Why cats sleep on the bed with their owners

If the cat lays on his chest, stomps on it and paws, watch his blood pressure. It may be worth checking his cardiovascular health. Stress and anxiety also attract him to your pet's chest: the rhythm of his heartbeat and breathing soothes him. In addition, as long as he is lying on top, the owner certainly won't go anywhere and won't be bored without him.

Why does the cat sleep with me and not the other family members?

Even if I go somewhere for a week, the cat doesn't sleep with other family members. Why? It's definitely not about feeding, since I'm often at work, so the other household member does most of the feeding.

Usually cats/cats choose one owner and spend most of their time with them.

They can play, sit nearby, and eat with all family members, but they usually go to sleep with one person.

When I was a child I had a cat, we took it when I was 7 years old, but despite the fact that I played with it constantly, cleaned and walked around, it came to sleep at my mom's place.

Now I have a cat, he is 14 years old and the same age as my son, they grew up together, and the cat often slept with his son during the day, but his mistress chose me.

At night he sleeps with me, although both my husband and son love to spend time and play.

It's simple, cats sleep with whoever is safest for them, Who they trust and know that this is the owner will be able to protect in case of danger (and this is the night when the cat is most unprotected).

It's simple – it's the instinct of self-preservation, to be with the strongest creature.

Your cat has chosen you as his master and as his protector, and trusts you with his sleep and his safety.

Cats are good at sensing a person's energy or biofield and are even believed to be able to correct it, thus curing certain illnesses. This is not an exaggeration, cat therapy (and even therapy with horses, dolphins and other animals) is generally recognized in medicine. They do it supposedly by sucking out negative energy. It has also been reported several times that there are cats in hospices that can sense 24 hours in advance that the person in question is about to die. Most likely it is just your biofield that your cat likes. Or you have an internal disease that the cat is treating. Usually the cat will lie down on the diseased organ. She may also like your scent. It is also possible that imprinting is when the newly opened eyes first remember the image of you as a mother.

The pet looks up to you.

Sometimes cats lie down at night next to their owners and stare at them while they sleep. By chance, when a person wakes up, he or she sees the pet watching him or her. Some people find this habit frightening. They fear that the cat is going to attack them at night.

Don't worry, your pet has no aggressive intentions. Watching the sleeping owner is a common nighttime activity for an animal. In this way, the cat protects you and shows its instinct to protect its territory.

Should this habit be curbed?

Should a cat be forbidden to sleep next to its owner? There are different opinions on this matter.

Some people are very relaxed and fall asleep more easily when a furry pet purrs next to them. This saves them from insomnia and stress.

The main disadvantage of co-sleeping is that you can accidentally bump the pet, and hurt and scared pet scratches or bites you.

In this matter, you should focus on your comfort. If the pet does not interfere with your sleep, then there is no need to suppress such a habit. If the cat becomes too obtrusive and disturbs your rest, you should accustom it to the bed.

If your pet goes for a walk outside, you should not let it into the bed. He could be a carrier of parasites that are transmitted to humans.

I'm scared.

Animals feel more vulnerable when they sleep, and cats are no exception. If a pet trusts you, they will definitely climb into bed with you, because they feel safe with you – which is obviously why cats like to sleep with humans. By the way, this behavior can also be noticed within a group of animals. If you have several pets, it is likely that they will sleep together.

Despite the fact that cats often show themselves as bullies for whom there is no authority, it is still very important for them to have a family – and this is another reason why cats sleep on humans. In the wild, many species of the feline family exhibit various forms of group behavior. They often take care of each other (licking, warming), sleep and play together, so it's not surprising that your pet just sees you as a "fellow".

But as for the choice of place, it's not so clear-cut. Experts believe that the answer to the question "why cats sleep near the head of man" is simple: all because it is less moving, and therefore it is safer to lie next to it. On the chest cats fall asleep because of the "memories". The thing is that kittens often sleep next to the mother in the "one pile", so they can hear the breathing and heartbeat sound of relatives. But the cat curls up on the lap just to be petted.

Cats love to sleep not only on people, but also on others who are warm. Example: In the neighboring yard lived in the same yard dog Misha, a huge, shaggy and elderly. He had a kennel, but he rented it to the cats, because his rheumatism did not allow him to climb in there. And compassionate tenants laid him a thick dry bed on the porch, on which he dozed off between meals. And local cats, who did not have time to remove the box, so as not to waste the good, two or three climbed on it and slept together, keeping each other warm! And someone third (fourth) sat next to him and monitored the situation, because in public Misha was very shy about his relationship to the cats.

Warmth

This is the main reason. Everyone knows that cats are very fond of warmth. You have noticed how they lie on the radiators or heaters in winter. If you open windows for airing, like drafts, or sleep with the air conditioner on, chances are the heat-loving pet will come to you to warm up. They especially like to sleep next to their head or feet – these parts of the body give off the most heat.

No matter how formidable and invincible they want to seem, there comes a time when they need safety. When they sleep next to their owner, they can smell their family, they know they won't be hurt here, and so they can relax and sleep. It's pretty simple!

Territory Marks

Cats mark the boundaries of their territory by rubbing their heads on various things in the house. It's all about scents. Pets have glands on their paws that secrete pheromones. So when a cat gets comfy in bed and rubs its head against you, it also marks its territory. So the others know that she will not tolerate other people's attempts to lay claim to her property and will protect her interests.

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What should you do if you don't like this behavior?

It will be quite difficult, and sometimes impossible, to wean your pet. There is a chance, but it is easier to put up with it. If it's a matter of principle, here are some ideas on how to change your cat's behavior:

  • Create a comfortable place outside your bed;
  • Put a plaid and any thing that smells like you there;
  • When the opportunity arises, bring your cat there. Especially after eating or playing;
  • Put your cat's favorite toys nearby;
  • Put your cat in a cat bed before you go to bed and soothe her;
  • If it comes to your bed, put it on a recliner;
  • When the cat lays down on its own in its sleeping corner, praise it and give it a treat.

Share in the comments how you feel about your pet sleeping with you!

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Cats are trickier than you think

In fact, cats and cats are very complex creatures, with their own cunning in their heads. Each pet understands that his master is an intelligent creature and knows exactly what tastes good, what's better and where it's more comfortable. So he repeats a lot of things after him.

Cats are not only cunning creatures, but also selfish, so it's not surprising that they are eager to conquer any territory they are interested in, regardless of the prohibitions. This is the reason why some pets prefer to sneak up to the owner's bed quietly, when the owner is asleep, in order to take over the desired territory without any resistance.

Sympathy also has its place

However, do not think that a cat goes to bed next to its owner only for the most comfortable place in the house. No, he really loves his two-legged friend and, in fact, always goes to sleep with his most beloved family member.

Laying down next to a man, the cat enjoys the feeling of safety and warmth, which reminds him of the comfort he feels next to his mother cat. We should understand that cats are creatures who are incredibly greedy for warmth; they always want to get as much of it as possible.

How should the owner, whose cat constantly seeks to snuggle next to him, behave? First of all, do not chase your cat, because he comes to you to show his love and affection, and the rare representatives of the cat family and in general demonstrate obedience this way (but this is really a rare phenomenon). If an animal comes to you with affection, reciprocate it, such as petting it to give your furry friend pleasant emotions.

6 reasons why cats sleep with their owners and what to do about it

6 reasons why cats sleep with their owners and what to do about it

Many, if not almost all, cats like to sleep at their owners' feet. Such behavior seems quite natural to us and rarely raises questions. But let's find out why our pets behave this way.

It's warm with you. The first and probably the most obvious reason. Especially in winter when cats are looking for a softer, warmer place.

Your scent. Your scent is native to your cats and therefore has a calming effect. It is believed that because of their sensitive nervous systems, felines spend most of the day napping rather than sleeping, as proper sleep is impossible for them in an unsafe environment. Your scent gives them that very sense of security.

It always knows when you're up. It's hard not to notice when someone is up if you're lying on top of them. Right? Also, you can always follow the owner and beg for an extra treat if he goes to the kitchen.

Jealousy. As long as the cat lies on you, no one else will take this place. It doesn't matter if it's another cat, a dog, or a human. This is how they assert their rights to us.

Affection. Contrary to what some people think, cats are able to attach to people. And they miss their owners, when they disappear at work, in school or on a business trip.

Of course, this question is not without mysticism. There is an opinion that this way cats heal their owners.. All our negative emotions accumulated during the day, bad moods and physical ailments – all this attracts cats. Why do they do it? There is no consensus on this.

Face it. But if that option doesn't work for you, there are some ideas on how to change your cat's behavior:

  • Create a comfortable place for your cat outside your bed.
  • Put a bed there, a cushion or just a plaid where she lies most willingly.
  • Whenever you get a chance, bring your cat there. Especially after eating or playing.
  • Put your cat's favorite toys nearby.
  • Layer the bed with something that smells like you. For example, a sweater.
  • Put your cat in the cat bed before bedtime and soothe her.
  • Don't kick her out of bed if she does come in.
  • You can gently move her to the recliner in such cases.
  • When the cat goes to its own sleeping corner, praise it and give it a treat.

Experts tell you what happens to your cat's health when he sleeps with you

Many families have a small furry friend – a kitty or a kitten. Some keep two or three. For both children and many adults, kittens become real family members, albeit on four legs and with a tail. Each cat can be perceived by adults as the youngest, not always obedient, child with its own habits. Animals are given good food, play corners, and fun toys.

Some even put their pets to rest in bed, confident that the sleep of cats is much more peaceful than somewhere on the ottoman. But how does such a joint nap affects the health of the person? About all – in this article.

Why do cats like to sleep with their owners?

Scientists have proposed several versions of this behavior of animals. But to believe it or not, the decision is up to everyone.

One of the most popular hypotheses is that these animals are able to heal and relieve human fatigue. Some people say that cats and cats have magical powers. But there is other convincing evidence: animals have their own biofield, which can absorb a person's negative energy and turn it into positive energy. During this process, the animal does not suffer, on the contrary, it strengthens its own biofield.

Another hypothesis is that a cat likes to control its owners. If a pet sleeps in the same bed with them, consequently, it has a great opportunity to keep people in its sight. And the animal itself feels safe in this way.

The main reasons why a cat sleeps on or next to its owner

Photo of a sleeping cat

Cats are heat-loving: they like to bask in the sun, sit near heating panels and electrical appliances that give off heat. But the surface warmed up in the sun or artificial heaters are too hot, while the human body temperature is perfect for a comfortable sleep. In addition, it is comfortable and soft to lie on the bed of the owner or on the owner himself.

Cats are much more sociable than they seem. They want to play, miss their owners, get upset if they are busy or are away from home for a long time. They make up for the lack of attention by spending time together.

Cats are often said to "walk by themselves". Yes, they do not express emotions as clearly as dogs do, and for some it is a sign of indifference to humans. But this is not true at all. The urge to settle down next to the owner is a manifestation of love and tenderness. If the pet lies down purring right on top of you, do not doubt: it expresses affection. Read our article to find out how your pet treats you.

If you have other people or animals living in the house with you, the pet may be jealous of them. When it rests on a person, it tries to get their full attention. There are sweat glands on the paw pads, they leave "marks. By stepping over its owner, the cat marks it as its own.

In nature, many animals snuggle up to each other when they sleep. This way they feel safer. Heartbeat and human breathing have a relaxing and calming effect on a cat, so the place on the master's chest is perceived as the safest place for them to rest. Human sweat also has a calming effect on the cat, so it tries to snuggle up on your chest or legs, closer to the scent that attracts it.

If a cat doesn't sleep with you all the time, but comes to the bed unexpectedly, it may be frightened or stressed by something. The reason for such behavior may be loud noises, the appearance of other animals or a change of scenery. Sleeping next to you is a show of trust and seeking protection.

Why a cat goes to sleep next to its owner's head

Some cats don't just come to the bed, but settle down by the head itself. The reasons for this behavior may be different.

Near the head is warm and calm: at the feet or under the side you can accidentally push or crush the animal, but near the head this will not happen. Sometimes cats are attracted to the temperature increase. Observe your condition if you find your cat sleeping near your head: it may be due to headache, impaired cerebral circulation or nervousness.

A cat expresses its most affectionate feelings by touching your nose with its nose. Settling down to sleep near a person's face, it demonstrates affection and love. A bad mood, anxiety and stress can also attract an animal: it senses the condition and seeks to calm you.

Animals have a much keener sense of smell than humans, and the choice of pleasant and unpleasant smells is also different. They are attracted to natural or cosmetic smells that are invisible to humans. Perhaps they like your shampoo or facial products. Many are attracted to long hair for a simple reason: it's warm to lie on.

Photo of a cat next to a person

No matter how much you love your pet, you shouldn't let them settle down to sleep on your face. A hair in the nose or mouth, a tip of the tail or a paw is unlikely to cause a pleasant sensation.

Cats are social animals

First of all, it should be noted that cats are social animals, they, like humans, may feel the need for companionship and closeness. After all, in the wild, cats live in groups where they can interact with each other to hunt, protect themselves from predators, play games, etc. However, when a cat lives at home, it can experience loneliness. This is especially noticeable in cats who live in apartments where there are no other animals. The lack of company often causes the cat to appear tired, bored and indifferent. In such cases, the cat seeks closeness with a human who becomes a companion for it. Intimacy with a human not only satisfies the cat's need for companionship, but also gives it access to food, play and affection. This is especially important for house cats, who often feel insecure in the outside world and depend on their owners. In addition, care from the owner creates a positive emotional connection, which may encourage the cat to be around humans more. In general, cat-human intimacy is a natural behavior for social animals that can improve their quality of life.

Cats may give the impression of being independent and unapproachable animals, but in reality they are in great need of closeness, affection and protection. Lying down next to its owner, a cat can smell its own skin and know that it is safe and will not be harmed. And this means that she can relax and enjoy her rest. This is especially important for single cats. After all, when several cats live in the house, they form their own little group, where they feel safe and can exhibit their natural behavioral traits.

It is worth noting that cats, like other animals, often experience fear and anxiety in new or unusual situations. In such cases, the presence of an owner can be a source of reassurance and protection for them. For example, if a cat goes on a trip and is not in a special carrier, it often tries to sit and sleep only in the arms of its owner to feel more confident and safe.

The desire for warmth and comfort

In addition, cats just love warmth and comfort, so they seek it, especially when it is cold or in a cool room. A sleeping cat next to or on a human usually gets the warmth and comfort it needs, thanks to the warmth of its body and the soft surface of the bed or couch. It is worth adding that cats especially like to sleep next to their head or feet – these parts of the body give off the most heat.

Cats are healers

It's not a secret for a long time that cats feel other people's pain, and not only physical but also moral. Pets often lie down on a sore spot, stomp and purr for a long time, and eventually fall asleep right on it. There is an opinion that cats feel the warmth that comes from the injured place, which is why cats sleep with their owners if they have a fever, a headache or joints twisting in the weather.

Nobody knows if cats possess the gift of healing, but many owners claim that sleeping together with their cat relieves pain, improves their mood, gives 100% positive emotions and brings happiness. By the way, maybe the only reason why the cat does not sleep with the owner is your excellent health, which, you agree, is not so bad.

How to wean the cat from co-sleeping

If for some reason you do not want to share the bed with the pet, you should try to wean the animal from the habit that has formed. To do this, create a comfortable and warm own sleeping place for the pet, it can be:

  • A cozy soft bedding;
  • sunbed with high sides;
  • a suspended sunbed, which is attached to the radiator;
  • a cute little hut;
  • full-fledged house with a roof
  • sunbed with mounting for the wall and other options.

Get a cozy cat house, a soft daybed, or a comfortable hammock for your cat here:

Awww Cats! -The Ultimate Online Guide to Cats: Breeds, Care, and Tips