Have you ever taken an afternoon nap, only to wake up and find your cat sleeping peacefully on your stomach? If your kitty's favorite place to sleep is on you, you might be wondering why.
In this article, we’ll explore what it means if your cat sleeps on you, so you can better understand why your lap is preferable over that brand-new luxury bed you bought.
If your cat’s sleeping behavior has left you feline curious and you want answers, we’ve got you covered.
Reasons Why Your Cat Sleeps on You
As a cat owner, you’ll notice that your kitty has some unusual sleeping habits. If one of those habits is to make itself comfortable on your chest, stomach, or lap for a nap, then you may be questioning why.
Here are the main reasons why your cat sleeps on you:
Feels Safe and Secure
If your cat is sleeping pressed up against you, it may be because it feels secure next to you and wants to let you know it feels safe. In the wild, cats are vulnerable when they sleep. So in a home setting, you’re acting as their safe space and offering them protection. Luckily for you, the only wildlife you’re protecting them from at home is what’s on the television!
Wants to Bond and Show Affection
Once cats have bonded with you, they can be incredibly affectionate and enjoy being as close to you as possible – especially when they’re tired. If your cat is sleeping on you, it’s because they feel comfortable in your presence. In the same way kittens use each other as pillows, your cat will take a lot of satisfaction in being pressed up against you. Your lap is also the perfect place to position itself if it wants to be fussed.
Seeks Warmth
Just as humans cuddle up together for warmth, cats also like to get in on the action and enjoy some of that natural human body heat. Other popular warm spots for cats include a sunny spot, windowsill, or by a radiator, but who can beat cozying up next to a loving owner? Warmth helps cats relax and have a more restful sleep, so sleeping near you is actually beneficial to their health as well as being comfortable.
Being Territorial
They may look cute and cuddly, but cats can be very territorial animals, releasing pheromones produced by their scent glands to claim their territory. So, when they’re pressed up against you on the sofa and rubbing their body on yours, they’re actually marking their scent on you. But don’t worry, it’s a good thing. Cats in the wild do the exact same thing with other cats in their group. Welcome to the gang!
Enjoys Being Social
Cats are social sleepers and like to sleep next to other cats and siblings. If this isn’t an option, then you involuntarily step up to the plate. If a cat is sleeping on your chest, it’s likely because it enjoys the sound of your beating heart and feels safe. Also, a cat’s oxytocin levels are higher when bonding and being social, which is another reason why your body is the puuurfect pillow.
Does This Mean Something?
When all is said and done, what it means if your cat sleeps on you is that it’s happy and enjoys your company. A cat’s sleep is incredibly important and re-energizing, hence the phrase catnaps, which is why they want to feel as comfortable as possible when they’re asleep. A cat in the wild will always need to be aware of its surroundings and its senses are heightened. So, when it wants to sleep, it’s still used to being ready to defend itself at any given point. Pressed up against you, it will feel protected and be able to sleep undisturbed.
If you’re concerned by your cat's sleeping behavior or their over-reliance on sleeping near you becomes an issue, you may want to speak to your vet. While in most cases, sleeping would not normally be a symptom of an underlying health condition, we believe every cat should be covered by a cat insurance policy to help cover any vet bills should the worst happen.
Why Is My Cat Sleeping on My Head or Chest?
When it comes to where on your body your cat chooses to rest its head, there are a few different reasons why it chooses to sleep on your head or chest.
Sleeping on Your Head – Possible Reasons:
- They want to feel the warmth from your head.
- It’s the most stationary part of your body when you sleep, so you’re less likely to disturb them.
- Before and after sleep, they may want to share eye contact. Cats often communicate with their eyes, so sleeping on your head may make them more calm.
- They might like the smell of your hair.
Sleeping on Your Chest – Possible Reasons:
- The rhythm of your heartbeat can be linked to the bonds they made with their mothers and siblings as a kitten. Sleeping on your chest could remind them of these happy times.
- The sound of your heartbeat helps to keep them calm and at ease.
- They seek warmth and want to feel a connection.