Why Does My Cat Sleep on Me?

Sleeping Habits of Cats Differ from Those of Humans

It's important to look at how feline sleep patterns differ from ours if we want to understand why our Cats sleep on us.

Cats recharge their energy by taking several short naps across the day, rather than one long nap like humans.

However, these "catnaps" are generally light sleep, rarely dipping into a deep sleep.

What is the reason for this? It all comes down to a cat's natural hunter role.

Cats, unlike humans, are always on the lookout for prey or defend themselves against a bigger predator.

Their senses of hearing and smell are still sharp enough to spring them into action if necessary, even if they appear to be out cold.

Because Cats are always on the lookout for danger, it's only natural that they would seek extra protection by curling up next to their owner.

You provide an extra layer of protection for your Cat while they sleep when they are most vulnerable.

Why Do Cats Love to Sleep with Their Owners?

When it's time to sleep, most people snuggle up in bed only to find company from their feline companion.

They have no idea why, but their furry friend sleeps next to them almost every night.

Are you one of these individuals? The truth is that sleeping with a Cat is quite pleasant, but why do they come to sleep with us?

Cats can be bossy at times.

Thus, when your Cat decides to curl up with you in bed at night, you likely don't fight it.

But why does your Cat ignore you during the day and then want to sleep next to you at night? Your Cat sleeps with you for a variety of reasons, including comfort, company, and warmth.

However, there are other reasons for your cat's desire for a cuddle.

For Warmth

Cats enjoy being in the sun.

They are always looking for the warmest places to hide and spend some quiet time if you look closely.

Near the stove, between the cushions, or in any corner with a view of the sunset.

It's no surprise, then, that your Cat catches you at bedtime and wants you to warm them up so they can sleep better.

If you live in a notably cold environment, your cat's fur (even if it is long-haired) may not be enough to keep them warm.

They might have trouble sleeping in other parts of the house.

They will enjoy being close to you because your body will act as a radiator.

A Cat may want to sleep next to you, but they may also try to sleep on top of you.

You Offer Security

Even if your Cat appears to be sleeping soundly, they are alert and ready to act if they detect danger or prey.

Cats are vulnerable while sleeping, and they are well aware of it.

That's why most Cats look for a safe place to sleep where they won't be bothered by a predator lurking behind their backs.

Of course, nothing in your house will try to eat your cat.

Nevertheless, many domestic Cats prefer small, enclosed spaces to large Cat beds.

This is how cats' survival instinct works and why they adore boxes.

So, if your Cat opts to sleep next to you, they may be looking for protection.

Your Cat depends on you to defend them against various dangers and feel safer with you around.

Comfort, First and Foremost

Cats are sedentary and can sleep up to 15 hours each day, despite being playful and lively at times.

Although they can lie down in the strangest of places, they will undoubtedly prefer to sleep in a soft bed.

So, your Cat sleeps with you for a variety of reasons, including comfort.

Your Cat is Unwell

If your Cat isn't feeling well, they may want to be much closer to you as a way of communicating with you and seeking comfort from a person they trust.

This could be the cause your Cat begins to do this, and you've noticed a few symptoms of an underlying illness.

If your cat's behavior changes afterwards and they appear ill, you should take them to the vet for a medical screening.

The Relationship with You

Depending on the Cat and you, it could be more or less.

However, the Cat is likely to miss you (particularly if you work outside the home and take hours without seeing you).

Therefore, you'll want to take advantage of the night and be close by.

Cats in litter typically live in piles and provide warmth, comfort, and protection to one another.

You're normally mistaken for one of your littermates by the cat.

As a result, he accepts head bites, caresses, and sleeping together as part of being "just another cat." sleeping together or on top of each other is, of course, a way to express mutual affection.

They Are Territorial

Perhaps one of the reasons your Cat sleeps with you is that they believe the bed is theirs and allow you to sleep in it.

The upside is that your Cat is attached to you and trusts you enough to let you sleep next to them.

The territorial behaviour of your Cat isn't always obvious.

It may appear as a simple sign of affection when they rub their body against your legs or press their face into yours.

While adoration is a part of it, glands on their face also allow them to leave their scent on you.

When your Cat rubs against you in your bed, they are claiming both you and your bed as their own.

They Like Your Scent

Another reason Cat prefers to sleep with their owners is that they can smell you.

When a Cat is nervous, stressed, or anxious, it can be soothing to cuddle next to a familiar scent.

Consider a toddler with their favourite blanket.

Furthermore, some Cats enjoy the scent of your shampoo or cosmetics.

Our Cats have such a keen sense of smell that it's no problem for them to detect even the tiniest pleasant odours emanating from your hair or body.

If your hair smells appealing to your cat, he or she may try to bite it.

So, keep an eye out.

Hungry

The time you feed your Cat can reveal a lot about its personality.

Your Cat may come up to you and rub around your legs or perch on a body part.

They may be attempting to communicate with you that they are hungry for breakfast.

Thanking You

Your Cat may be sleeping on you to express their appreciation for something you recently did that delighted them, such as feeding them, giving them a treat, or giving them a new toy.

They Like Your Heartbeat

Since they can hear your heartbeat, some Cats prefer to sleep alongside their owners.

It lulls your Cat to sleep by bringing back happy memories of cuddling with siblings and mother when your Cat was a kitten.

As a result, if your Cat is having problems sleeping, they may come to your bed.

Your Cat may find the sound you produce in the middle of the night soothing.

You’re Family

Cats, as scientists have discovered, are unaware that humans are a distinct species.

Our Cats are aware that we are larger and less hairy than the normal feline, but they still regard us as strange, awkward Cats incapable of hunting on our own.

Cats communicate with each other through butting heads, rubbing cheeks, purring, and grooming.

Thus, except for meowing at us when we're hungry, our felines don't treat people any differently.

As a result, your Cat may sleep with you since he or she considers you a member of the family and wishes to keep you company.

Take that as a huge compliment.

Is sleeping with your cat a good idea?

There are benefits and drawbacks to sleeping with your cat.

While your feline companion may be your best buddy, it is not always beneficial to you and your daily routine, particularly if you are a light sleeper.

Here are some things to think about:

Disruption

Cats are said to be "equally as disruptive as human companions and are associated with weaker emotions of comfort and security than both human and dog bed partners.

However, this is dependent on the animal in question.

Some Cats are less prone than others to get up and sleep in distracting positions.

Some cats, for example, prefer to sleep on a person's head or feet, while others prefer to sleep peacefully with their human companions.

Hygiene

This will be affected by your cat's activity.

If your Cat spends time outside, he or she may take up dirt or parasites.

This is not something you want to bring into your bed.

Indoor Cats are usually better protected, but if you want to let them sleep with you, make sure they're dewormed and vaccinated.

Allergies

Some individuals have moderate Cat allergies that aren't aggravated during the day.

Nevertheless, if a Cat sleeps in your bed, it may aggravate allergies and lead to sleep problems.

Activity

If your Cat is active (or even hyperactive), it may be hard for them to sleep soundly.

It might not be ideal for them to share a bed if you have to get up early in the morning for work.

Health

While some Cats might be a nuisance, it's vital to remember that Cats can be beneficial to our health and well-being.

According to research, Cat owners are "less likely than non-pet owners to seek medicine for sleeping disorders." It is possible that having a Cat sleep next to you will help you get a better night's sleep, but this will depend on your specific circumstances.

Bond

Your Cat lying next to you demonstrates that they are at ease.

Allowing them into your bed can help you, and your Cat deepens your bond by demonstrating closeness.

Hair

Your Cat may moult in your bed, especially if it has long hair.

This will happen more frequently during the shedding season for cats, so keep that in mind if it becomes an issue.

If you don't deworm your outdoor Cats regularly, they may carry fleas and other parasites into your bed.

Before allowing your Cat to sleep with you, make sure they're healthy.

Your Cat will expect to sleep with you no matter what after you've allowed him on the bed.

It will be difficult to retrain your pet to leave the bedroom.