats may shed tears easily and have blurred vision.

　2. It is best for domestic cats to bask in the sun through glass

Domestic cats do not necessarily have to go to areas without glass to bask in the sun.

The existence of glass can actually help cats filter some of the ultraviolet rays in the sun. In the wild, shade acts like glass.

If you must let your domestic cat bask in the sun outside, you can prepare an area with green plants for the cat.

Free-range domestic cats that can go out at any time every day do not need extra sunlight at home. For cats who live at home for a long time, basking in the sun through glass can already meet their needs for sunlight.

　3. Let the cat bask in the sun in a sheltered place

80% of cats will choose a sheltered place to bask in the sun.

In sunny areas, 80% of cats will choose sheltered places to bask in the sun, while the remaining 20% ​​or so are often the weakest cats in the group.

With no shelter from the wind, these cats will bask in windy areas.

When domestic cats are basking in the sun, cat owners should provide cats with shelter from the wind.

Sheltering from the wind can not only avoid the risk of catching cold, but also prevent cats from gastrointestinal problems.

Cats will lick their fur all over their bodies within 50 minutes after basking in the sun. Cats that have been basking in the sun for a long time in the "vents" will have excessive dust in their fur that will cause gastrointestinal discomfort to domestic cats.

4. Cats need to replenish water immediately after basking in the sun

Some cat owners don’t pay much attention to keeping their cats hydrated after basking in the sun.

Cats need to replenish water as soon as possible after basking in the sun.

This is not only caused by the cat being thirsty. After the cat basks in the sun, the body will synthesize some nutrients, part of which requires the participation of water.

Allowing cats to get sufficient water after basking in the sun can actually improve the quality of cats basking in the sun.

But don’t let your cat drink greasy “water” like broth after basking in the sun.

After the cat is basking in the sun, it is best to provide the cat with clean water that is the same temperature as room temperature.

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5. When the cat is basking in the sun, it is best to place a mat where the cat lies

Where cats are basking in the sun, it is best for cat owners to place a mat or cloth with a certain thickness in advance.

This will put the cat in a more relaxed state when basking in the sun.

If domestic cats don’t haveSunbathing habit, then this method can also make your cat more willing to bask in the sun every day.

Some kittens will not roll over when basking in the sun. Mats can prevent these cats from getting cold in their abdomens.

If it is not a purely domestic cat, then there is no need to prepare a sun mat for the cat.

Wild cats generally choose places such as stones, wood, and the ground when basking in the sun.

This is a wild cat deliberately "balancing the body temperature." When the temperature of some places where wild cats are exposed is too high, the wild cats will lower the temperature by touching stones or the ground.

Most domestic cats do not have this ability. Cat owners can help cats bask in the sun scientifically by controlling the length of time they bask in the sun.

It is best not to scare the cat when it is basking in the sun.

Cats are in a relaxed state when basking in the sun. If people scare the cat, it will make the cat nervous.

Some cats will feel psychological pressure to bask in the sun.

When you see your cat basking in the sun, giving the cat a quiet environment is the best choice for the cat.