Outdoor cats, whether they are feral, stray, or simply enjoy spending time outside, have specific preferences for where they choose to rest and relax. Understanding these preferences can help you provide them with comfortable and safe spaces, potentially attracting them to your property and offering them some respite from the elements. This article explores the various surfaces and environments that outdoor cats find appealing, providing insights into their behavior and needs.
The Allure of Warmth and Comfort
Cats, in general, are drawn to warmth. This is especially true for outdoor cats who need to conserve energy and maintain their body temperature, particularly in colder climates.
Sun-Drenched Surfaces
One of the most common sights is an outdoor cat basking in the sun. Concrete, asphalt, and even wooden decks become irresistible sunbeds on a sunny day. These surfaces absorb heat and radiate it, creating a comfortable and warming spot for a cat to lounge. The warmth helps them regulate their body temperature and provides a soothing sensation. Think of a cat stretched out on a warm car hood – it’s the same principle.
Heated Objects and Appliances
Anything that generates heat is a potential cat magnet. This includes things like air conditioning units (especially the top), warm car engines after they’ve been running, and even piles of compost that are actively decomposing. The gentle warmth emanating from these sources is incredibly appealing, especially during cooler months.
Sheltered Spaces
Beyond just warmth, cats seek shelter from the elements. This includes protection from wind, rain, and even intense sunlight.
Seeking Security and Protection
Outdoor cats prioritize safety and security when choosing a place to rest. They want to feel hidden and protected from potential predators or disturbances.
Underneath Vehicles
The space under a car, truck, or van provides a sense of enclosure and protection. It shields them from wind and rain and offers a vantage point to observe their surroundings. However, it’s crucial to be aware of this and check under your vehicle before starting it to avoid accidentally injuring a cat.
Dense Vegetation
Bushes, shrubs, and thick ground cover offer excellent hiding places. Cats can nestle themselves within the foliage, feeling concealed and secure. Thorny bushes might even be preferred, as they provide an extra layer of protection from larger animals.
Elevated Positions
Cats often enjoy observing their territory from an elevated position.
Fences and Walls
Walking along the top of a fence or wall allows a cat to survey its surroundings and spot potential threats or opportunities. This elevated vantage point provides a sense of control and security.
Sheds and Porches
The roofs of sheds and porches are also popular spots. They offer a dry and sheltered location with a good view.
The Importance of Texture and Familiarity
Beyond temperature and security, the texture and familiarity of a surface also play a role in a cat’s choice of resting spot.
Soft and Absorbent Materials
While hard surfaces provide warmth, soft materials offer comfort. This includes items like piles of leaves, mulch, and even old blankets left outside. These materials provide a cushioning effect and can also absorb the cat’s scent, making the spot feel more familiar and secure.
Familiar Scents
Cats are highly sensitive to scent. They prefer areas that smell familiar and safe. This is why they might repeatedly return to the same spot, even if it doesn’t seem particularly comfortable to a human. Their own scent markings, left through scratching and rubbing, contribute to this sense of familiarity.
Creating Outdoor Cat-Friendly Spaces
Understanding what outdoor cats like to lay on can help you create welcoming spaces for them in your yard or garden.
Providing Shelter
Consider building or purchasing a simple outdoor cat shelter. This can be as simple as a plastic storage container with a hole cut in the side and filled with straw. Straw is preferable to blankets, as it wicks away moisture and stays warmer for longer.
Offering Warm and Comfortable Surfaces
Place a few cushions or blankets in sheltered areas, such as under a porch or in a shed. Choose materials that are easy to clean and resistant to moisture.
Creating Safe Hiding Places
Plant dense shrubs and bushes to provide cats with secure hiding spots. Consider thorny varieties to offer additional protection.
Elevated Resting Spots
Install a cat-friendly perch or shelf on a fence or shed to provide an elevated resting spot.
Specific Examples of Preferred Resting Places
- Cardboard Boxes: Even outdoors, a simple cardboard box offers security and insulation.
- Potted Plants: The soil in a potted plant can be surprisingly appealing, especially on a warm day.
- Rock Piles: Rocks absorb heat and offer crevices for shelter.
- Old Tires: Tires can trap warmth and provide a comfortable, enclosed space.
- Tarpaulins: Tarps laid out provide a layer of warmth and waterproofing.
Potential Dangers to Consider
While providing comfortable resting places is beneficial, it’s crucial to be aware of potential dangers.
- Antifreeze: Antifreeze is highly toxic to cats and has a sweet taste that can be appealing. Keep antifreeze stored safely away from animals and clean up any spills immediately.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in areas where cats are likely to rest. These chemicals can be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
- Parasites: Outdoor cats are at risk of contracting fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Consider using a flea and tick preventative recommended by a veterinarian.
- Predators: Depending on your location, cats may be at risk from predators such as coyotes, foxes, or large birds of prey. Provide shelter and supervise outdoor cats whenever possible.
- Traffic: Encourage cats to stay away from roads by providing alternative resting places in safer areas of your yard.
The Role of Catnip and Other Attractants
Catnip is a well-known attractant for cats. Planting catnip in your garden can encourage cats to visit and spend time in the area. Other plants, such as silvervine and valerian, can also have a similar effect.
Remember that not all cats respond to catnip, but for those that do, it can be a powerful draw.
Observing Cat Behavior
The best way to understand what an outdoor cat likes to lay on is to simply observe its behavior. Pay attention to the places where it chooses to rest and try to identify the factors that make those spots appealing. Is it the warmth, the shelter, the texture, or the location? By understanding these preferences, you can create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for outdoor cats.
Consider these points when observing:
- Time of day: Cats might prefer sunnier spots in the morning and shadier spots in the afternoon.
- Weather conditions: Their preferences may change depending on the temperature, wind, and rain.
- Presence of other animals: Cats may avoid areas where other cats or animals are present.
Addressing Common Concerns
Many people are concerned about the potential impact of outdoor cats on local wildlife. Here’s a quick overview:
Providing food can help reduce their hunting instincts.
Working with local TNR programs can help control the feral cat population.
Conclusion
Outdoor cats have specific preferences for where they choose to rest, driven by the need for warmth, security, and comfort. By understanding these preferences, you can create welcoming spaces for them in your yard or garden, providing shelter, warmth, and a sense of safety. Remember to consider potential dangers and take steps to protect cats from harm. By creating a cat-friendly environment, you can enjoy the company of these fascinating creatures while also helping to ensure their well-being.
Why do outdoor cats seem to prefer laying on certain surfaces over others?
Cats, both indoor and outdoor, are drawn to surfaces that provide them with comfort, warmth, and a sense of security. Their preference is often dictated by the ambient temperature; during colder months, they gravitate towards surfaces that retain or reflect heat, such as concrete warmed by the sun or piles of leaves. Similarly, in warmer weather, they seek out cool, shaded areas like cool tiles or damp earth to regulate their body temperature. Beyond temperature regulation, the texture and location also play a significant role.
Outdoor cats instinctively seek vantage points that offer a good view of their surroundings, enabling them to monitor potential threats and observe prey. Elevated surfaces, like garden walls or car roofs, are particularly attractive for this reason. A surface that is also soft, such as a pile of laundry left outside or a patch of soft grass, provides added comfort and encourages relaxation. Ultimately, the preferred surface is a combination of comfort, security, and environmental factors.
What are some of the most common surfaces outdoor cats are found resting on?
Outdoor cats commonly gravitate towards surfaces that retain or radiate heat, especially in cooler weather. Warm car hoods, sunny patios, and asphalt driveways are prime examples. These surfaces provide a comfortable source of warmth, especially during the early morning or late evening when temperatures drop. Additionally, materials like brick and stone tend to absorb and radiate heat, making them attractive spots for cats seeking warmth.
Conversely, during warmer months, outdoor cats often seek respite on cool, shaded surfaces. Damp earth, cool tiles, and shaded patches of grass provide relief from the heat. Cats will also often be found resting underneath vehicles or dense vegetation to escape direct sunlight. The choice of surface largely depends on the cat’s need to regulate its body temperature in response to the external environment.
Are there any potential dangers associated with outdoor cats laying on certain surfaces?
Certain surfaces can pose significant risks to outdoor cats. Warm car engines, especially in cold weather, are highly attractive to cats seeking warmth, but they can result in severe burns if the engine is started while the cat is resting there. Additionally, exposure to harmful chemicals, such as antifreeze spills, can be extremely dangerous if a cat walks through it and then grooms itself.
Furthermore, surfaces treated with pesticides or herbicides can pose a threat to a cat’s health. Ingestion through grooming can lead to poisoning or other health complications. Sharp objects, such as broken glass or exposed nails, can also cause injuries to the cat’s paws or body. It’s essential to be aware of these potential hazards and take steps to minimize the risks to outdoor cats.
How can I create a safe and comfortable outdoor resting spot for cats?
Creating a safe and comfortable outdoor resting spot for cats involves providing shelter from the elements and choosing materials that are both comfortable and safe. A simple outdoor cat house, constructed from wood or plastic, can offer protection from rain, wind, and sun. Inside the shelter, provide soft bedding such as blankets, towels, or straw for added comfort and insulation. Position the shelter in a sheltered location away from high traffic areas to minimize stress and disturbance.
Consider the surrounding environment and ensure that the area is free from potential hazards such as toxic plants, pesticides, or sharp objects. Regularly clean the bedding to prevent the build-up of parasites or bacteria. Providing fresh water nearby can also encourage cats to use the designated resting spot. By taking these steps, you can create a welcoming and safe haven for outdoor cats.
Do cats prefer rough or smooth surfaces outdoors?
The preference for rough or smooth surfaces varies among individual cats and depends on the specific context. Generally, cats appreciate a variety of textures. Rougher surfaces, like tree bark or textured mats, can provide a satisfying scratching surface, helping them to remove dead claws and mark their territory. They also enjoy the sensation of different textures against their paws.
Smooth surfaces, such as cool tiles or smooth stones, offer a contrasting sensation, particularly in warm weather, providing a comfortable and cooling effect. The choice between rough and smooth often comes down to personal preference and the cat’s immediate needs. Offering a variety of surfaces in an outdoor environment allows cats to choose what feels most comfortable and appropriate at any given time.
How does the weather affect an outdoor cat’s choice of resting surface?
Weather conditions play a crucial role in determining an outdoor cat’s choice of resting surface. During cold weather, cats actively seek out surfaces that retain or radiate heat. Warm car hoods, sunny walls, and sheltered spots that block the wind are prime locations for staying warm. They will also tend to choose surfaces that insulate them from the cold ground, such as blankets or straw-filled shelters.
Conversely, in hot weather, cats prioritize finding surfaces that provide cooling and shade. Damp earth, shaded patios, and cool tiles are attractive choices for regulating their body temperature. They often seek shelter under bushes or trees to avoid direct sunlight. The cat’s innate ability to regulate its body temperature drives its selection of resting surfaces in response to changing weather conditions.
What role does scent marking play in an outdoor cat’s choice of laying spot?
Scent marking plays a significant role in an outdoor cat’s choice of laying spot. Cats have scent glands on their paws, flanks, and face, which they use to deposit pheromones on objects and surfaces. These pheromones serve as a form of communication, marking territory and creating a sense of familiarity and security. A spot that has already been scent-marked by a cat is likely to be revisited and used as a resting place, as it provides a sense of comfort and ownership.
Furthermore, scent marking can also serve to deter other cats from encroaching on their territory. By leaving their scent, cats communicate their presence and establish boundaries. This can contribute to the cat’s feeling of safety and control in its outdoor environment, making scent-marked areas particularly appealing as resting spots. Therefore, a cat’s scent-marking behavior significantly influences its choice of preferred outdoor laying locations.