Is It Safe To Sleep With A Cat In Bed
For the most part, yes.
âIn general, I would consider it safe to sleep with your cat, but you have to know them and how they would respond to accidentally being startled or moved while sleeping,â Delgado says.
There is always the possibility that you might unintentionally scare your cat in your sleep, causing them to scratch you, âbut that is not likely to be a frequent occurrence,â Delgado adds.
Some pet owners may worry about crushing their cat in their sleep, but thatâs unlikely to occur â though you might want to exercise caution with co-sleeping if youâre raising newborn kittens.
âI’ve never heard of anyone crushing their cat while sleeping â most cats will move the second they feel uncomfortable,â Delgado says. âBut to be safe, I’d wait until kittens are a little bigger before sleeping in the bed with you.â
Pankratz agrees â though she says some cats may need their own separate space from their owners to sleep for health reasons. Cats with chronic or pain-related conditions may need to be provided a place to sleep where they can avoid people who may move or shift during sleep.
They Want To Feel Secure
Because cats are natural hunters in the wild, they look for secure places when they can rest and recharge in between hunting. In the domestic setting, you are that safe haven for them. Cats are vulnerable when sleeping, so this behavior suggests that they trust you and feel secure when youre there.
This behavior can also be traced back to kittenhood when litters would pillow on each other and on their mothers as they sleep. They are raised this way during their peak development weeks as they learn about social skills and other skills that they bring with them into adulthood.
Is This A Sign Of Affection
Holland looks at cats sleeping with you as a bonding signal. If you let your cat sleep with you its a bond. Were part of their colony, she says.
Since its not uncommon for cats to sleep on one another, theyre simply treating you as one of their own. If you have a loving relationship with your cat, theyre going to come to you for pets and to snuggle, says Koski. Its a rewarding behavior.
But what about snuggling up on top of your head, against your face, or on your chest? Is your cat trying to tell you something when sleeping in these positions?
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What Can You Do
If you want your feline friend to sleep with you, there are things you can try. Before bedtime, try to put a heating pad in low temperature in the place where you want them to sleep.
The warmth may attract your cat. Just make sure to turn it off and remove it before you completely sleep at night. Another thing you can do is take the favorite sleeping pad or sheet and place it where you want him to sleep.
Your Lap Is A Cat Bed
Do you watch television with a cat snoozing on your lap? Do you usually have a purry companion in bed with you at night? If your cat likes to sleep on or next to you, then you are a most beloved cat owner.
My tiny 3-pound foster kitten, Smoochie, runs to sleep on my chest or in my lap the moment I sit down. And my big 16-pound cat, Lovey, isnt happy unless hes snoozing on my hip. I always have a few furry companions in bed with me all night. In fact, the first face I see in the morning is usually that of my BooBoo kitty.
The look of love. Via Giphy
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When Your Cat Sleeps With You It Has To Do With Its Character
Though cats are very active and independent animals, they long forwarmth and love from their owners. Contrary to popular beliefs, they are also expertsin reciprocating the love that the owners shower on them. Most of the times,you would have noticed that your cat prefers to sleep with you, even though ithas a bed of her own. Many pet owners think, why does my cat always sleep withme, even though I have designed a special corner in my home for it. Readon to know more about this.
Your Cat Plays Favorites
It could be that you move less in bed while asleep than other family members. Or, your cat may feel particularly safe from harm around you. Whatever may be the reason, your cat loves sleeping on top of you, so cherish the moment while its here. Cats are known to switch up their routine, so they may look elsewhere for some other warm, comfortable pillow on a bed that is not you!
Want to learn more about your cat? Discover 21 Amazing Facts About Cats That You Never Knew, How to Tell If Your Cat Likes You, and How To Tell A Cats Age at Cuteness.com!
This article is provided by Cutenessthe go-to destination for passionate pet parents. Cuteness has answers to all of your health, training, and behavior questions as well as the cutest, funniest, and most inspiring pet stories from all over the world.
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You Fidget In Your Sleep
Im sure youve shared a bed with an active sleeper at some point in your life. Being kicked while youre trying to catch forty winks is no fun at all.
Now imagine it from your cats perspective. If you move your arms or legs a lot or frequently roll over in your sleep, your cat is in for quite the rollercoaster ride.
Rather than be launched off the bed or squashed by your body, your cat may end up sleeping on your head or seeking out a safe spot for a night of uninterrupted sleep.
On Average Cats Sleep Between 12 And 16 Hours Every Day Which Are Broken Into Short Cat Naps
From memory foam to innerspring to hybrid, there are mattresses out there to suit every body and every sleeping style. Health experts weigh in on what you should consider. If you’re a side sleeper, look for a soft mattress. You can learn more about our review p. When you’re shopping for a new mattress, consider how you sleep. Here’s the answer to the question, why do cats sleep on me? rd.com pets & animals cats every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated. There are good and bad points to sharing your sleeping space with your feline companion. People lucky enough to have a cat in their family often find them curled up in a warm spot having a snooze. Who wants to sleep on scratchy, itchy sheets? We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Making your bed isn’t that difficult unless you have a cat. There are good and bad points to sharing your sleeping space with your feline companion. It’s probably also the place where you w.
Gone are the days when sleeping on a sofa bed meant squirming on an impossibly thin mattress on a clunky, bulky frame. There are good and bad points to sharing your sleeping space with your feline companion. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat because your sheets don’t breathe well. It’s probably also the place where you w. There are good and bad points to sharing your sleeping space with your feline companion.
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Why Does My Cat Sleep There
Unlike us, cats dont 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 . They may change where they sleep and with whom often, so its unlikely that one specific place or person will be the one.
They do have some considerations about where and with whom they snooze, though.
Fascinating Reasons Why Cats Like To Sleep With Their Owners
When it comes to sleeping places, cats can be finicky.
They ignore acomfy cat bedfor a tiny cardboard box, a wardrobe, or a sunny spot on the floor.
Thats because what humans consider comfortable is not always what cats like.
Our kitties prefer to nap in places where people cant bother them and where they can let their guard down. Still, many felines choose to rest close to their owners.
So, what makes a cat snuggle up to you when you lie down or prefer you over a spouse? Lets see 11 possible reasons.
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They Are Just Looking For Warmth
You must have noticed that your cat will sit close to your laptop, near fireplaces, or close to heating elements. Sometimes it is cold on the nights, and your cat cannot gather enough warmth for themselves. They will, therefore, resort to jumping on your bed and camping next to you. Your cat will savor the warmth of your blankets or duvets. They would better sleep on your legs than not. When you wake up and find them sleeping on your legs, do not ask why does my cat sleep on my bed, they need warmth.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Ruining Your Own Sleep
There are, of course, negative bedtime habits your cat may be doing that keep you from getting some quality shuteye: toe-biting, howling for attention, kneading your chest, etc.
Unfortunately, a cats internal clock doesnt quite match up with our own sleep patterns. They can be restless in the early evening and morning hours. But not to worrycats are generally adaptable to our schedules.
One way to encourage a restful sleep is to engage in active playtime right before bed, according to WebMD. Mimic a hunt session with a cat toy to burn off extra energy. Then give him some food. Youll both be yawning in no time.
Dr. Satchu recommends nighttime feeding for cats who are food motivated. Set up an automatic feeder to go off every 1-2 hours while you sleep. This will cause your cat to hang out around this magical contraption and leave you to rest blissfully.
An early morning distraction may also help. If you have the ability to put up a bird feeder outside of a window your cat can sit next to, this will help between 4-6 a.m. That is typically prime bird-eating hours and your cat will likely watch their new cat-TV for the entire early morning, says Dr. Satchu.
Another tip is to sleep with your bedroom door slightly ajar so your cat can slip out without waking you. Leave out a few toys in case he gets restless during the night.
A heated pet bed could be a lifesaver if your cat is keeping you from getting some ZZZs.
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How Cats Can Affect Your Sleep
Dr. Steve Weinberg, founder of 911 VETS, said it can feel nice and comfy to have your cat sleep on a bed with you some literally on your head potentially calming anxiety and night terrors.
The downside is that cats are nocturnal animals, he said. The human sleeper may have their sleep interrupted in the wee hours of the night or be woken up at a very early hour.
Because of this, Weinberg says, sleeping with a cat can be counterproductive to a persons typical wake-sleep patterns.
Many cats like to play and will scratch at or even bite at the human feet moving around under the covers, he said. other problems, such as allergy to cat dander or, if fleas are not under control, the human may receive flea bites.
Cats may also want to cozy up to babies and infants taking on their own caregiver roles in the house but experts say cats shouldnt spend the night with the littlest ones in your home.
Dr. Jennifer Maniet, a staff veterinarian at Petplan Pet Insurance, says its not safe for cats to sleep with babies because theres a risk a cat could unintentionally suffocate a baby by sleeping on its chest or face.
If the cat is startled or frightened, the baby can get bitten, scratched, or trampled on as the cat tries to run or jump away, she said. Cat scratches and bites are common ways that the cat can transmit diseases to a baby.
You can consult your veterinarian for ways to keep the cats out of the nursery, Maniet says.
I Want To Comfort You
Studies prove that cats can read their owners emotions and react better to smiles than frowns.
So, your cat might choose to sleep next to you to ease your worries when youre in distress, anxious, or stressed.
Moreover, cats make excellent emotional support animals.
Petting cats lowers your heart rate/blood pressure, improves mood, relieves depression, and reduces stress.
So, youve got an excellent excuse to cuddle with your cat whenever youre feeling blue.
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Show Your Cat You Love Her Back
You can show off your own cat devotion, with the Imagine This Company I Love My Cat paw shape magnet and PetRageous Designs I Love My Cat coffee mug to assure that your cat knows how much you love her back. Your cats love may manifest itself in unique and special ways, but her love for you runs just as deep as your love for her.
Now that you know the signs, youll be able to understand her cat love language and deepen the bond with your cat even more.
Want to know more about your cat and her feelings? Check out:
Why Do Cats Sleep On Your Head
Have you ever had an older relative tell you to put a hat on to keep warm? Well, there is a reason for that! You lose a lot of heat from your head. So, it makes sense that your cat would want to be where all the heat is.
Its also the safest place for a cat to be as your head moves the least amount during the night. Whereas your arms and legs tend to be the most active during the night and potentially the most likely to disturb them.
A warm safe place is a perfect spot for your cat to feel relaxed and comforted.
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Some Cats Love The Sounds Your Body Makes
The natural sounds of your body may be soothing to your cat when he sleeps on top of you. The steady rhythm of your heartbeat and breath, as well as the rise and fall of your inhaling and exhaling, help lull your cat to sleep. Your smell is also pleasant as your cat associates it with you and the care, companionship, and safety you provide him. In short, many of your natural bodily sounds and smells may be relaxing to your kittythough perhaps not ALL of your sounds and smells. I could go into detail here, but Ill refrain!
Your Bed Isnt High Enough
Quite simply, cats love to be up high. Its an instinct that they have inherited from their wild ancestors.
High places are a safe haven for your cat, somewhere the dog and other troubles cant reach her.
Cats are most vulnerable when theyre asleep, so if Kitty doesnt think your bed is high enough, she may not feel safe sleeping there.
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Your Cat Prefers To Sleep On Your Head
There may actually be a few reasons that cats like to sleep on your head.
How To Get Your Space Back
It is possible to reclaim your bed and even your bedroom if you dont want your cats interrupting your sleep. It just takes some retraining.
Koski says to set up a nice, warm spot and reward your cat for using it. She suggests a heated cat bed with a blanket that smells like you or that has your cats own scent on it. Praise and pet them when they snuggle down into it, she says. That way, youre reinforcing the behavior.
You can also help your cat calm down for bedtime by recognizing that cats are naturally active at dawn and dusk. Koski explains that if you give your cat a good workout for 15-20 minutes prior to bed followed by a small snack, theyll be more inclined to wind down for the night.
If youre having difficulty with your kitty sleeping on your head, chest, or otherwise disturbing your rest, try talking with your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist for guidance. Every cat is different, but with the right training techniques you can both get back to a restful nights sleep in no time.
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