It’s not surprising that cats, like humans, like to stay in warm and cozy places. It’s a means for survival, especially on those days where the air gets a bit crisper and those where the wind really bites. That being said, on cold nights you can definitely catch our kitten, Kalista, hiding in our laundry and laundry baskets.
Warmth, however, is just one explanation for why cats may be hanging in your delicates. You may not be aware, but laundry is one of the best spaces for your little one to catch some shut-eye, especially if they would like to feel close to you.
So, let’s get into some of the main reasons cats hide in laundry baskets, starting with the most obvious!
WARMTH
This is especially true of laundry baskets that have just come out of the dryer, though laundry whether dirty or clean will also provide your cat with a great amount of comfort and warmth.
Cats get cold fairly easily, which is also a big reason they spend so much time in the sunlight (even in the summer) or may even sleep by your feet at night for extra warmth. It’s actually a big reason why we’re such big fans of our Meowfia beds since they are nice and cozy for those cold, crisp Canadian winter nights.
Many cats will burrow themselves under the layers of clothes for extra comfort and warmth, especially if the clothes in the basket are made out of wool or any other thick fabric.
THE CLOTHES SMELL LIKE YOU
Ever give your friend a big hug and midway through you catch a big whiff of their scent? Unless that scent is a bad “you probably should have showered today” scent, you probably felt more relaxed by smelling your friend. You may also experience this when certain foods are cooked, or if someone is wearing the same perfume as someone you love and recognize.
The same thing can be said for cats, although cats can smell much better than we do. Cats instinctually try to make their home and objects around their home smell like them. Cats will most commonly do this by kneading or even by headbutting and bunting objects around the house.
That being said, a laundry basket to a cat is a hotspot for warmth or designated safe space with the strongest scents their humans could ever provide. So while you may think your undergarments are stinky, your cat would rather that they are referred to as cozy.
THE BASKET IS LIKE A TOY TO YOUR CAT
Have you ever used a feather toy with your cat and your cat begins hiding behind a chair or couch? This is due to your cat’s instincts to pounce, hide and hunt.
Cats know that they aren’t at the top of the food chain, even if they have spent all of their time living indoors. So, cats tend to like spaces that are small and confined that they can still see out of, making empty laundry baskets a perfect place to sleep.
You may even notice your cat paw at you through the holes or even dart their gaze every so often while you walk by.
Kalista’s favourite thing to do is dig herself as deep as she can into the laundry basket so she’s covered by all of the clothes, but can still see out of it. Every so often we think we’ve lost her, but as soon as you pass by she shuffles around excitedly. She loves playing in baskets especially if there are clothes inside!
THEY LOVE THE TEXTURE OF YOUR CLOTHES
I’m sure you have some favourite clothes you wear just because of the way they feel, well don’t think your cat is any different!
Cats have preferences just like humans do and every so often they find a blanket, comforter, sweater, shirt, or even pairs of pants that they can’t have enough of. So, if their favourite piece of clothing is in the laundry basket, just assume that that’s where they will be spending the rest of their day!
We have one comforter that Kalista is absolutely obsessed with. Kalista can spend hours just lying on it while kneading it. If you take her off the comforter, she’ll run right back to it while purring, trying to get back to what she loves most! She’s also one of those cats who won’t let go of the comforter when you pick them up, so it’s best to leave her there until she gets her fix… or just offer her a bit of food and she’ll be sitting in your lap… well, standing in your lap… in minutes!
CATS LOVE THE VERSATILITY OF YOUR CLOTHES
You know how dogs walk in circles before they sleep in their beds? Well, cats also have “rituals” they perform before getting into their napping space.
Lots of cats will “make muffins” on a blanket before they finally rest on it. Some cats will even move things around or tuck themselves in to get that extra warmth. So, what’s a better place than a laundry basket to be able to move things around?
As mentioned, our cat Kalista loves to dig into the laundry basket to get extra warmth. The thing is, as the weather is getting warmer Kalista has been sleeping on the top of the laundry basket, even if there is a mountain of clothes! Guess the little one isn’t using it for protection anymore and just loves to feel close to us. (Don’t worry, it’s clean!)
CONCLUSION
While sitting in laundry might not be the first instinct we have to get comfy, cats seem to find it to be one of the best places to sleep!
At the end of the day, it’s a fairly big compliment when your cat sleeps in your laundry because it means your cat trusts you enough to want to spend time in a place that smells the most like you. While you might think you’re stinky, your cat thinks you smell delightful and wants to make sure they smell just like you!
So pet parents, let me know: does your cat sleep in laundry baskets? If so, do they sleep in it while it’s full, empty or both? Let me know in the comments below!
It is sweet that they love our sent and curl up in laundry, but please be careful to check your laundry before putting it in the washing machine! A few weeks ago, my very much loved, sweet, precious, kitty was hiding in dirty sheets on the laundry room floor and I did not know it and picked them up and put them in our front loading washing machine. I guess she was still sleeping comfortably because she did not move or meow. I found her lifeless body when the cycle was over and I pulled the sheets out to put into the dryer. This was extremely traumatizing to say the least and I’m still grieving her and this terrible accident. I’ve also read of cats dying because they climbed into the dryer. If you pull one thing out and leave the door open and then go back and turn it on a little longer, please double check to make sure they have not climbed in. Sorry to bring such sad news, but I found this article because I’m still trying to make sense and understand how I could have done such a thing… My heart is broken in a million pieces.
I’m really sorry to hear about what happened with your little one. That must have been extremely traumatizing for you and I’m sending you deep condolences. Thank you for the real reminder that it’s important to double check everything even when it seems so highly improbable.
I just put my clothes in the laundry basket and Ego was comfortable sprawled there. He even snuggled. 😂😂. I think he likes it full
My cats don’t get in a basket with clothes. It’s weird. Ellie will sit there and almost beg us to remove the clothes so she can hop in. Bear stopped jumping in baskets when I jokingly picked him up while he was in the basket. Major kitty trauma drama! I still feel bad about that and wish I could fix it.
That’s really interesting about Ellie! As for Bear, I’m so sorry to hear that he has “trauma” from being picked up. Have you tried any positive reinforcements yet?
Angel sleeps in the clothes basket, with clean or dirty clothes in it. I posted about it not too long ago, but I haven’t purchased a new basket to replace the one that I planned on setting up for her 24/7 use. Apparently, she likes to nap on the chair during the day, but at night she likes to be in the basket, on the floor. I’ve put a few old sweaters of mine in the bottom.
That’s really sweet that she’s taken to the basket so much and that you’re setting it up for her 24/7. Yeah, our cats also have favourite spots that change throughout the day. Although, I feel like they change from week to week.