If you have a cat at home, you must have seen them in the window sill, balcony or yard, find a sunny place, lazily spread out their bodies, as if turning into a “sunbathing fur ball”. Many people think that cats sunbathe only because they are afraid of the cold, but there are more reasons behind it.

First of all, cats do need sunlight to maintain their body temperature. Although they have a full coat of hair, but the body temperature regulation is not as efficient as humans, especially in the cool morning or winter, the sun becomes a natural “heater”. The sun also helps to relieve stiff joints, which is especially pleasant for older cats, just as we enjoy a hot bath.

Secondly, sunlight helps cats synthesize vitamin D. Although cats still rely on food for this nutrient, sunlight has a positive effect on their health and immune system. What's more, sunlight promotes the production of serotonin, the “happy hormone,” which puts cats in a happy, relaxed mood. That's why you'll see cats lounging around and even snoring themselves to sleep after sunbathing.

So the next time you see your cat sprawled out in the sun, leave it a quiet little spot. For it, that's not only warmth, but also a small measure of health and happiness.