If you are lucky enough to be a cat parent, you’ll probably have woken up at some point to find your fluffy companion sleeping soundly next to you in the bed.

You may even have woken up to find your pet sitting on top of you without a care in the world.

Although it’s usually dogs who are associated with sleeping next to their owners, cats do it too, and there are a few reasons why including:

• Safety

• Territory

• Bonding

• Warmth

• Habit

In this article, we’ll talk you through each one.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

I’m sure you’ll have noticed by now that cats sleep A LOT. They generally sleep for around 16-18 hours a day, and you may think it’s just laziness, but it’s actually to keep their energy levels up so they can hunt and protect themselves.

They have a transparent third eyelid called the ‘nictitating membrane’ which is used for protection and to add moisture whilst maintaining vision. The nictitating membrane can be partially open when your cat sleeps so they can always be aware of what’s happening around them.

Find out more about why cats sleep so much.

So that’s why cats sleep so much, but why do they choose to sleep next to you?

1. Safety

The first reason why your cat sleeps next to you is simply to keep safe.

Wild cats are nocturnal and do most of their hunting at night to avoid predators. Predators often being other big cats. This is what your domestic cat fears. This is also why your cat has zoomies at 4 am.

Your cat has learned that you are not a threat and actually, you are an extra layer of defense against any predators launching an attack.

That’s right, you are the muscle.

All cats feel more confident in open areas when their human is present. If your cat sees you worried or fleeing, they know they need to be doing the same.

2. Territory

Number two is territory.

Have you noticed your cat rubbing their head and walking over strange objects around the house?

Cats have glands in their feet and heads which release pheromones, so when they do this, they are actually marking their territory and claiming things as their own.

They do this to claim objects, areas and even you.

They may have claimed your bed and now consider it their territory.

3. Bonding

The third reason your cat sleeps next to you is bonding.

From the moment you bring your cat home, you immediately start to build a bond with them. Brushing, playing, feeding, and just generally being around your cat helps to build trust.

When you sleep next to your cat, this trust is deepened.

A group of cats is called a clutter and when they sleep together it is called Pillowing – essentially using each other as a pillow.

When your cat chooses to sleep with you... you guessed it you’re pillowing.

4. Warmth

Number four is warmth.

Cats are naturally very cosy creatures. They love to be warm and will search their surroundings for the warmest spots to occupy.

You may have noticed them lying next to radiators or stretched out by windows to catch the sun's rays. Their body temperature is 2-3 degrees warmer than humans, so they can tolerate warmer temperatures.

Your body heat and blankets make a perfect warm spot for your cat to nestle into at night.

5. Habit

And finally, the fifth reason that your cat sleeps next to you is habit.

From an early age, cats come to trust their owners through habitual behaviors. This is called imprinting and it shows that your cat completely trusts you.

A clear sign of imprinting is sleeping next to you and every time your pet joins you in bed, this behavior is reinforced.

Other signs show your cat has imprinted on you:

• Vocal - your cat talks to or talks back to you. Meows, Squeaks, Purrs, or makes chirping noises. 

• Making Biscuits - Your cat Kneads you. 

• Shadow - Follows you around, from room to room, or just wants to be near you or on you.

• Greetings - When you first wake up, when you come home from somewhere.

• Rubbing - If they rub against you. 

• Hunt - If they play with you or hunt you. 

• Gifts - If they bring you gifts. Can be dead animals, leaves, or even Hair bobbles. 

• Slow blink - if your cat slowly blinks at you, they love you and trust you. 

Belly - if they show you their belly when they lay down.

Cat Napping Positions

If your cat has joined you in bed, or even on the sofa, they may have chosen a few different spots on or around you.

The most secure cats will sleep out in the open which makes them vulnerable to being hunted. Shy and less confident cats will find sheltered or covered hiding places to feel more secure.

They choose different parts of your body or the bed to sleep on for different reasons.

Your Head

If your cat sleeps at or near your head it means they’re fond and comfortable with you. Your head is also the most stationary part of your body, so your cat may deem it a place where they won’t be disturbed.

If you’re sleeping under a blanket, your head may also be the only part of your body with exposed skin, so your cat may want to take advantage of the feeling or warmth.

Your cat may also not like walking on blankets, so on or near your head may be a preferred option.

Your Legs

Although not famous for their affection, cats do love a head scratch, chin rub, and general petting. By placing themselves on your legs, it increases the chances of you reaching down and giving them some fuss.

Your Chest

If your cat sleeps on your chest it means they trust you thoroughly. They are comforted by the rhythm of your heartbeat and also the rising and falling of your chest from breathing.

It’s also another perfect spot to receive fuss from you.

Your Pillow

Just like us, cats love pillows and find them comfy. They are soft, cushioned, and an obvious place for a cat to fall asleep.

Your pillow may also contain your scent and body heat which are both comforting for your pet.

Advantages of Your Cat Sleeping Next to You

Aside from the obvious cuteness overload that comes from your cat sleeping next to you, there are other health benefits as well.

Stroking cats releases serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is the chemical that is associated with the boost of mood, sleep, food digestion, healing and blood work.

Dopamine is a happy chemical.

Anything that makes you happy will boost your dopamine production and will send happy messages to your brain.

Cat purring ranges from 20-140 Hz which can help some people sleep better and can be therapeutic. Cat purrs can aid in lowering stress and anxiety, and promote healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments (softer tissue).

You also won’t need to buy expensive fur coats anymore. because everything you own will be covered in fur. 

Can I Stop My Cat From Sleeping Next to Me?

Of course, not all cat owners enjoy having their pets sleep next to them.

Although it’s perfectly safe, if you have any allergies to cats, you may want to keep them out of the bedroom altogether.

Tips and advice about cat allergies.

If you have young children or babies in the house, you may wish to keep them away from their rooms too.

Light sleepers may know all too well the pain of being woken up several times a night by their cat jumping up and down from the bed.

The most simple way to stop your cat from sleeping next to you is to shut them out.

However, cats do like to get their way, and more persistent cats may meow and scratch at the door until you let them in. Cats with separation anxiety may also cry until you open the door.

You may want to encourage your cat to sleep somewhere else around the house, instead of just locking them away from you. You can provide other options for them such as cat beds or homemade dens.

Make sure they are warm, comfy, elevated, and tucked away.

You can also place a blanket with their scent on to attract them to their new bed.

Key Takeaways

Cats like to sleep next to their owners for a variety of reasons, including safety, territory, bonding warmth, and habit.

They also choose different positions for different reasons such as near or on your head, your legs, chest, or pillow.

There are many advantages to your cat joining you in bed ranging from increased dopamine and serotonin production, to reduced stress and better sleep.

If you don’t want your cat to sleep next to you at night, you can try to provide other cosy alternatives around the house, instead of just locking them out of your bedroom.

Remember, cats are particular creatures. If they don’t want to do something, they usually won’t, so never try to force your car to sleep next to you if they don’t want to.

Do you need someone to look after your cat in Birmingham or Solihull? We are Birmingham Pet Sitters, and you can find out more information about us here - www.birminghampetsitters.co.uk.