Your cat sleeps on you, and it could be for several reasons. Your cat is most likely doing it for comfort and safety, but it could also be because he’s trying to bond with you. You can find out more about these reasons in our article about comfort, safety, and bonding.
Comfort
Sleeping on you is not an innocuous action, and the fact that your cat has chosen you as its pillow says a lot about your relationship. Cats have an instinct to protect themselves from predators, and they find this contact comforting. They use your body heat to help them feel secure, and sleeping on your body is an expression of that.
Cats are nocturnal creatures, and they want to sleep near the warmth of their humans. While they can easily adapt to our sleeping habits, there are also times when they would rather have their little buffer zone. Cats that sleep on their owners demonstrate a close bond with us, and they likely feel safe around us.
In the wild, cats are social animals, and they use their sense of smell to communicate with one another. When they sleep on you, they rub their faces on you to leave oils and pheromones that help them distinguish you from other cats. This behavior makes you feel comfortable and reassures them that you belong to their pack.
Safety
Sleeping on a cat can be a great way to bond with your pet, but it is also important to be aware of the risks. Cats may carry harmful parasites, which you could easily get if you sleep on them. If you do choose to sleep with your pet, you should visit your veterinarian regularly.
Cats are very particular about their sleeping places, and they like to find a secure and safe spot. They are also very sensitive to sound, which can help them feel connected to you. The sound of breathing is also soothing to them. Make sure that your cat has a warm and comfortable spot, and don’t let it sleep on the couch or bed.
Cats can also carry diseases and infections. While these infections are not transmitted to humans, you can avoid unnecessary exposure by keeping your door closed and keeping your pets away from children and babies. In addition to these risks, sleeping with a cat poses a suffocation risk for infants and young children. Ideally, you should wait until your children reach the age of four before allowing them to sleep on a cat.
Bonding
One reason your cat sleeps on you is a sign of love and closeness. It’s normal for cats to seek closeness with their owners, but sleeping on you doesn’t suit every cat’s temperament. Cats are nocturnal animals, which means they are wired to spend the night on the prowl. But if you can get your cat to adjust to your sleeping schedule, then it’s a sign that you and your cat are close.
Another reason your cat sleeps on you is to feel secure. Cats are highly emotional creatures, and when they are separated from their owners for an extended time, they may feel distressed. They will feel more secure once their owners return. Similarly, cats may sleep on you because you are the only one who can keep them warm.
Another reason your cat sleeps on you is that they like you. A cat’s thermoneutral zone is between 68 and 100 degrees, and sleeping on you will warm them up. Your cat will be more comfortable with you if you offer scratching and pets. This is also a good opportunity for your cat to form a bond with you.
