Japan may not be cold enough for a three-dog night yet, but the season is just right for a one-cat nap, as these heartwarming photos prove.
At this time of year, Japan is in sort of a strange spot, weather-wise. On the one hand, it’s chilly enough that you’ll probably want something more than a T-shirt or thin sheet to keep you warm while sleeping. On the other hand, it’s not really cold enough to pull your heavy winter blankets out of storage, either.
As a result, many people find themselves waking up in the middle of the night either shivering or sweating. So how do you get you produce the optimum sleeping temperature?
With a cat, of course.
毛布が掛かってるのかと思ったけど、
— こけ助パパ (@kokesukepapa) November 9, 2015
良く見たら毛布じゃなくて白黒モフモフ妖怪が赤ちゃんのお腹の上で寝てたww
「最近寒くなってきたからお腹冷えないように」と思って乗ってあげたんだとしたらエライぞ pic.twitter.com/Gzcxs3RVXU
Japanese Twitter user @kokesukepapa’s child was recently snoozing on top of a cushion, clothed in the sort of half-pajama, half-sweat suit ensemble that’s so popular with small children and Internet writers. What was odd, though, was that the kid seemed to also have a warm blanket covering him, even though @kokesukepapa didn’t recall putting one on his son before he dozed off. But while blankets can’t move on their own, cats can, and it turned out that the family pet was keeping @kokesukepapa’s son company…and also warm.
The weight of the cat doesn’t seem to be bothering the kid, at least judging from his serene expression, and @kokesukepapa was appreciative of the special attention the feline gave the family’s youngest member.
“What a smart, kind kitty, to think ‘It’s getting colder, so you’d better keep your tummy warm when you sleep.’”
Of course, cats aren’t usually known for their generosity, and at least one online commenter suspects that the kitty wasn’t trying to keep the toddler warm, but to soak up his body heat for itself. Still, there’s definitely a mutual benefit when two warm-blooded animals curl up for a nap together, so this bit of sleepy synergy looks like a good deal all around.
Source: Hamster Sokuho, Twitter/@kokesukepapa

Small children have magnetic “cat-attracting” ability, adorable photos from Japan show
Japan’s most covetous kitty is back, and he’s in no mood to share his newest treasure 【Photos】
Japanese cat who can’t sleep unless it chats with owner melts hearts across the Internet
“Feeling the seasons through cats” manga warms the heart by showing how pet kitty warms itself
Here is a collection of sweet and silly cats to help warm you this winter 【Photos】
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Beautiful Totoro bento box mixes classic and modern symbols of Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Totoro Tummy Blanket gives you the belly warmth of Ghibli’s cuddliest character【Photos】
Keep warm and confuse your cat this winter with this wearable feline blanket
“Tail scarves” are the latest cute cat trend to warm our hearts this winter【Pics】
Japanese kitty picks a crazy spot for its daily catnap, becomes local celebrity【Video, photos】
Futon-loving Pomeranian shows us how to spend winter Japanese-style【Photos】
How do Japanese cats stay warm and accessorize during winter? With tail scarves, of course!
Japanese gaming blanket is here to keep you warm through your gaming winter vacation【Photos】
Cute cat puts smile on owner’s face with adorable surprise behind closed door
Nissan reminds us to check for sleeping cats before starting cars with adorable montage【Video】
Japanese cat sleeps so hard it flattens its head, scores a cuteness critical hit
Felissimo adds cute new kitten hoodies and cat cushion blankets to their range