Want to Sleep with Your Beloved Cat! Points and Precautions for Sleeping with Your Cat
Cats are generally known to be moody and cool creatures, but they can unexpectedly show a gentle side by grooming you or sleeping together. Such moments can be pure bliss for cat owners.
Here, we will explain the psychological reasons why cats want to sleep with their owners and things to be cautious about when sleeping together, based on experience.
Table of Contents
1. Why does your beloved cat want to sleep with you?
∟ 1-1. Owners provide security
∟ 1-2. The bed is comfortable
∟ 1-3. The bed or futon is the cat's territory
∟ 1-4. They had a scary experience
2. Benefits of sleeping with your cat
∟ 2-1. Relaxation
∟ 2-2. Increased intimacy
∟ 2-3. Notice changes
3. Drawbacks of sleeping with your cat
∟ 3-1. Being woken up at night
∟ 3-2. Bedding gets dirty
∟ 3-3. Accidentally crushing them
4. Things to be cautious about when sleeping with your cat
∟ 4-1. Don't sleep with kittens
∟ 4-2. Avoid sleeping with sick or injured cats
∟ 4-3. Avoid sleeping with pregnant cats
∟ 4-4. Keep bedding clean
1. Why does your beloved cat want to sleep with you?
For owners, even a cat that they can look at without feeling pain may not always sleep with them, as cats are known to be moody and cool. Therefore, when a pet cat sleeps with its owner, there is likely some psychological reason behind it.
The psychological reasons for this behavior could include the following:
1-1. Owners provide security
Cats, in their life with humans, gradually learn that this person is the one who provides food, is kind, and is someone they can trust. The psychological aspect of being provided with food, kindness, and a sense of security may lead to the feeling that they can sleep together anytime, as they feel protected.
1-2. The bed is comfortable
The bed is a warm and comfortable place. Cats, too, might find the bed a cozy and sleep-inducing place. Especially on cold nights, cats may actively crawl into the bed, wanting to feel the warmth that resembles a mother cat, making them more inclined to sleep with their owners.
1-3. The bed or futon is the cat's territory
Have you ever seen a cat rubbing its body against the bed or futon in your room? Cats rub their bodies against the bed or futon to mark their territory with pheromones, showcasing their pride in their territory. The psychological reason for a pet cat sleeping on its owner's bed could be the cat's desire to sleep in its own territory.
1-4. They had a scary experience
It's common for cats to jump into the owner's sleeping place when startled by loud noises like thunder. In such situations, the cat might seek protection from the owner because they feel scared. Also, when living with other cats and experiencing stress, they may want to be close to the owner for comfort.
2. Benefits of sleeping with your cat
There have been various psychological reasons discussed regarding why cats sleep with their owners. On the other hand, there are also benefits and drawbacks for the owners when their cat sleeps with them.
Firstly, the benefits for the owners may include the following:
2-1. Relaxation
Cats have a mysterious healing power. Their gentle purring and warm bodies can have a relaxing effect on humans. Sleeping with a cat can provide a sense of peace and calmness, contributing to a good night's sleep for the owner.
2-2. Increased intimacy
Sleeping together creates a sense of intimacy between the owner and the cat. It strengthens the bond and mutual trust between them. This closeness can enhance the emotional connection, making the cat more affectionate and loyal to the owner.
2-3. Notice changes
By sleeping together, owners may notice any changes in their cat's behavior, health, or emotions more quickly. This close proximity allows owners to be more attuned to their cat's needs and well-being.
3. Drawbacks of sleeping with your cat
While there are benefits to sleeping with your cat, there are also drawbacks that owners should be aware of. Some of the drawbacks include:
3-1. Being woken up at night
Cats are active at night, and they may disturb your sleep by moving around, purring loudly, or wanting attention. If you are a light sleeper, this could become a significant drawback of sleeping with your cat.
3-2. Bedding gets dirty
Cats may shed fur, have accidents, or bring dirt into the bed, leading to unclean bedding. Regular cleaning and grooming can help manage this issue, but it's a factor to consider for those who prefer a clean sleeping environment.
3-3. Accidentally crushing them
Owners may unintentionally roll over or shift during sleep, potentially harming the cat. This is particularly a concern with small or delicate cats. Owners should be cautious and aware of their cat's presence during sleep.
4. Things to be cautious about when sleeping with your cat
While the idea of sleeping with your cat is heartwarming, there are certain precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of both the owner and the cat:
4-1. Don't sleep with kittens
Kittens are delicate and may not be able to handle the weight or movements of an adult sleeping human. It's advisable to provide a separate, safe sleeping space for kittens to avoid any accidental harm.
4-2. Avoid sleeping with sick or injured cats
If your cat is unwell or injured, it's better to let them rest in a quiet and comfortable space. Sleeping with them in such conditions may aggravate their discomfort or lead to unintentional harm.
4-3. Avoid sleeping with pregnant cats
Pregnant cats may need extra space and comfort during sleep. It's recommended to provide a separate area for them to ensure a stress-free and safe environment for both the pregnant cat and her unborn kittens.
4-4. Keep bedding clean
Regularly clean and maintain your bedding to ensure a hygienic sleeping environment. This practice helps prevent issues such as fur buildup, allergies, and the accumulation of dirt or debris.
