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】
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Head of Tokyo board of education gets asked about dumb school hairstyle rule, gives dumb answer
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
New upcycle project from Kyoto turns kimonos from the 1950s and ’60s into high-fashion dresses
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Where are all the beautiful women in Japan? Survey investigates
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Otaku crime: Kyoto police arrest man for selling counterfeit ultra-rare Yu-Gi-Oh! card
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
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
Extra-cozy Japanese roomwear line is seriously the cat’s pajamas【Photos】
Japanese “lottery ticket booth” robbed by literal cat burglar, thief makes off with our hearts
Leave a Reply