Where Your Cat Chooses To Sleep At Night Shows What You Mean To Them
Alina Levkovich | Pexels We often catch cats asleep in goofy positions, twisted and turned but looking so peaceful. But have you ever wondered why your cat chooses certain places to rest?
Because cats have instincts where they watch their backs constantly, they sleep somewhere safe to protect themselves. So, if they're snoozing next to your head or even in a separate room, it's a spot that reveals what you mean to them.
What your cat's favorite nighttime sleep spot tells you about how they feel about you
On your chest or stomach
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Sometimes, it can be annoying when our cats decide to sleep on our chest or stomach. And if they're kneading, we usually feel their little claws digging into us, despite them purring and being happy about it.
It's a really good thing when a cat sleeps in this location. When your cat sleeps near you, like on your chest or stomach or even under your arm, it's because they trust you deeply.
They feel a deep attachment to you and are bonding with you through your heartbeat and warmth. It's the highest level of trust a cat can have with you. Just like their mama cat's heartbeat, their person's heartbeat is soothing.
By your head or on your pillow
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Despite being distracting or waking us up from sleep, when a cat is curled up by your head or on your pillow in bed, it's for a few reasons. They trust you enough to get this close, for one. But they're also drawn to your scent.
"Human heads contain sweat and oil glands that carry our unique scent. Your cat may prefer to be closest to the part of us that has the strongest scent," veterinarian Wailani Sung explained. "Your scent may make the cat feel safe and secure or provide them with a sense of belonging."
Because your head stays put while you sleep, it's a safe space for cats to doze off. It's a vulnerable spot for them to be, as their face is very close to yours, but with this level of trust, they feel comfortable being on you.
At the foot of your bed
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This sleeping spot is definitely more convenient for cat owners and felines alike. It allows humans to rest without being disturbed or awoken, and it lets cats have an easy escape if they get uncomfortable or hungry.
Sleeping at the end of the bed means your cat does trust you and wants to be near you, but not to the point where they feel "trapped." They may also have learned that if they get close to your head, you'll swat them away in the middle of the night.
This sleep location may also mean your cat wants to be close, but not too close. According to experts from Mills Animal Hospital, "While some cats love curling up on laps, others prefer a bit more personal space. Sleeping at your feet offers a way for cats to be close without feeling confined. This choice reflects their need for autonomy while still valuing your presence."
In another room
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This one seems ideal for humans who love their beauty rest, but cats are really the ones benefiting here. They're choosing to sleep in another room altogether because it means they won't disturb you and are free to roam.
Cats have different sleep-wake cycles, meaning they're most active in the evening and early morning. They're also incredibly independent and do what they want without question.
You may also just be tough to sleep near. "Some people just aren't great nighttime companions. Perhaps space is limited, you're a snorer, or you just fidget way too much. Cats loves their sleep, and lying next to a wriggly, hot, comforter-encased human might not cut it for them," animal veterinary surgeon Dr. Rosalind Wright said.
If you're someone who sleeps very still and has a large bed, perhaps it's just not the right environment for them. They may feel too hot with your body heat and prefer a cooler space. So, just because they aren't sleeping in the same room as you, it doesn't mean they love or trust you any less.
Sophie Bagheri is a writer with a bachelor's degree in English and theatre who covers lifestyle topics.
