Weighted blankets are a popular bedding option. Many people use them to reduce anxiety and sleep better. But is it advisable to have one if you share a bed with your furry friend?

No. Weighted blankets are unsafe for cats, and you shouldn’t consider buying one if you share your bed with your fellow feline.

But if you already have one, don’t fret. We discuss the dangers the blankets might pose for your feline below and offer tips on averting them. If your cat is stressed, we also include some bonus tips on reducing it. Read on to learn more.

How Weighted Blankets Work

A weighted blanket contains plastic or glass beads, making it heavier than a regular blanket. The pressure they exact on your body creates a calming effect that relieves stress, restlessness, and other sleep issues.

According to sleep experts, a weighted blanket should weigh 10% of your body weight ¹. That means they can weigh anywhere between 5 and 30 pounds.

Do you see the problem now?

If the therapeutic blanket shouldn’t weigh more than 10% of your body weight, how will your feline cope if the lightest option is 50 times its weight?

How Weighted Blankets Risk Your Cat’s Safety

While weighted blankets are beneficial and safe for humans, they are too heavy for cats. According to safety standards, a weighted blanket for a ten-pound cat should not weigh more than a pound.

Imagine a cat curled under a blanket ten times its weight. The feline might struggle to crawl out, and the poor animal could panic and get stressed. A young kitten might suffocate.

The danger is worse if your cat has an underlying respiratory condition. The crushing weight can cause respiratory distress. Cats with a skin condition are also at a higher risk. Constant pressure can irritate the skin.

Weighted blankets don’t just harm felines who sleep under them. Cats who chew them can choke or block the GI tract. The blankets usually have tiny beads that your cat can accidentally swallow.

Why Do Cats Love Blankets?

If you are a kitty owner, you must have occasionally seen your feline tucking itself into your blanket. But what is it about blankets that cats find irresistible? Do they love them the same way that humans do?

Knowing the answer to that question can give you essential insight if you intend to keep your cat away from your weighted blanket.

There are several reasons why cats love snuggling under a blanket. They include the following:

1. Comfort

Cats love comfort. And nothing spells cozy like sleeping under a blanket. Your standard bed cover will be soothing to the cat, like a weighted blanket gives you comfort.

Kitties also like spending quality time with their owners. So, it is also possible that sleeping under a blanket is comforting for the cat because it is next to you.

2. Warmth

Felines are also attracted to blankets because of the warmth. As you may have noticed, they love the heat. It is one of the reasons they love cuddling with you.

Cats are desert creatures adapted to living in high-temperature climates. With an internal body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, they compensate by getting heat from outside sources during cold days.

3. Security

Additionally, blankets offer cats a sense of security. Your furry friend can hide under there when feeling vulnerable or frightened. And a predator or impending danger need not be present. Cats are hard-wired to stay safe from harm. So, a blanket will make them feel safe regardless.

4. Scent

Scent can also explain a cat’s obsession with a particular blanket. It can either be your feline’s scent or yours.

Cats leave their scent on objects and people by rubbing them with their paws, forehead, or cheeks to mark their territory. So, your cat may like one blanket because it has marked it as its own.

Cats will also recognize your scent on your bed. Although that alone may not alleviate stress, it can still provide comfort.

How to Keep Your Cat Safe

We don’t expect you to get rid of your therapeutic blanket entirely. However, there are a few measures you can take to keep your kitty safe. If you can’t keep the cat off your bed, ensure they sleep on the blanket and not under it. Otherwise, the weight would be too much for it to bear.

Also, don’t risk leaving your cat alone on the bed or in your room when you’re not around. If you are walking out, keep your bedroom door closed.

Does your cat like biting items around the house? Setting aside enough time for play is advisable, where that energy can be better spent. Also, buying chew toys and games to keep your cat occupied would help.

Finally, you can discourage your feline from snuggling in your bed by buying them their own bed. Many cat beds on the market can offer the comfort, warmth, and security that your cat craves.

Alternative Ways to Reduce Your Cat’s Stress

Your weighted blanket may not be safe for your feline. However, you can ease your cat’s stress in other ways. We discuss some of them below.

1. Take Litter Boxes Seriously

Cats are sensitive enough about their litter boxes to get stressed. So, it won’t be as simple as buying the first litter box you see. It has to be the right size with a scent and texture your cat prefers. You should also pick the perfect location for it.

2. Provide Attention

Set aside time during the day for cuddling or petting. Cats crave attention and offering it can help alleviate stress. However, be considerate when handling your kitty. Touching or lifting it when not in the mood could aggravate the stress.

3. Play Regularly

Play is critical since it keeps your cat’s mind stimulated, thus reducing stress. So, set aside 20 to 30 minutes daily for exercise and games.

Toys are an essential part of playing. Get many of them to ensure your cat never gets bored playing with the same one.

4. Consider Pheromones

Pheromone products mimic natural cat pheromones. They are available in different forms, such as wipes, sprays, and plug-in diffusers. You can use the products to relieve your cat’s anxiety when going to the vet, traveling, or moving. However, always consult your veterinarian first.

5. Try Alternative Products

There are no weighted blankets specifically made for cats. However, many products supposedly reduce stress in cats.

For instance, studies have shown that vests and wraps can minimize pet anxiety. Other comforting products include cozy beds and cat sacs.

Final Thoughts

In summary, weighted blankets are not safe for cats. Besides the possibility of getting trapped, cats with underlying health issues like respiratory infections risk worsening their condition. It is advisable to take caution if you own a weighted blanket with a cat around the house. First, you should never leave them alone on the bed.

Also, ensure you set aside adequate time for play and buy many toys to discourage behavior such as biting. Otherwise, you could have an emergency on your hands.

Most importantly, consider buying your cat a warm, secure, and comfortable bed. That will discourage it from sleeping on yours.

Featured Image Credit: Roman Samsonov, Shutterstock