It’s flu season again, and you might be feeling the worst of it. You’re curled up under a blanket, tissues within reach, when you suddenly feel a warm little body pressed against you. Your cat has come to lie beside you. It may seem like a coincidence, but cats are incredibly good at sensing when something’s off. In this blog, you’ll discover why cats become extra attentive and cuddly when you’re unwell.
1. Cats are masters at reading subtle signals
Cats pick up on changes in your behaviour straight away. You move a bit slower, your voice sounds different, your routine shifts, and that doesn’t go unnoticed.
- Your body language changes: you move more slowly and you might even be a bit quieter. That feels just a bit safer and more inviting to cats.
- Your scent changes a little: with fever, stress, or illness, you smell just a bit different. Cats react strongly to scent differences.
2. Warmth
Cats love heat, and when you’re ill, you’re basically a little radiator.
- When you have a fever, your body temperature rises.
- You often lie under a thick blanket.
- You move less, so your heat stays in one place.
For cats, that’s a luxury heated mattress. But don’t be fooled: they don’t come just for the warmth. They stay because they feel safe with you.
3. Your cat cares about you (in its own way)
Some cats become remarkably caring when their owner feels unwell.
Think of:
- giving soft head nudges
- crawling into your neck
- purring against your chest
- looking at you attentively
- lying on top of you as if they want to ‘guard’ you
Cats may not be carers like dogs, but they do form strong social bonds. Your comfort matters to them, and they show it by staying close.
Want to learn more about cat behaviour?
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4. For relaxation
Did you know purring can be healing? The sound and vibrations of a purring cat fall between 25–150 Hz, the same frequency range used in physiotherapy for:
- to relax muscles
- stress reduction
- faster healing of bones and wound tissue
No wonder it feels soothing when you’re ill. For your cat and for you.
5. You’re less active, and your cat loves that
On a normal day you’re walking around, doing things, turning devices on and off, talking, working on your laptop…
But when you’re sick, you’re quieter and calmer, and that makes you very appealing to a cat.
When you’re ill, you’re:
- a safe place
- warm
- quieter
- predictable
6. Your bond is stronger than you think
In the end, it comes down to this: cats aren’t the aloof animals many people think they are. They can form deep attachments to their owners. When you’re not quite yourself, they come to check on you.
So if you’re ill, let your cat do what they do best
Stuck in bed with a cold? Let your cat curl up against you, enjoy the moment (if you can), and get some much-needed rest.
How does your cat behave when you are not feeling well?
Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear your experience!
