Is It Good To Sleep With Cats
The truth is that many places are sleeping with the kittens, especially if you suffer from allergies and hygiene issues. Another cons found in sleeping with cats is that they have different schedules, and are usually active at night, so they can wake up.
Sincerely, each person is free to decide if he wants to sleep with his cats or not. The important thing is that it is not changing, the cat does not understand that is allowed and, suddenly, is prohibited.
Read Also: What does Catnip do to Cats Everything You Need To Know
They Want To Bond With You
Cat owners can attest to the fact that cats really are sweet creatures. Dont be fooled by their reputation of being standoffish. Yes, cats want to bond with their owners in their own unique way.
One of their ways of showing their affection is to sleep with you. Its your cats way to show how much they want to be near you. It also brings your cat a sense of comfort to hear the sound of your breathing or your beating heart.
This can be likened to a cats behavior in the wild where they show much affection to their kin. They bond by grooming and rubbing each other as well as by pillowing together when they sleep.
I Dont Want To Get Hurt
Unless youve got one of those large cat breeds, such as Main Coon, you are a lot bigger than your cat.
As such, its easy for you to roll over while sleeping and accidentally crush your cat.
That was one of my concerns when Ronnie started sleeping in my bed.
Usually, most kittens love to sleep on your chestbecause they can listen to your heartbeat.
It relaxes them because it reminds your kitty of their mother and how protected they felt around her.
However, kittens learn to adapt when they learn that humans tend to toss and turn in bed.
They arent stupid and understand that sleeping on you can be dangerous.
Not to mention that your movements disturb your cats sleep because they have to move to avoid getting crushed.
So, your kitty might prefer to sleep at your feet or next to your pillow. Its a safer spot than your chest or belly.
My Ronnie usual sleeps next to my feet, but she leaves enough distance for me to turn comfortable.
If I happen to kick her accidentally, she quickly moves to her cat bed. Yours probably does the same.
Recommended Reading: How Much Should A Cat Eat Daily
Another Reason That Has To Do With Humans: Cats May Sometimes Sleep On Their Backs To Lure Humans Into Petting Them & Giving Belly Rubs
Again, who can resist? Especially if you know yours is the type of cat who likes a gentle stroke on the belly when he or shes on his or her back for a nap, its honestly one of the most warm, happy feelings I get, and Im sure the same is true for you.
Since theyre so vulnerable in that position, if they also let you stroke their extremely sensitive, vulnerable belly, well is there a higher complement that could possibly be given to a human?
Three cats I know do this because often after sleeping for some time in this position, theyll give a little meow, as if to say, What are you waiting for, pet me? and if I dont come over and give them a cuddle, theyll wait a while and mew again.
If I pet them, they purr and roll, or just stay in the same position, comfortably enjoying belly and chest rubs.
I do find that sometimes cats in this position prefer chest and head pets, but either way its definitely petting the ones I know want if they sleep on their backs and start with a meow, or meow after some time to point out my lack of affection.
They Have Stomach Issues
A cat may be sleeping on their backs more often if they have stomach or digestive issues. Sitting on their stomachs for long periods of time could make them feel worse. If you notice that their new sleeping position is paired up with vomiting, increased thirst, decreased appetite, or lethargy, take them to the vet to get checked out.
Also Check: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food
Finding A Comfortable Solution
Though predisposed toward late night stirring, Krieger said that cats are nevertheless naturally flexible and can indeed be convinced to adopt more convenient sleeping habits, starting with some activity before bedtime.
in a way that imitates the huntdrag the toy away from cat and let the cat catch it, Krieger said. After a nice workout, immediately following that last catch, give the cat a nice bowl of cat food. The cat will then eat, groom, and go to sleep.
While any behavioral modification may take some time, repetition can always help encourage predictable behaviors, Krieger said. Your pet may be stubborn at first, but time and patience will indeed lead to a more mutually comfortable schedule and sleeping quarters.
Cat Sleeping Flat On Stomach
A cat will rarely choose to lie on its stomach when planning a deep sleep. An unwell cat may be reluctant or unable to sleep properly. There are two positions a cat will adopt while on its stomach:
- Paws and tail tucked, headupright
- Paws outstretched
When a cat tucks its paws and tail under its belly, it is called the loaf. This is common and usually not concerning. Stretching the paws and legs out is worthy of your attention. This can be worrying.
The Loaf Position
A cat in the loaf position is usually planning a brief nap. The cat tucks its paws and tail to keep warm. The cat will keep its head upright to remain alert. If sleep claims the cat, the head will eventually drop. This is referred to as a collapsed loaf.
Sick cats will rarely adopt the loaf position. If the cat has serious concerns about body temperature, it will curl up for warmth. If it is a pain, it will avoid remaining quite so conspicuous.
One exception is if a sick cat is worried about falling asleep. The cat may be concerned that it will not wake up. Equally, it wants to remain alert. It may suspect that a rival has noticed its illness and plans to take its territory.
In such instances, the cat will regularlyadopt the loaf position. The cat is hoping to get enough rest through a seriesof micro-naps. In the mind of the cat, this negates the need for genuine sleep.
Paws Outstretched
A cat may also lie on its stomach with its paws outstretched. This can resemble the flying position.
Don’t Miss: Realistic Cat Drawing
Do Cats Sleep On Their Backs Normally
Its more common for cats to sleep in a position where their bellies arent exposed, but that doesnt mean that its abnormal either. Each cat is different. Some prefer to curl into a tiny little ball and make themselves less visible to predators. Others sleep completely sprawled out like they dont have a care in the world. Depending on your cat and their personality, their sleeping positions could differ.
Cats sleep for up to 16 hours every day. Because sleep is such a significant part of their lives, they try to settle down in the comfiest position possible. Wouldnt you if you had this kind of schedule? Here are a few possible reasons why your cats may be sleeping on their backs more than others:
The Feline Foot Obsession Is Always There
No matter the reason your cat snoozes at your feet, snuggled up on the sheets, you should take it as a compliment.
Cats never sleep near people they dont trust.
As such, you should be careful not to scare or hurt your cat accidentally when they sleep on your feet, or you might lose your cats trust.
If you dont want your cat to sleep in your bed or on your feet, you should establish this rule from the very beginning.
Otherwise, your cat will be very displeased when you kick them out of the bedroom and close the bedroom door.
What do you think about these 7 reasons why your cat lays on your feet? Does your cat sleep by your feet? Tell us in the comments.
Ive grown up surrounded by animals dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped me into what I am today a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat . Ive got two female cats Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats Blacky and Shaggy, but I also feed my neighbors cats when they come for a visit. I just cant say no to them.I discovered that writing is my vocation early in my school years. Since then Ive taken part in several literature contests writing horror and fantasy short stories and novellas.For the past three years, Ive been an ELS teacher, pouring my heart into showing children and teenagers how important English is for their future and trying to educate them how to treat their pets with care.
You May Like: Cat Scratching Door Frame
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.
‘why Does My Cat Sleep On My Head’
First of all, its warm on the top of your head, said Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant and proprietor of the Redwood City, California, based operation, The Cat Coach. Though its warm on other places, the heat from your body usually escapes from you head, which can influence your cats decision on finding the warmest spot to sleep. A cat’s average body temperature is 102 degrees Farenheit and they need to maintain heat for proper basal metabolism, so seeking an external heat source allows the body to not have to work as hard to stay warm while sleeping.
This is just one of several theories Krieger has. Consistent among several of her suggestions is the notion of comfort a cat seeking hospice at the head of a bed may not only be seeking warmth, but evading the tics of a restless sleeper.
A lot of people toss and turn or have restless legs. Theres always some movement, but some people are more agitated than others, Krieger says. Being towards the head, theres less agitation than there would be lower down. The cat wouldnt have to move as much or be as accommodating.
In other words, your cats sleeping habits may say a little something about your own.
Don’t Miss: How To Train A Kitten Not To Bite
Strange Cat Facts: Why Does My Cat Sleep On Me
Why Does My Cat Sleep on Me: There are several reasons why the pussycat likes to sleep with you: for the temperature, comfort, security and the relationship with you. Know the detail and whether or not to sleep with cats. Although each cat and each person is a world, there are many homes in which cats sleep in the bed of their human friend. In my case, it is so.
Important Fact to Know: How to Stop a Kitten From Biting
For us it can be very relaxing and pleasant to sleep with our pussycat, but what does the cat look for when it sleeps with you?
Every day the same thing happens Its time to go to sleep, you lie down and the moment you do it, your cat huddles on your chest and purr until it falls asleep. If we will know! But, did you ever wonder why he does it? Do your friends cats do it too? It will be for these reasons that cats prefer to sleep on their owners. Do we take a look?
Contents
Why Do Cats Sleep On Their Backs 11 Possible Explanations
December 5, 2019 –
If youre like me and have got at least one cat who sometimes sleeps on his back, chances are you think its one of the most adorable things in the world.
I really genuinely think of all the quirky cat behaviours there are, this just may be my favourite.
Its hard to resist smiling when you see a cat laying on its back, whether its sprawled out and stretching like Michelangelos, The Creation of Adam, lying on its back flatly with all four paws neatly tucked in, is flat on its back but has paws stuck out like its falling from the sky, or some other ridiculous way.
Theyre so stinkin cute when they do this its hard to resist walking over to a cat for a little pet, and of course if your cat lets you, that oh-so-satisfying soft belly rub.
I mean honestly, I dont even think a dog person could resist one of these adorable moves to elicit affection, if thats what its all about after all.
Obviously, we dont know for certain.
Cats have been studied quite a lot in science, but the down low on why specific behaviours that have no real importance, like lying and falling asleep on their backs, is definitely not one of those things researchers have gotten around to in depth.
But when it comes to quirky cute cat things of lesser importance, scientists rightly avoid the topic until more important research has been done first.
Recommended Reading: Umbrella Plant Poisonous To Dogs
Cats May Sleep On Your Chest To Be Comfortably Close To Your Face
Ive seen a few people mention that when cats are sitting on your chests, theyre close enough to feel your warm breath on their face, and this is a really good point I likely wouldnt have come up with on my own.
Not only is your breath warm, but being close to your face is in my opinion something that many cats very much enjoy when they are in a happy, restful, and cuddly place.
My Avery regularly scents my glasses when hes content and purring away, and if I dont have my glasses on, hell do so on my nose.
Hes very content when I hold him and rub my own face on his, so I can see being close to a human they loves face as playing a role in why a cat might like to sleep and rest on a humans chest.
Arched Back With Fur Standing On End
If you see your cat with an arched back it could indicate fear and she may have sensed danger. She will make herself appear larger and her fur will stand on end. This is called piloerection or the raising of hair along the neck and back. It is a form of defense and is an indication that the cat has detected something in the environment that she sees as a threat. It also means your cat is ready to strike.
Read Also: What Was Hp Lovecrafts Cats Name
Is It Bad To Let Your Cat Sleep With You
There are definitely pros to letting your cat sleep in bed with you. It can help with stress relief, allows the two of you to bond, and keeps you both cozy and warm. But, there are also some cons.
Although not strictly nocturnal, many cats are active in the evening so it could be hard to get in some Zs if hes being rambunctious, says Delgado. Plus, if your cat prefers to sleep on your chest or head, this could become bothersome, particularly if hes overweight.
Also, indoor cats could track litter into your bed and outdoor cats might be carriers of disease.
Delgado also warns that cats should never sleep with children under the age of five. There could be a risk of suffocation and if the cat gets startled in the middle of the night they could panic and scratch a child. Avoid these other mistakes that cat owners should never make.
Where Your Cat Sleeps
Your cat may sleep on different parts of your body for different reasons, too. Some cats delight in sleeping on their humans head. This might be uncomfortable for you, but your cat might prefer it because your head doesnt move often as you sleep. Your head also radiates heat, so your cat might curl himself up on your pillow to stay warm during the night.
Some cats prefer to sleep on your chest. As you sleep, your slow and steady breathing could be appealing to your cat. Your chest also creates a broad, relatively flat area where your cat can soak up a lot of your body heat.
You May Like: How To Get Large Mats Out Of Cat Fur
Cat Sleeping Flat On Its Stomach
This is a sleeping position you need to pay attention to as what a cat does with their legs and head while on their stomach can signal different things.
If they are in the loaf position this is a good sign. If they have their front legs stretched out, this is also a good sign.
However, if they are holding one paw off the ground or stretching their heads out, these are not good signs. They may have an issue with a paw or a joint in their leg if theyre not relaxing one limb.
Stretching out their neck instead of tucking it in could be a sign they are having difficulty breathing.