The Benefits and Precautions of Sunbathing for Cats

2022-07-11


Cats always have a soft spot for sunbathing. We can often see cats lying lazily under the sun, sleeping while basking in the sun, which is really comfortable. So why do cats like to bask in the sun so much, and what are the benefits of basking in the sun? As a human being, if lying in the sun for a long time is actually harmful to the health of the body, what about cats? Cats sometimes lie in the sun for a whole day. Is there anything we need to pay attention to?

The Benefits of Sunbathing for Cats

Cats like sunbathing, and cats need sunbathing. Cats can get more benefits from sunlight, not disadvantages. 

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Regulate body temperature

The normal body temperature of humans is about 36 to 37 degrees Celsius. Under normal circumstances, the normal body temperature of adult cats is between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius, and the body temperature of kittens is higher than that of adult cats. Therefore, if your cat is kept at home and rarely goes out, the temperature in the house that is suitable for us may be too low for the cat. Cats can't regulate their own body temperature very well, so they make up for the drop in body temperature by sleeping in a warm place. In this way, sunbathing has become an excellent choice for cats to regulate their body temperature. So you will often see cats looking for a warm place for themselves to sunbathe to the fullest.

Vitamin D supplementation

We all know that sunlight helps our bodies synthesize and absorb vitamin D, which is necessary for our bodies to function properly. In the same way, as a cat is also a mammal, this scientific law also applies. When cats are basking in the sun, the sunlight can stimulate sebum production and secrete vitamin D, which is ingested when cats lick their hair. Vitamin D can also promote the absorption of calcium in cats, makes calcium deposited on the bones to increase bone density, and delay the loss of calcium. This is also very important for cats.

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Sterilize

We know that sunlight has a bactericidal effect. For example, we will dry the quilt to kill the mold, fungus, bacteria, etc. caused by the dampness of the quilt. Similarly, the cat's fur is relatively thick. While we feel the cat's fur is comfortable to the touch, various bacteria and fungi also like such a comfortable hotbed. Ultraviolet rays can play a very good bactericidal effect. When cats are exposed to the sun, they can effectively kill parasites, fungi, and mites parasitic on cats, and can effectively prevent skin diseases caused by fungi and bacteria.

The Precautions of Sunbathing for Cats

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Keep cats out of direct midday sun

The noon sun is almost the most poisonous, and the sun's ultraviolet rays are also the strongest at this time. Even if the cat has a layer of hair for protection, it cannot avoid the damage of ultraviolet rays to the cat's skin, which may easily cause the cat to suffer from skin diseases. Therefore, cats can choose to bask in the sun after three o'clock in the afternoon. This time period is relatively safe for cats, and the damage is almost minimal.

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight

When letting your cat bask in the sun, try to let the cat bask in the sun under green plants or other shelters. If the cat is exposed to the sun for a long time, it is easy to cause the cat's eyes to be exposed to the sun for long time, resulting in visual impairment and tearing. At the same time, cats exposed to direct sunlight for a long time can easily get sunburned, causing symptoms such as redness and soreness of the skin.

Prevent cats from sunbathing in the vents

When cats are basking in the sun, avoid ventilated places and try to choose a place sheltered from the wind. It is a good choice to bask in the sun through a window indoors. Cats are exposed to the sun in a ventilated place,  easily causing the cat to catch a cold. It will also make the cat's hair carry more dust. When the cat licks the fur, it will involuntarily enter the dust into the body, which will easily cause the cat gastrointestinal problems.

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