Why Do Cats Sleep With Us?

Every night, around midnight, my cat meows until I join her in bed (though she also sleeps all day). Then, she dutifully crawls on top of me and happily curls up on my stomach, purring the whole time. We both love this little ritual, but it got me thinking: Why do cats sleep with us?

Trust

Cats sleep for 15-18 hours per day, and sometimes more. So, they get plenty of sleep time without you, even if they are your faithful sleeping companion during the night. There are lots of reasons your cat might sleep with you. First and foremost, they may do it because they like you. Also, sleep is a vulnerable time, so your cat is showing that he trusts you and feels content and safe with you. While cats are sometimes known for being aloof, they generally have a great appreciation for the people who care for them. Curling up with you is their way of showing how much they love you!

Warmth

Cats maintain a higher body temperature than humans. A cat’s normal body temperature is between 99 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also less sensitive to heat. Modern house cats are descended from African wildcats. Their distant ancestors lived in a very warm environment. Some experts believe this is why they love sunbeams, heaters, heated blankets, and anything that puts off heat, including your body.

Food

Cats often seek comfort and security near the human who feeds them. Sleeping near their caregiver is a way for cats to bond, as they associate the person with safety, warmth, and nourishment. It’s natural for them to rest in areas where they feel most protected. If you’re the one who feeds your cat, it may sleep near you to ensure it doesn’t miss a meal and to let you know when it is feeding time each morning!

Territory

Cats can be surprisingly territorial when it comes to sleeping with their human, often claiming the bed or specific spots as their own. When your cat sleeps with you, they leave their scent all over you and your bed. This behavior stems from their instinct to establish control over their environment. Some cats like to stay close to you at night to make sure any other cats who come along know that you are their person and this is their bed.

Safety

Cats rarely go into deep sleep. Instead, they take several cat naps throughout the day. They wake easily to sounds and other stimuli. This is because they are natural hunters with instincts that help them survive in the wild. When they sleep, they may sleep somewhere they feel protected and can quickly get away. If your cat sleeps with you, it means they think you are a safe person. They also feel comforted by your scents and sounds, much like their purr is comforting to you.

Sleeping Positions

Some cats insist on sleeping right on their person’s head. Why do they do this? Heads release a lot of heat throughout the night, so your head is the warmest spot for your cat to settle in for the night. Your head may also be the most stationary part of your body while you are sleeping. Your cat might have learned too many lessons by sleeping next to your feet and thinks your head is a safer option. Finally, your cat may love the scent of your shampoo or conditioner. In general, they love the scents of the people who take care of them! Other cats prefer to sleep on our chests instead of our heads. Some experts believe this is because they are comforted by the rhythms of our bodies. Cats are comforted by the rhythms of the human heart, which mimics the warmth and steady purring of their mother.

Some humans think their cats are giving them the cold shoulder when they sleep with their backs toward them. However, this is a sign of great respect. In the wild, cats are predators, but they are also potential prey for larger animals. When they sleep facing away from you, they are showing that they trust you and that they plan to keep an eye on the surrounding environment while you sleep.