Do Kittens Need Sunlight – What You Should Know

If you’ve ever owned a cat, chances are you’ve seen them stretched out and lounging in a sunbeam. They close their eyes, relax their muscles, and sometimes even fall asleep in the comforting warmth of the sun. But do cats only seek out the sunlight for its warmth, or is there something else going on here? Just as importantly, if adult cats love sitting in the sun, do kittens need sunlight?

Kittens need sunlight. Sunlight is essential for cats and kittens alike. Kittens produce vitamin D the same way people do, which means they need direct sunlight for at least a little while every day to stay healthy. Many pet foods supplement vitamin D, but that’s not the same as getting natural vitamin D from time in the sun. 

Here’s what you need to know about kittens and how much sunlight they should get every day.

Should Newborn Kittens Be In The Dark

Newborn kittens are a bit of an exception to the sunlight rule. Since newborns get at least some of their vitamin D from their mother’s milk, it’s less critical to get them out in the sun.

Most veterinarians recommend keeping newborn kittens away from bright lights because the extra light can irritate their developing eyes.

Kittens may also show signs of distress if they’re in too much light as newborns. Their eyes might be closed, and they might be blind, but they can still see changes in the light. Since light is a very new experience, it might not be very comforting until their eyes are developed enough to open and see what’s going on.

Do Kittens Need To Be Exposed To Sunlight

After kittens are past the newborn stage, it’s a good idea to start introducing them to direct sunlight. Remember, sunlight is less critical while your kitten is still nursing, but it’s a good idea to start earlier so that they can start producing their vitamin D for better growth and muscle and bone density.

Most vets recommend giving your pets 30-40 minutes of direct sunlight a day, ideally spread out across several sunbathing sessions. That way, they can produce the vitamin D they need but are less likely to overheat or get a sunburn.

When Can Kittens Be In The Sun

Kittens shouldn’t be in the direct sunlight until their eyes open, but there are a few other considerations even after they’ve opened their eyes. For one thing, you shouldn’t take your kitten outside until they’ve had at least the first round of their vaccinations, including their rabies vaccine.

That means that many kittens shouldn’t go all the way outside in the sun for a couple of months.

Instead, you can use open windows and other limited barriers to let your kitten sunbathe from the safety and comfort of your home.

Even enclosed catios are potentially dangerous until your cat is vaccinated because you never know what small animals or insects might make it inside the catio.

Do Kittens Like Sunlamps

Sunlamps are a good idea for kittens, but they aren’t necessary. The best sunlights mimic a lot of the qualities of natural sunlight, which helps them feel better for your kitten. But most kittens need sunlight that gives them both light and warmth, or they won’t use it.

You can use a combination of light and a heat lamp if you want to, but that may not be as effective as getting sunlight that provides its warmth.

And most cats still seem to prefer sitting in a sunny window or a sunbeam on the floor to a sunlamp, at least at first.

Why Do Cats Sunbathe So Much

There are a few reasons cats sunbathe. For one thing, cats can get some of the vitamin D from sunbathing, which helps them feel better and improve their overall health.

Cats may also have instincts telling them not to move around and hunt in the middle of the day, so bright sunlight might be a clue that it’s time for your cat to take a nap and relax until better hunting conditions later on.

But the most common reason, and likely one of the biggest reasons, is that sunbathing gives your cat a lot of extra warmth. Even with their fur, most cats are comfortable in slightly warmer rooms than their owners prefer, which means that sitting in a sunbeam is a good way for them to reach a more comfortable temperature.

What Temperature Is Too Hot For Kittens

Warming up in a sunbeam is all well and good, but does that leave your kitten at risk of overheating? Yes and no. Any temperature warmer than about 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit is dangerously warm for both kittens and cats.

But, while sunbeams can get that hot, the surrounding air is usually much cooler.

Kittens also will get up and move away from a sunbeam that’s gotten too hot, as long as they have somewhere cooler to go.

So, as long as your home is less than 90 degrees warm and your kitten has free movement to go between sunlit and shady areas of your home, they should be fine.

Things To Consider

If you’re not sure whether your cat needs more time outside in the sun or aren’t sure how to get them outside time, you can always consult with your vet. Building a catio is a great option, but it’s not a realistic choice for many people.

As an alternative, you might want to harness train your cat so you can take them outside on short walks. A walk around the back yard might not get your cat all the sunlight time they need, but it can still help.

Having at least one window you can open, so they get the full spectrum of sunlight is another good way to take care of your cat. You’ll probably even find that your kitten likes sitting near that window to smell the outside air!

It’s also important to remember to make sure your kitten has plenty of sources of water near their favorite sunbeams. Water can help your kitten cool down faster when they need to and is critical for keeping them hydrated and avoiding gastric and kidney problems when they get older.