As a cat owner, you understand the importance of providing comfort to your feline friends, especially when they are unwell. My two boys, being snuggle bugs, seek solitude at times, but also crave warmth and affection. My late cat Athos was particularly lap obsessed when sick, which I appreciated. However, there are moments when you must attend to chores, exercise, or focus, and can’t always have your sick cat in your lap. This can cause distress when leaving your cat alone. Cats seek comfort, and while no human can provide it 24/7, there are ways to help them feel better in your absence. Here are my favorite ideas for creating comfort for a kitty in need.
1. Place a hot water bottle in an enclosed cat bed
The warmth from your lap can be replicated with a hot water bottle. For a budget-friendly solution, fill a fabric-covered hot water bottle with boiling water and place it in an enclosed cat bed to retain heat. My cats love the Trixie Minou Cuddle Cave, which would be perfect for this. Slip the cat into the bed to see if it works.
Trixie Pet Products Minou Cuddly Cave – Amazon / Chewy
2. Grab a self-warming cat bed
Some cat beds are designed to keep your cats warm without the need for a hot water bottle. These are ideal if your cat dislikes enclosed beds or if you prefer not to use a hot water bottle. The Petmate Aspen is a popular, snuggly option to consider.
3. Grab a pet warmer for your warmth-loving cat
Electric warmers, heated cat houses, and heat mats are popular and useful for providing warmth when you can’t be there to cuddle. These options can ensure your cat stays warm and comfortable in your absence.
Feel free to share more ideas in the comments section below.
Selecting a cat bed with good reviews is crucial. Make sure to choose one that hasn’t had any safety complaints regarding malfunctions.
Donate a worn sweater to your comfort-seeking cat. Cats not only seek heat but also a reassuring presence, which is unmatched by any object. If you can’t be there to hold your cat, a piece of clothing or blanket that carries your scent can greatly increase their comfort level. Cats have a strong sense of smell, and your scent on your clothes is incredibly comforting to a cat that loves you. Cats often sleep in clothes you leave on the floor, nestling in a bundle that smells of you long after the warmth has left. Donating a worn item of clothing so your cat can smell you while sleeping should really help up the comfort level. Using stuffed animals or filled socks to keep your cat company is another method. This has been suggested by many online and is often recommended for kittens missing their littermates. Lining a laundry basket and bringing it around with you can also keep your cat happy. If you’re in the house but can’t sit for some time, line a laundry basket with blankets, towels, and maybe even add a few of your cat’s favorite toys or a sweater you’ve worn. Carrying the laundry basket around when you move from room to room might help keep your cat content while still being in your presence. Your cat wants your presence and loves it, and this allows them to hear your voice and feel you nearby, reaping the benefits of the comfort of being around you. I’d love to hear any ideas you might have on how to keep a sick cat comforted when they can’t be in your lap. I’d also love to know if any of you have had similar experiences – with a cat who wants to sit in your lap all the time – and how you handled situations where you couldn’t have this, but still wanted to bring your cat comfort. Looking forward to reading your ideas and stories in the comments section down below!
