An expert has shed some light on why your cat sleeps on you and explained that it’s not only because you’re warm.
Some cats sleep on their owners laps, chests or other parts of their body and you might assume this is just because they want somewhere warm and cozy to doze off but there is more to it. Amanda Campion, a registered clinical feline behaviourist, has spelled out what it means if your cat sleeps on you.
Speaking in a video on TikTok, she said: “Your cat is choosing you because you make them feel safe and secure.You’re just a nice little comfort blanket.
“Sleeping on you transfers their scent onto you and it’s a way of making you part of their family. Your heartbeats and breathing can have a soothing effect on your cat just like their mother cat did for them.”
Campion added that it’s “not just about warmth, it’s about attachment, bonding and a feeling of security.” She also shared that if your cat chooses you to sleep on regularly, this is a huge compliment in cat terms.
The feline expert claimed it’s a “huge bonus” if your cat gives you a cuddle in bed or sits on or next you on the sofa and it shows they feel “truly bonded with you.”
Campion stressed to make sure you never pick up your cat and put them next to you because you want attention and to be “cat-led” by what they want.
Cats Protection, the UK’s leading cat welfare charity, stated on its website that cats sleep for 12 to 18 hours a day and often like to switch up their sleeping locations. Many pet cats may choose to sleep on you from time to time and the charity has given three reasons why your cat sleeps on you.
1. Bonding
Cats Protection said: “Cats are usually quite independent and solitary creatures. If they are happy to cuddle up to you, it shows that they trust you and see you as a friend.
“Cats who are bonded to each other will often sleep touching or intertwined with each other. The same goes for cats and their humans.”
2. Because you’re in ‘their’ bed
The cat welfare organisation explained that human beds make great cat beds because they are comfortable, warm and raised off the ground.
Cats like this because it gives them a good view of their surroundings. Also, beds often come with a built-in hiding space underneath which helps cats feel safe in case of any danger.
Cats Protection elaborated: “So the reason they’re sleeping on you in bed could be because you’ve taken up all the room in their favourite sleeping spot. They have no other choice but to get comfy on top of you.”
3. Warmth
A key reason why your cat will choose to sleep on you is so they can share your body heat to keep warm, according to the charity.
Warmth is often a “main requirement for a perfect sleeping spot” and to cats, your body is like a “big hot water bottle for them” so they enjoy snuggling up to you to keep cosy.
Cats Protection further explained why pet felines sleep on different parts of their owners’ bodies. It shared: “When you’re asleep in bed, it’s likely that your head is the most stationary part of your body.
“Your cat may choose it as a good place to sleep where they won’t be disturbed. It could also be that your face is the only part of your body with exposed skin.
“They may want to get close to it for the tactile feel or warmth. If they’re not keen on stepping on the bed covers, then your head might also seem more safe and accessible for them.”
Your cat might sleep on your legs as you’re sitting down, perching on your lap gives them a “great chance to receive some strokes, chin rubs and head scratches from you.”
Also, your chest is a warm and comfortable spot for a nap and a prime location for your cat to receive some strokes and fuss from you.
Some owners have found that their cats like to sleep on their pillow. Cats Protection explained: “Your soft, cushioned pillow is the most comfortable part of the bed for your cat to sleep on, so they may choose it as their preferred spot. Plus, if you’re still in the bed or have only recently left it, the pillow is likely to still be nice and warm and have your familiar, comforting scent on it.”