As humans, we tend to project our own preferences onto our pets and the animals around us. We love cozy blankets, warm sweaters, cool air conditioning, or relaxing baths — so we assume our animals must want the same things. But the truth is, animals have their own natural instincts, biological needs, and weather preferences that don’t always align with what we think is “comfortable.”
Some animals thrive in heat. Others come alive in cold weather. And many have built-in adaptations that allow them to handle temperatures far beyond what we could tolerate.
Understanding their natural preferences helps us care for them better. But it also teaches us something deeper about respecting another being’s individuality — even when it looks different from our own.
Believe it or not animals that prefer warmth are often naturally built for it. Their bodies are adapted for hotter climates, thinner fur, or desert-like environments.
Some examples of heat-loving animals include:
Reptiles — snakes, lizards, turtles. Cold-blooded animals need external heat for energy, digestion, and mobility.
Short-haired dog breeds — Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Basenjis. These breeds have thin coats and stay comfortable in warmer temperatures.
Cats - Most cats adore heat — sunbeams, warm laundry piles, heated beds — because their desert ancestry makes them naturally drawn to warmth.
Birds- Many birds regulate heat well and love sunbathing.
You may be asking yourself, why do they like heat? There are many reasons: Their bodies conserve heat poorly, so warmth gives them energy. Heat helps digestion and circulation (especially reptiles). Thin coats or feathers don’t offer much cold protection. Warmth relaxes their muscles and joints. Animals that seek heat aren’t being “dramatic” — they’re following their biological blueprint.
However, there are those animals who thrive in the cold. Cold-weather-loving animals are just as fascinating. They are genetically built to handle low temperatures, snow, and icy conditions.
Examples of cold-loving animals:
Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, Rottweilers and other northern dog breeds. Thick double coats insulate them even in freezing temperatures.
Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Their fur, skin, and body mass are designed for cold and wet environments.
Arctic animals — foxes, wolves, polar bears, snow leopards. Heavy fur, fat layers, and metabolic adaptations keep them warm.
And why do they love the cold? Thick coats trap heat and prevent them from overheating. Cold weather prevents them from getting too warm during activity. Snow play is a natural behavior for northern breeds. Running and exercising in colder climates allows them to burn energy safely. For example - A Husky lying in the snow isn’t suffering — they’re in their happy place.
So, why do we get it wrong? This is where the human projection problem comes into play.
The heart of the issue is we often give animals what we want, not what they prefer. So, we add sweaters, shoes, strollers, heated beds, cooling baths, or warm blankets…even when the animal isn’t actually cold or hot.
Some examples of mismatched care can include:
Putting a sweater on a thick-coated dog who is already overheating.
Giving a reptile a cool bath when it needs warmth for digestion.
Forcing a heat-loving cat into a cold room.
Keeping a cold-weather dog in a warm house that makes it uncomfortable.
Putting an animal in a stroller when it wants to run or explore.
Giving baths too often when many animals dislike bathing or don’t need it.
I realize you may be saying to yourself that you are only expressing love for your pet, but sometimes your instincts lead you away from what your animal actually enjoys.
Now how do we rectify this so that both owner and pet are happy? You pay attention to your animals, allowing them to choose where to sleep, whether they want to seek sun or shade, how they behave outdoors, whether they look for warmth or cool surfaces, how their body is postured, their desire to run, walk, or rest, and how they react to clothing or baths. Your pets will choose based on their preference -
Heat-loving animals will:
seek sunlight
curl up in warm spots
sit near heaters
stretch out on hot surfaces
Cold-loving animals will:
lie on tile or cold floors
bury themselves in snow
prefer outdoor time when it's cool
avoid heavy blankets
become more active in winter
You must remember that animals naturally gravitate toward what makes them comfortable. We just need to observe, listen, and let them be who they are.
How do you honor what your animal truly needs?
Watch Their Behavior More Than the Temperature. Animals tell you what feels good to them. If they’re panting, they’re hot. If they burrow or shiver, they’re cold. If they keep moving toward sun or shade, that’s their natural preference.
Don’t Force Clothes Unless Necessary. Clothing is only needed if: your pet is hairless, they have a medical condition, or your vet recommends it. Otherwise, skip the sweater.
Let Them Choose Their Comfort Zones. Give them options to seek warm spots, cool floors, shady areas, or sunny windows. Animals self-regulate extremely well.
Avoid Over-Bathing. Many animals don’t enjoy baths, and too many washes can harm their skin and fur.
Let Dogs Be Dogs and Cats Be Cats. If they want to run, let them run. If they want to sunbathe, let them soak it in. If they want to sniff, explore, or roll, let them express themselves.
Ask Yourself, “Is this for them or for me?” This is where the real transformation happens. Are you choosing: the outfit, the stroller, the bath, the cooling pad, or the heated blanket…because they need it? Or because you think it’s cute, comforting, or convenient?
Animals have their own energy, wisdom, instincts, and preferences that evolved long before humans ever cared for them. They know what weather feels right. They know what their bodies need. And they know how to find balance — often better than we do. By supporting them, it means stepping back from your assumptions and truly observing.
The greatest gift you can give an animal is the freedom to be who they naturally are. Let them choose. Allow them to guide you. Let their instincts lead. In doing so, you not only support their comfort — you strengthen a bond built on respect, understanding, and unconditional love.
Pay attention to their cues, they won’t steer you wrong.
Carolyn Osborn
CECP, CBCP, CBC3, SLAC®, CAP, CMIP
Animal Communicator, Energy Intuitive
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