How Can Cats Breathe Under The Blankets?

We’ve all seen it happen. A cat clambers under the blanket and vanishes. So how can our feline friends breathe safely here? According to science, it’s all about the way cats breathe.

Cats use their bellies for breathing in and out. They pull air to the stomach through their noses and send it straight into their lungs. In the main, they don’t use their rib cages or diaphragm. As a result, they can fill up with air from either side of the nose.

This article will delve into this issue and shed light on how cats can breathe under blankets.

Cats Are Smaller, So They Need Less Air

Cats are nimble and agile creatures; they are tiny compared to humans, so they need less oxygen. So if we are going to look at how cats breathe underneath the blankets, we need to take a quick look at cat physiology.

Cats can breathe under blankets due to their nasal anatomy and relaxed breathing rate. Unlike humans, cats have a more efficient respiratory system that requires less oxygen. When under a blanket, the small air pocket around a cat’s nose and mouth provides sufficient oxygen for short periods. Always ensure safety and monitor your pet.

How Do Cats Breathe?

You shouldn’t notice your cat breathing as they breathe mainly through their noses. But, if you pay close attention, you should see their bodies’ slow and subtle movements. You won’t hear them breathing. If your cat makes loud noises while breathing, he may be distressed. Contact the vet as soon as possible.

Breathing And Cat Physiology

Ever had a cat snuggled up against you under the covers? You’ve probably wondered how it can breathe without suffocating. Cats have adaptations that allow them to do this quite easily.

First, cats have a high number of respiratory movements compared to other animals. As a result, they take in more air for their size and eliminate more carbon dioxide than some animals.

Cats also have a flexible rib cage that allows them to compress their lungs when they curl up under blankets or in small spaces. An adaptation that enables them to carry on breathing with ease in tight spaces.

What Have A Cat’s Eyes Got To Do With Breathing?

Okay, as we look at the cats’ physiology, you might think a cat’s eyesight has nothing to do with breathing. You’re right, of course. It doesn’t, but it does have something to do with why they can be happy underneath the blankets. 

Cats have excellent eyesight and can see in the dark. So when under the covers, they don’t feel blind because they can see just fine, which isn’t scary for them as it might be for, say, a dog.

A Cats Mouth And Normal Cat Breathing

A cat’s mouth is used for eating and your cat breathing through its mouth is normal cat behavior of course. However, your cat should never be panting with maybe very few exceptions, like after strenuously exerting himself.

The Role Of A Cats lungs In Healthy Breathing

Lung problems are common in cats especially if they are senior cats and can have various causes, including:

• heart failure
• kidney disease
• cancer
• and pneumonia.

But, as fantastic hunters, their lungs do an excellent job of getting oxygen to the cats’ muscles when needed. This article ¹suggests that carnivores (which cats are) may have more efficient lungs.

Of course, efficient lungs help cats breathe better under the covers. So utilizing more of the oxygen in a place with less oxygen is an obvious bonus.

A Cat Should Only Be Breathing Through Its Nose

Cats breathe predominantly through their noses. Open-mouth breathing or panting are signs of severe respiratory disorder.² But, owners may not immediately recognize changes to their cat’s breathing.

If a cat is healthy, it will breathe only through its nose; this makes it an obligate nasal breather. This is advantageous for cats, as it allows them to filter and warm the air before reaching the lungs.

But how does this help cats breathe under the blankets?

Nasal breathing in cats is synonymous with consistency and rhythm, which is optimal for breathing underneath the covers.

Types Of Breathing To Be Aware Of

As well as knowing how cats should be breathing, it’s well worth getting acquainted with how cats shouldn’t be breathing.

Suppose you notice any unusual breathing patterns in your cat. In that case, I suggest you take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Below are some typical negative breathing patterns you might spot in your cat.

Dyspnea – Labored breathing

While not a disease in itself, dyspnea can be a severe symptom. And it’s a form of respiratory distress where your cat is having difficulty breathing in and out. Also, your cat may feel a tightening in the chest area and feel like it’s suffocating.

Tachypnea – Rapid And Shallow Breathing

Tachypnea is another distress sign if your cat displays rapid shallow breathing. Remember your cat’s breathing rate is about 20 to 30 breaths a minute. If unsure, you can count your cats’ breaths and see how many breaths it takes in a minute.

A relatively easy task. Watch and count the breaths as you look at the minute hand on your watch or time it on the phone. If your cat isn’t in the 20-30 breaths per minute range, it’s time to take him to the vet.

Panting – Rapid Breathing with the Mouth Open

Your cat’s panting will be very obvious, and some of the most common reasons are that your cat is anxious, stressed or too hot.

If your cat has been running around excessively more than it used to this may cause oxygen deprivation, which leads to his panting. But it could be that your cat has just had a fright, and means he is very scared. 

If panting is a common occurrence, your cat may have asthma which is more prevalent in cats than people realize.

Tell your veterinarian, and they will gladly advise you about your cat.

Why Do Cats Like Sleeping Under Blankets?

Cats Like The Warmth And Security Of Sleeping Under Blankets

Sleeping under a blanket can make cats feel safer. There is evidence that weighted blankets, for instance, can help people sleep better and reduce anxiety, as seen in this study.³ This might might not be about cats but the findings may well translate well across to cats.

So naturally, it feels like a weighted blanket for your cat. 

It may have a therapeutic effect, which is why they like sleeping under blankets. They also feel secure and hidden away from prying eyes.

Cats Don’t Panic Under The Covers

Cats aren’t bothered by being in tight spaces; they love it! Even if it’s dark, they can see in the dark with excellent eyesight.

Another thing is that it’s lovely, warm and cozy. Who doesn’t like it when it’s beautifully warm and comfortable? Such as on a winter morning at six, you’re wrapped in your blanket and don’t want to get out of bed? Cats could have similar feelings.

Cat Like How You Smell And Remind Them Of Good Times

Your cat probably loves you… In the way cats do. He finds your smell comforting and reassuring and wants to be close to you. So even when you aren’t there, he will sleep under your covers to be reminded of you.

They Like Hiding Under Blankets

Cats are very playful even when they get older. They like to hide and pounce at you—springing from under the blankets as they have a perfect opportunity to ambush you!

Your Cat Isn’t Feeling Well So Hides Under Blankets

If your cat isn’t feeling well, he may want to get underneath the covers where it’s warm and safe. Besides, if he’s not well, he may be cold and will burrow underneath the covers. It will make him feel better. A bit like a comfort blanket.

How Long Can Cats Breathe Under Blankets?

The empirical evidence would suggest cats can breathe underneath the blankets for an indefinite period. But, of course, the caveat is that the covers are breathable and made from materials such as cotton and not plastic.

How Long Can A Cat Hold Its Breath?

Typically, domestic cats can hold their breath for about 15 seconds and not much longer. But, of course, this will depend on what type of cat you have, if it’s an older cat, and its state of health.

Big cats like lions, pumas and leopards often have to go into the water after prey and can hold their breath much longer. Jaguars have been seen to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes.

I find this feat of our bigger furry friends remarkable because I can only hold my breath for about 3 minutes without going dizzy and nearly fainting. Interestingly, purring makes cats breathe faster.

Is It Safe To Let Your Cat Sleep Under The Covers With You?

So we’ve established that cats are good at breathing under the covers, but are there any dangers? At rest, cats typically take 20-30 breaths a minute, whereas humans will take 8 to 16 breaths per minute at rest. So we can see that cats can get adequate oxygen into their little lungs.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons.

Pros

These pros are significant, and there are more than I am mentioning here.

It Feels Great!

Having a nonjudgmental, warm cuddly living being next to you is hard to beat.

Companionship

The perception is that dogs trump cats on companionship, and cats are underrated in this department by the public. 

However, cats make great companions and are more independent than dogs. 

For me, a cat’s independence, albeit limited, is one of the attractive qualities which make them great companions. Also, they have a brilliant calming effect when you stroke them. 

And you know it’s good for them and good for you.

A Great Night’s Sleep

Having a cat in bed can help with loneliness and some people fall into a deep sleep. Besides, having another being(s) in bed can increase the feeling of connection, which can be conducive to a good night’s sleep.

Cons

Yes, there are cons, believe it or not, to your cat sleeping in bed with you! 

Let’s look at some of them now.

Ectoparasites

Oh no! Yes, I’m talking about fleas and ticks now. I grew up with cats, dogs and an array of other animals. Somehow having this pet experience has made me immune to fleas

If my cats get fleas, I don’t get bitten by them. So I must have developed some sort of immunity. But fleas can be a nightmare for some people. 

They bite some humans as much as they seem to bite cats, which can be very annoying and frustrating, especially if your house is full of fleas. 

Not to mention the flea dirt… Which can cause allergies in some.

Bacterial, Viral Vectors And Worms

Yuck! Threadworms. Internal parasites and bacterial and viral vectors put me off quite a lot. Nobody wants worms if they are sound of mind anyway.

Yet, by getting rid of certain parasites in an African village, the people there developed allergies. Because of this, it’s thought ⁴threadworms and other parasites might help the human immune system to combat allergies in some people.

Poor Quality Sleep Because He Wakes You Up for food

I’ve already mentioned that cats can help us get a good night’s sleep, but they can also cause problems at bedtime.

For example, they may take up a vital part of the bed, plant themselves in the middle, and take up all the space.

If your cat gets used to sleeping with you, he may have no qualms about letting you know he’s ready to eat. He may paw at your face, meow or even scratch you.

Don’t Squash Your Cat

This is more serious; if unlikely. You may squash your cat while sleeping. If you tend to roll over and not notice when you’re lying to another being, then this could be a problem.

If I were to roll over, I would be woken by my cat’s body underneath me. If not, his squeals would wake me.

Your Cat May Like Making Biscuits (Kneading The Blanket)

One thing that might attract cats to blankets is that they ‘Make Biscuits’ or, as we say in the UK, knead the blankets. ‘Making Biscuits’ is an instinctive action for cats, and they enjoy doing it very much. 

Watching and listening to them purring as they ‘Make Biscuits’ is adorable and strangely relaxing.

What Types Of Blankets Do Cats Like Best?

So do cats have a preference about which blankets they like the most?

After having cats for so long, I’ve noticed there are some materials that they go after more than others.

Freshly Washed Fabrics

I have noticed that cats seem to love freshly washed fabrics. Cats are curious about new smells or want clean materials to put their scent on.

Every single time I change the bed cover, he’s on it. If I leave a pile of laundry, he makes a beeline for it.

Because he loves putting his scent on things.

On this note, it’s important to mention that if you’re ever moving house or taking a cat away, make sure you take plenty of familiar blankets and smells.

Cottons, Fleece, Towels And Piles Of Clothes

Blankets and other materials are nice and soft, which may bring back feelings associated with its mother and being a kitten. But, their preference for these materials may differ throughout the year or the seasons of a cat’s life.

For example, in winter, a cat may like a warm blanket. On the other hand, if he is old and weak, he may also want something soft, comfortable and cozy.

Should You Let Your Cat Sleep Under The Blankets?

I don’t see any problem with letting the cats sleep underneath the blankets as long as you take a few sensible precautions. We’ve reviewed some of the possible dangers of having your cat in bed, but primarily these dangers will affect you more than the cat.

Rolling over and squashing your cat is a problem. But what you do need to do is to make the bed safe by taking common-sense steps.

How To Make It Safe For Your Cat To Sleep With You

If your cat sleeps with you in your bed, you must know enough to ask yourself, will I roll over and crush my cat? If you know that you won’t, and you’re pretty sure your cat will be safe, there is no need to worry about that.

The second common-sense rule is that you make sure that your covers are made of breathable materials. Hence, no plastics on your bed or anything that could suffocate your cat.

As long as the materials are breathable, you will be fine.

Why You Don’t Need To Worry

Can you sleep under the covers? If you can sleep under the covers, it’s a good bet that your cat can also sleep under the covers. Remember, the cat’s physiology doesn’t demand as much oxygen as yours. So, if you can survive under the covers, your cats can too.

It’s important to note that if your cat has breathing difficulties or any respiratory problems you should take extra care as a cat parent.

Still Worried? Cheap Tips For Making A Cat Bed

You could make a cat bed in a cupboard where your cat likes to lie down. It’s easy to fold his favorite blanket and place it in the cupboard, where he has a good view of things.

The cat bed box is another great idea. If you have a reasonably large cardboard box, your cat has probably already tried to climb into it. Still, you can make it a lovely home for him by putting some comfy materials inside. You could also cut a hole in one side where he can peer out.

A more complex solution is to make a hammock for your cat. You will need something protruding from the wall and then safely attach the material to make a hammock.

Easy Method, Buy A Cat Bed

As cat lovers we can still feel uneasy, then you can buy a cat bed. There are many cat beds out there, and they are great. Of course, not all of them are suitable, but some will be perfect for you.

Here are some criteria to help you sift the wheat from the chaff. What do you look for in a good cat bed?

• Style is essential (believe it or not). You want to avoid getting everything purrfectly coordinated in your house, only for your cats’ bed to stick out like a sore thumb. You don’t want your brain to think of the kitty as a source of problems.

• Does it need to be extra warm? Are you in a cold country? Do you need to heat the material? Or do you need materials that are cooling? (Silk?) How much you need to consider this is related to your situation. Make sure you consider your cat’s age when buying a cat bed. Will he be able to reach the bed?

• Think about where you’re going to put your cat’s bed. Will it fit? How big is it? Think about where your cat likes to sleep, and will this be the place the cat bed will fit? Does your cat like to have a view of everything that’s going on around him? If you know your cat well, you will know where to put the bed.

• Consider what allergens your cat may have. Also, pick a comfortable material and something you think you would like to snuggle in; for example, fleeces are popular, along with faux fur.

• Cats like to scratch and bite things. We need to think about how hardy the bed needs to be. Do you want to keep it for a long time? Are you willing to change it often? Is a semi-disposable cat bed more suitable for your needs? Or do you want a forever cat bed?

• Who’s cleaning your cat’s bed? Is it easy to clean? Is it easy for children to clean? Often children convince their parents to get a cat and say they will look after it. You can ensure this happens by getting a cat bed that’s easy for the children to clean.

Conclusion

So, we’ve looked at how cats can breathe under blankets and even enjoy it. Knowing how to keep them safe and ensure they’re happy and comfortable will give you and your cats safe cuddle time.

If your cat enjoys snuggling with you beneath the covers, follow these guidelines and give them lots of love. With a few extra steps and care, you and your cat can have an enjoyable, cozy experience together.