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If you can learn anything from a cat, it’s the science of sleep. They inspired catnaps but can actually catch up to 16 hours a day of Zs. So, did we get spooning all wrong? Cats seem to think that sleeping atop their person is the most comfortable position. Sure, it may provide a little pressure therapy the way a weighted blanket swaddles you into slumber, but if your cat is literally weighing you down, here’s why and what you can do about it. WarmthYour cat’s cold and you’re warm. End of story. “Several studies in recent years have shown that cats actually do enjoy the company of people,” says Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM. “So it’s fair to say that cats will cuddle up to their owners for closeness, warmth, and safety.” You might notice that your cat sleeps right on top of you more often in the winter. Street cats huddle up to share body heat — when they’re not scrapping. This also explains why solo cats curl up like donuts to sleep. Your cat’s normal body temperature is higher than yours (102 degrees!) but if you run hot and need some breathing room, it’s worth investing in a low-wattage heated bed or a self-warming one that absorbs and reflects your cat’s own body heat. We promise not to send you garbage that turns your inbox into a litter box. Just our latest tips and support for your pet. HeightStomach-sleepers: does your cat curl up on your butt at night? Don’t worry, it’s not weird. If professional cuddlers are a thing (they are), then don’t blame your cat for looking at you like a giant body pillow. There’s also the elevation aspect to consider. In the wild, most members of the feline family hide in trees to spot predator and prey alike from a better vantage point, so it’s in a domestic cat’s DNA to feel safer in high places. Your bed is higher than the ground, and you are higher still. So naturally, your cat will choose the heated, elevated perch — that would be you. If you want the little monkey off your back, buy the tallest cat tree you can find. Affection (or possession)Does your cat turn on the charm at bedtime? That affectionate head-bumping thing they do is called ‘head bunting’ and cats use it to exchange scents with family members. You may not boast specialized scent glands in your forehead, but your cat will still rub their head against yours to pick up your smell and leave theirs behind. Did we just make it weird? Really, it’s a bonding experience so enjoy it for what it is. On the other hand, if your cat skips the sentiment and unamorously plops down to sleep on your head, they may be claiming you as their territory, which has the potential to escalate to spraying urine around the house and stalking other family members. Such territorial behavior should not be rewarded (with the right to sleep on said head). HabitIt was cute when your tiny kitten cozied up in the nook of your neck to sleep. Now you’ve got a 15-pound cat to bench-press with each breath. “Your kitten may continue to sleep on top of you as an adult because they’ve determined that the warmest and safest place is with you,” says Dr. Pendergrass. Cats are creatures of habit so wriggling out of this routine won’t be easy...but is that what you really want?
Key Takeaways
If you’re lucky enough to have a cuddly cat, you’re probably familiar with that feeling of waking up to a warm, furry lump on your back or stomach. (Life could be worse.) So, why is it that so many cats like to lay on their humans’ laps or chests and purr themselves to sleep? Let’s find out. They Just Want to Be WarmHave you ever noticed how your cat loves to catch the first ray of sunlight in the morning? Whether it’s on the floor or in the window box, your cat is right there soaking it all up. This is because cats prefer resting in warm places—and who doesn’t? When the sun sets and that warmth is gone, a cat could find some heat alongside a radiator, but it’s far comfier on top of you when you’re in your favorite recliner or when you’re snuggled beneath the bedcovers. So, these are the moments when your feline friend will most likely seek you out. I remember in my youth how my cat would nestle up against me in my bed; he felt safe with me and I felt safe with him. A wonderful feeling, indeed! Humans Are Actually Quite ComfortableCats sleep around 15 hours a day or more, so naturally, they’re looking for a comfortable spot to catch 40 (or 400 winks!). Whether it be on a sofa or stretched out in a laundry basket, cats require a soft and cozy place to relax. Imagine how cozy you feel to a cat who discovers you in bed under a number of plush blankets. Your belly immediately becomes the coziest place on earth, far superior to a mere pillow or cat bed. It’s About Affection…If you’re like most people, you’re typically out most of the day (or night) working. When you finally return home, all your fur-ball buddy wants to do is be by your side and follow you around until you sit or go to bed so he can climb on top of you. Why? Because your cat loves you. All that head butting of your face, all those purrs and kisses; they add up to one thing—adoration! So when your cat shows these signs of affection (because most cats cannot speak…yet) and when he jumps on you to make his bed, give him a little pat and a pet to lull him to sleep and return the affection. As Well as SafetyEveryone and everything craves and needs security. Your cat is no exception! When your cat is in search of a place to sleep, he not only wants comfort and warmth, he also wants a place that is secure—and that place is YOU! No dangerous predators are around when his master is there, so kitty dreams come easily for your cat when he has nothing to fear. Some Cats Love the Sounds Your Body MakesThe natural sounds of your body may be soothing to your cat when he sleeps on top of you. The steady rhythm of your heartbeat and breath, as well as the rise and fall of your inhaling and exhaling, help lull your cat to sleep. Your smell is also pleasant as your cat associates it with you and the care, companionship, and safety you provide him. In short, many of your natural bodily sounds and smells may be relaxing to your kitty—though perhaps not ALL of your sounds and smells. I could go into detail here, but I’ll refrain! Your Cat Plays Favorites!It could be that you move less in bed while asleep than other family members. Or, your cat may feel particularly safe from harm around you. Whatever may be the reason, your cat loves sleeping on top of you, so cherish the moment while it’s here. Cats are known to switch up their routine, so they may look elsewhere for some other warm, comfortable pillow on a bed that is not you! Want to make sure your pets are covered from those unexpected illnesses or injuries with no limits on payouts? Get a quote and make sure you’re covered for those cat and kitten mishaps and unpleasant surprises.
Cats can be moody. So, when your cat chooses to snuggle up with you in bed at night, you probably don’t fight it. But why is it that your cat ignores you all day and then wants to sleep next to (or right on you) while they sleep at night? Well, there are actually a few reasons why cats love sleeping with you. They might not want to snuggle up with you if you’re doing any of these things that cats actually hate. Cats are always ready to attack or defend themselves, so even when your cat appears to be out cold, they’re actually still on high alert for any noises or smells that mean they need to spring into action and attack. However, sleeping is their most vulnerable state. “Since cats are always poised for action, it makes sense that they’d seek extra protection by curling up next to their owner,” says Mikel Delgado, cat behavior expert with Rover. “You may give your cat an extra level of security during sleep, a time when they’re most vulnerable.” If your cat sleeps near you it means that they trust you and they feel secure with you by their side. Here are some other signs that your cat trusts you. “A cat’s normal body temperature is up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why you can typically find your feline friend snoozing in a sunny window or crammed in a box—to soak up as much warmth as they can get, which includes using you for your body temperature,” says Delgado. They’re marking their territoryCats like to claim their territory by marking it with their scent. When they sleep on top of you, they may be marking you as theirs. They want to bondIf you’re wondering “Why does my cat sleep on me?” it may be because they’re trying to tell you that they love you. “It’s not unusual for cats to engage in ‘pillowing’ at bedtime, which is when they use another cat as a pillow, so if they’re the only cat in the house, they love to use you as an alternative,” says Delgado. “And even if they’re not the only cat in the house, you may be their preferred ‘pillow-mate!’” If your cat sleeps on you almost every night, there is typically no cause for concern. If you notice that they’re sleeping much more than usual and have low energy, you should take them to the vet to get checked. “If your cat has never slept on you before and suddenly has started to, watch carefully for any other signs of illness. A change in behavior can sometimes be the first clue that something is wrong,” says Delgado. There is, actually. If your cat likes to sleep near your head it’s probably because your body releases a lot of heat from there while you sleep, making it extra cozy for your cat. You also don’t move your head much in your sleep, so your cat knows that they’re less likely to get whacked by an arm or leg up there. Another reason your cat might like to sleep near your head is that they like the smell of your shampoo and your natural hair oils, Delgado mentions. If your cat likes to sleep on or near your chest it could be because the sound of your heartbeat and steady breathing draws them in and comforts them. And if your cat is a lap sleeper, it’s probably because they know they get extra scratches and love while they’re on your lap. It’s also a warm place to snuggle up. Why do most cats sleep with their back to you?Since your cat is always ready to attack if needed, he or she most likely sleep with their back to you so they can watch the environment for both of you. Isn’t that adorable? Here are some other ways your cat shows affection. Is it bad to let your cat sleep with you?There are definitely pros to letting your cat sleep in bed with you. It can help with stress relief, allows the two of you to bond, and keeps you both cozy and warm. But, there are also some cons. “Although not strictly nocturnal, many cats are active in the evening so it could be hard to get in some Z’s if he’s being rambunctious,” says Delgado. “Plus, if your cat prefers to sleep on your chest or head, this could become bothersome, particularly if he’s overweight.” Also, indoor cats could track litter into your bed and outdoor cats might be carriers of disease. Delgado also warns that cats should never sleep with children under the age of five. There could be a risk of suffocation and if the cat gets startled in the middle of the night they could panic and scratch a child. Avoid these other mistakes that cat owners should never make. Are there ways to teach your cat to not sleep in your bed with you without locking them out of your room?Delgado recommends a few different options for helping your cat sleep in a separate room from you.
Now that you know the answer to, “Why does my cat sleep on me?” learn how to decode your cat’s other behaviors. Originally Published: February 06, 2020 |