It seems as if cats have the uncanny ability to fall asleep anywhere. You may find your little furry friend snoozing on a high shelf, nestled in a drawer, or even sprawled out in a patch of blazing sunlight during an afternoon nap. However, one of their favorite spots to doze off looks like it just may be us – their owner. If you’ve found yourself on more than one occasion afraid to get up off the couch or bed because you don’t want to disturb your kitty companion, then you’re not alone. Cats seriously love to catch a few Zs while cuddled up with their human. But why? To help us figure out exactly why cats sleep on their owners, POPSUGAR asked two experts to explain.
Why Does My Cat Sleep on Me?
As it turns out, there are some very simple (and endearing) reasons why cats like to sleep on their owners. The first is that they want to show their owner affection. “Cats get a level of comfort and assurance from sleeping near their owners,” said Dr. Gerardo Perez-Camargo, DVM, VP of Research and Development at Freshpet. Dr. Perez-Camargo also commented that, on a more functional note, cats may sleep on their humans because they are looking for warmth or because they want to feel protected. “All in all, pet parents should be happy because it signals that their pets feel secure when they’re with them,” Dr. Perez-Camargo added.
Owners may also notice that their cat sleeps on them during the day, but not so much at night. This is due to their unique nap schedules. “Some cats like to sleep on their pet parents more during the day than at night because they take intermittent naps throughout the day,” Dr. Perez-Camargo said. He explained that if you are crossing paths with them when they are ready for naptime, your activity around the house is perceived by them as an invite to come by.
Is It Okay to Have My Cat Sleep on My Bed With Me?
Cuddling up with our cats is A-OK, but is it alright to have our cats sleep in our beds with us? “Many people choose to allow their cats to sleep in their bed with them,” said Dr. Sarah Nold, staff veterinarian at Trupanion. “The health risks for adults are minimal, especially if you follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for your cat when it comes to deworming and flea prevention.” However, Dr. Nold pointed out that if you are immunocompromised you should talk to your doctor first, and if you have allergies it may be best to keep your kitty friends out of the bedroom, as they may exacerbate allergies.
Another group of people that may want to think it over before they share a bed with their cats at night is light sleepers. “Light sleepers may not enjoy having a cat in their bed, as cats often like to bathe themselves before sleeping,” said Dr. Nold. “Or your movement may wake them causing them to mew or start purring.”
How Can I Make My Cat More Comfortable When They Sleep on Me?
A simple way to make your cat more comfy while sleeping on you is to add soft blankets. “If you want to make your pet more comfortable when they’re sleeping on you, place a soft blanket on the part of the body they’re most attracted to,” Dr. Perez-Camargo advised. He also suggested to keep a cat bed or pillow nearby, just in case they decide to switch spots midnap.
