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The Fabulous Fleece Company Blog

Do cats like sheepskin? The benefits of a sheepskin cat bed for your feline friend


Sheepskins are a very popular choice for a pet bed, be it cat or dog. In the recent years I've sold more and more sheepskin pet beds for the small furry feline population, often starting as said feline member of the family has discovered (and subsequently taken over) the owner's sheepskin.

Here I will discuss the benefits your cat will receive from his or her own sheepskin pet bed.

Do cats like sheepskin?

Most cats love sheepskin and are very happy to settle and curl up upon it, as it's a warm and comforting organic material that offers cushioning and support.

Why do cats love sheepskin?

Cats are drawn to sheepskin because it is soft, textured, warm, comforting and also offers cushioning. Natural materials are often a cat's favourite to sleep on, and sheepskin in particular has a natural organic smell, with the lanolin in the skin helping to relax the cat and make it feel safe and secure.

Is sheepskin safe for cats?

You and your feline friend will be pleased to know that sheepskin is very safe for cats! As long as the sheepskin has been organically tanned so that no harmful chemicals have been used in the process, then your cat will find great comfort from curling up on a sheepskin.

The benefits of sheepskin cat beds

So what exactly are the benefits of having a sheepskin bed for your cat? Well, there are more than you might expect...

Antibacterial and hypoallergenic

Sheepskin is naturally anti-bacterial and has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin that resists dirt and grease. Lanolin is kind to sensitive or inflamed skin so many believe it can help to soothe or desensitise rashes or skin conditions such as eczema. This is especially helpful for short haired or cats of the hairless variety.

Self cleaning

One of the most useful benefits of having sheepskin as a cat bed is that sheepskin has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin, which resists dirt and grease. Of wool’s three layers, the second has tiny overlapping scales or shingles that rub against each other to push off the dirt.

The third layer is a protective filmy skin that helps to resist water. The core of each wool fiber - which contains a protein called keratin - can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture vapour without the sheepskin getting or feeling damp.

Sheepskin fleece is also naturally resistant to the growth of mold which is really helpful if you have a cat that likes to spend a lot of time out of doors and often comes home damp.

It’s natural wicking properties, drawing moisture away from the cat's skin, also prevent the conditions that allow bacteria to thrive.

Sheepskins are also breathable, allowing air to continue circulating around your cat when he/she is at rest on them - again reducing the hot and clammy environment that bacteria loves.

Best of all, the sheepskin pet bed often just need a regular shake and/or brush to keep it looking tip top.

Temperature regulation

The natural temperature regulating properties of wool help to keep your cat warm without overheating; nature's answer to a thermostat! Sheepskins manage this via hollow fibres that allow air to circulate through the wool, making them breathable.

They also have the ability to wick away a third of its their own weight in moisture before dampness is felt. This paired with the sheepskin's ability to manage airflow via its hollow fibres reduces the amount of moisture collecting on your cats skin. This works to stop your cat overheating or sweating and aids in a more comfortable rest, as well as reduction in skin inflammation.

Offers support and pain relief

The densely packed wool fibres in the sheepskin offer support and cushioning for your cat, aiding in pain relief - especially for the older cats with arthritis and/or joint pains, or who are suffering from any muscular skeletal condition.

Durable

Sheepskin - if cared for correctly - can last decades. It is by nature's design an incredibly tough and durable material, the skin side being leather/suede and the fleece side being dense wool fibres. It needs little washing, can endure vigorous brushing and as discussed earlier in this post is antibacterial and has self cleaning powers.

Relaxing

The naturally occurring lanolin in the natural sheepskin seems to have a very relaxing effect on cats. It is not fully understood why - quite possibly the fact that it is an animal by product - but there is one theory that it reminds them of their mothers! Perfect for a cat cave where they can spend time alone relaxing or snoozing.

There are many benefits for furnishing your furry friend with their own sheepskin cat bed and here at the Fabulous Fleece Company we will be very happy to help you with your selection and answer any more questions you may have. You can browse our selection of sheepskin pet beds on our website, or get in touch if we can help.

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