It can be a struggle for many cat owners to get any work done when their feline companion is constantly sleeping on them. Usually cats like to sleep on their cardboard cat furniture (or sometimes human furniture) but it’s not always the case. It can be difficult to figure out what’s going on inside that little kitty brain. There are many reasons! We’ll explore why cats might want to sleep on you and what you can do if your Kitty is not using her bed as her nap spot.

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1. Source Of Warmth

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Cats are often attracted to cozy spots where they can bask in the sun, but a warm body is their ideal when it comes time for sleep. Snuggling up to you is the perfect way for a cat’s body temperature to stay at 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, when your cat is cuddling up next to you in bed or on the couch, don’t think that they want attention! They do want some warmth and coziness from you. Also, that is why cats love sitting in sunny windows or boxes! To prevent sleeping over, you can try:

  • Use some blankets around your cat to provide warmth. You can also try using thicker bedding instead.
  • Give your Kitty some food with extra calories to help her stay warm and full.
  • Provide a cat bed or heated pet pad for Kitty to sleep on if they want more warmth than you can offer.

2. Marking The Territory

Cats are territorial and want to mark any corner of your home as theirs. They are the undisputed rulers of any household. They stake their claim to territory by marking it with their scent. When you sleep with your pet, it gets its natural scent all over you so your cat can recognize an intruder on its turf. Your pet also wants to feel safe next to someone or something else while sleeping. Therefore, your cat is claiming you as theirs. Apparently, that means you should be flattered!

3. Secure Place

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Your cat sleeps with you for security. Because cats are vulnerable while they sleep, your cat shows that she trusts you and feels content with his life when she curls up next to your pillow at night. The behavior begins in kittenhood as a way of bonding between the two of you.

Your Kitty isn’t just sleeping peacefully beside your bed. It’s an indication that she finds solace knowing her owner is nearby, protecting her from whatever may lurk outside! Your furry friend wants to feel secure from anxiety around only those who love and care for her. It’s just how she shows affection through touchy-feely moments.

4. Bonding Exercise

Cats are known for being aloof, but they want to bond with you. Cats have been unfairly stereotyped as pets who don’t care about their owners when in reality, you know that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

  • Another reason cats may want to sleep with you is that they’re bonding with you in their way.
  • If your cat has been sleeping on top of the blankets and near or under the comforter, she might be trying to cuddle close enough for bonding with you!
  • They love nothing better than curling up next to you on a cold winter’s night or playing hide-and-seek under your bed sheets when you least expect it!

5. Body Sounds Are Soothing For Cats

Your cat has a lot of reasons to love you, and she can even fall asleep listening to your body. Your heartbeat is the steady rhythm that helps lull them into sleep while the breath rise creates soothing sounds they enjoy hearing for hours on end.

It’s not only your natural bodily soundings but also smells like sweat or any perfume, which makes her comfortable. It reminds me of how safe she feels around you. The rhythmic sounds combined with your smell put cats at ease as they associate it with care, companionship, safety, etc.

Sleeping On Certain Body Parts

Cats are a fickle bunch. Some prefer to snooze on your neck, while others enjoy belly rubs or the warmth of your feet. You might be surprised to find out that cats have preferences just like humans. Some kitties prefer their people’s laps, while others love to curl up in the crook of an arm or on their chests. Some of the possibilities include:

1. Sleeping On Head

It’s easy to see why cats love spending time on your head. Your head is warm, smells good, and has a soft pillow that it can rest her weary paws upon! With a warm head, the steady heat that is released throughout the night, and the smells of your hair and shampoo, it’s no wonder cats love to sleep on their heads.

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2. Sleeping On Chest

Cats love the warmth of your chest, but they also enjoy how you sound. You might find that Kitty snuggles up to lull themselves to sleep with a soft purr as they listen for their favorite sounds, like heartbeats and breathing!

The best spot in all the world is just right here on your chest. Your cat’s got everything she needs, warm arms wrapped around them, soothing vibrations from rhythmic heartbeat or steady breath. What more could a feline want? Scientists believe cats may find this relaxing so much that they will nap for hours without being disturbed.

3. Sleeping In Lap

Another popular spot is your lap! Cats are natural nappers, and their favorite place to doze off is in their owner’s lap. It’s warm there. They won’t be disturbed by other cats or people walking around the house as much.

The love is curling up into laps for some quality time with owners during nap times. Not only does this provide warmth and comfort, but also the perfect opportunity to give them extra attention with some petting!

Should You Let Your Cat Sleep On You?

The choice is up to you. A cuddly feline friend can provide comfort and companionship during nights or cold winter days for some people. For others, it becomes an issue of personal space encroachment. There are both pros and cons. Let’s go over them all!

Pros

  • The first benefit is stress relief, as petting cats releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin and decreases cortisol levels, leading to better sleep.
  • If you don’t have time during the day to spend some quality snuggle time with your cat, then bedtime may be that opportunity. You can get all of those hugs from your feline friend before going off into dreamland.
  • It also feels cozy and warm when your cat joins for some snuggles before you go off to slumberland.

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Cons

Many people are not aware of the dangers that come with letting your cat sleep in a bed. Some of them include:

  • Cats are usually more active in the evening hours. So if you share a bed with your cat and want to sleep through the night uninterrupted, they might not be able to cater to your instincts.
  • The most common concern is hygiene. Cats might track litter into the sheets or be a carrier of possible disease.
  • One of the most popular arguments against letting your cat sleep with you is that it can be uncomfortable, especially if your cat is overweight. They may disturb you when they’re meowing or jumping around on your bed at night.
  • The other problem is that cats shed a bunch of hair in bed. There are risks of inhaling a load of fur every time you breathe in!
  • Your cat could wake up staring at you which in the dark of night can be quite unsettling. 
  • It’s important to remember that cats and children are not the best mixes. Cats should never be allowed in a child’s room unattended, especially if they’re under five years old or have babies sleeping with them!

Summing Up

As you can see, there are many reasons why your cat want to sleep on you. Cats are known for their cuddly, affectionate nature and are good at relieving stress. But in the case of sleeping, have all considerations in mind! If you’re looking for further help about understanding your Kitty’s needs or guidance when dealing with an over-friendly feline friend, feel free to reach out!

If you’re looking for an alternative, try introducing your kitty to a cat condo or alternative sleeping arrangements. Cats need a place to sleep and feel safe. If it’s too imposing to sleep with you, make sure your cat has somewhere comfortable and protected to sleep. A cardboard cat home makes a wonderful alternative as it enables your cat to mark their scent in a place of your choosing.  

References And Citations

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