What does it mean when a cat sleeps next to you

Table of Contents Show

Why Does My Cat Sleep There?
The Advantages of Kitty Zzs
The How and Why’s of Who Cats Choose to Sleep With

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When it's time to sleep many people get into their bed and find they aren't alone. They don't know why, but almost every night their cat will sleep next to them. It is often very relaxing and pleasant to sleep with the company of a cat, but why do they come to sleep with us? Comfort, company and warmth are some of the reasons your cat sleeps with you. But there may be other motives behind your cat wanting a snuggle.

If you want to know the 5 reasons why your cat sleeps with you do not miss this article from AnimalWised. We also ask if it is a good idea to sleep next to a cat and when it is not ideal for your cat to sleep in the same bed.

Cats love the heat. If you look at where a cat will rest, they are always looking for the warmest places to hide and spend some quiet time. Near the stove, between the cushions or in any corner where the sun is setting. So it's no wonder that your cat catches you at bedtime and wants you to warm them up to be even more comfortable.

If you live in a particularly cold region, your cat's fur (even if they are a long-haired cat) might not be enough to keep them warm. They may find it difficult to sleep in other parts of the home. Your body will act like a radiator and they will enjoy being close to you. A cat may only want to sleep by your side, but they may also try to lie on top of you. This can be distracting, but if you're not a restless sleeper in might be a match made in sleepy heaven.

Although playful and at times very active, the truth is that cats are relatively lazy and can sleep up to 15 hours a day. Although they can lie down in the most unexpected places, they will obviously be more comfortable sleeping in a fluffy bed. One of the reasons your cat sleeps with you is simply for comfort.

As we stated above, it is not necessarily the most comfortable arrangement for you if your cat wants to sleep in the same bed. You might have instances where the cat is trying to get comfortable by moving around the bed and, by extension, on top of you. You may want to ensure your cat has as comfortable a bed as you do, even if it is on a smaller scale.

Although they may seem relaxed, cats are in a state of constant alertness. They can jump at the slightest strange thing you do. The relationship with your cat is very important, you probably consider them one of the family. So, they like to sleep with you to feel safe and more relaxed. If they lower their guard and rest by your side is because they feel very secure next to you.

Some people think that cats are nocturnal, but they are in fact crepuscular. This means they are most awake during the twilight hours. When night falls, they may want some extra security. This is one of the reasons cats want to sleep with you at night. It is a leftover from their wild past when they would need to be extra careful when sleeping.

If you ask yourself why does my cat sleep next to me, maybe one of the reasons is because they think the bed is theirs and they are the one letting you sleep there. The upside of this is that your cat has enough attachment and trust in you to let you sleep next to them.

Your cat's territorial behavior doesn't always present itself obviously. When they rub their body against your legs or push their facer into yours, it can seem like a simple sign of affection. While affection is a part of it, it is also a way they can leave their scent on you thanks to glands on their face. When your cat comes into your bed and rubs against you, they are claiming both you and your bed for their own. They may also try to use their claws to scratch your bed clothes which is another aspect of marking.

Cats can seem very antisocial and independent, but that's just a façade. The truth is that cats also likes company and, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home, they can miss you deeply.

Cats usually lie down together to get warm and comfy. So if your cat rubs, kneads, licks and lies down with you, they consider you to be another cat. This is a sign of a very healthy relationship with your cat, one of security and love.

Sleeping with your cat has its advantages and disadvantages. While your feline might be your best friend, it is not always something which will be good for you and your daily routine, especially if you are not the best sleeper. This is something which scientists have also been interested in studying.

A report from 2018 in the journal Anthrozoös investigated the effects sleeping with pets had on people. It is not a conclusive report and further study is needed, but they did see a trend in people suggesting dogs had less of a negative impact on sleeping patterns than cats[1].

This can help us to look at the pros and cons of sleeping with your cat. Here are some of the findings as well as general considerations:

Disruption: the study found that cats were found to be “equally as disruptive as human partners, and were associated with weaker feelings of comfort and security than both human and dog bed partners”. However, this also depended on the individual animal. Some cats may be less likely to get up and sleep in distracting positions than others. Some cats, for example, enjoy sleeping on a person's head or feet, while others may be content to sleep peaceably beside their human pals.
Hygiene: it will also depend on the activity of your cat. If your cat is an outdoor cat, they may pick up dirt or even parasites outside. This is not ideal for bringing into your bed. Indoor cats are generally more protected, but it is still important to ensure they are dewormed and vaccinated if you want to let them sleep with you.
Allergies: some people have mild cat allergies which are not exacerbated during the day. However, if a cat is sleeping in your bed, they may exacerbate allergies and lead to sleep problems.
Activity: if your cat is an active (or even a hyperactive) animal, then they may find it difficult to sleep still. If you have work to get up for in the morning, it might not be ideal for them to share a bed.
Health: while some cats might be disruptive, it is important to remember that cats can have a positive impact on our health and well-being. One study found that cat owners were “less likely to take medication for sleeping problems than non-pet owners”[2]. Having a cat sleep next to you might actually help you get a better night's sleep, but it will depend on individual circumstances.
Bond: your cat sleeping next to you shows that they are comfortable. Allowing them into your bed might be a good way for you and your cat to strengthen your bond as it shows a closeness.
Hair: especially if you have a longhaired cat, they might molt in your bed. This will occur more during the shedding period of cats, so bear that in mind if it is something which might become a problem.

There are many reasons why a cat will want to sleep with you and vice versa. It is up to you if you think it will be a good idea for you (and anyone else who might be in the bed at the time). If you decide that your cat should sleep elsewhere, take a look at our related article on how to get a cat to sleep in their own bed.

References

1. Hoffman, C. L., Stutz, K., & Vasilopoulos, T. (2018) An Examination of Adult Women’s Sleep Quality and Sleep Routines in Relation to Pet Ownership and Bedsharing, Anthrozoös, 31(6), 711-725.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08927936.2018.1529354

2. Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: the possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in psychology, 3, 234.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/

Many cats are particular about their behaviors. They have specific ways they groom themselves, what they like to do for entertainment and yes, where they like to snooze. Cats are infamous for napping and you may have noticed that there are many rituals about how they do it. One of the more common questions we get from cat lovers is how do cats choose who to sleep with.

There are a few reasons why cats choose specific people to slumber with. Your friends at Union Lake Pet Services are here to tell you all about it.

Why Does My Cat Sleep There?

Unlike us, cats don’t just go to bed at a set time in the evening and sleep for the duration of the night. They are a crepuscular species, which means they nap intermittently throughout a 24-hour period, but are mostly awake at night (mostly around dusk and dawn). They may change where they sleep and with whom often, so it’s unlikely that one specific place or person will be “the one”.

They do have some considerations about where and with whom they snooze, though.

The one who feeds them. Let’s face it, most pets are motivated by food, and they tend to pal up with the one who brings home the bacon, so to speak. So, if you take care of your cat, they’ll feel closer to you. Plus, they want to be there when you open your eyes in the morning, because – guess what – did someone say breakfast?
The warmest spot. Cats love to be warm, and that’s why you’ll see them sacked out in the sunshine. They crave warm and cozy spots, so if your bed is something they find comfortable, they’ll likely choose you to snuggle with.
The one who makes them feel safe. Cats are particular about where they sleep, ensuring it’s safe and secure. They will choose a spot where they can make a quick getaway, even if they feel secure when sleeping with one of their human family members.
Your smells and sounds. Cats are sensitive to scents and sounds and can be attuned to a certain person’s snores, odors, etc. Your scent may be another way to make your pet feel connected to you, and therefore safer. The sound of breathing has a lull to it that can also be soothing to your furry friend.
You’re the favorite. Cats, like many other pets, can bond more closely with one family member. The reasons for this are varied, but generally speaking, it is the person who cares for them each day. This bond is important to your cat as they are social creatures that need affection and attention from their owner. By sleeping with you, it is another way for them to show their love.

The Advantages of Kitty Zzs

Allowing your cat to sleep with you on the bed can also have benefits for you and your meow mate. It….

Reduces stress – Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Strengthens the bond – Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners.
It’s warm – For those who get cold easily, a cat in the bed is the perfect feet warmer.
Good company – Whenever you are lonely, having a cat as a companion is the perfect feel-good friendship.

The How and Why’s of Who Cats Choose to Sleep With

Did any of these reasons make sense to you about your cat’s sleeping habits? Most cats (including those who love their owners) will sometimes sleep alone in a quiet space because cats love to change where they sleep. One night your cat may sleep with you, while the next, they are on the bunk with one of the kids. The main thing is that this snuggle time enriches both your life and the life of your cat. It creates a closeness that is immeasurable.

We hope this helps explain how cats choose who to sleep with. Would you like more information on this or other cat behaviors? Just give our team a call. Sweet dreams for a restful catnap.