Cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day, and some furry felines can sleep up to 20 hours in a 24-hour period. that’s a lot of naps, and while much of that sleep can be done on a favorite perch, bed, or cozy couch, your cat may also choose to sleep with you at times. discover some reasons why your cat might choose to snuggle with you and sleep with you.
why does my cat sleep on me? 4 possible explanations
1. bonding and security
Cats replenish their energy with a series of naps throughout the day rather than one long block of sleep like humans do. cats remain in a state of light sleep during many of these naps, which means they can be ready for action or play at any time.
why are they doing this? it goes back to the natural hunting instincts of cats. cats are almost always ready to defend themselves or attack their prey, so even when they seem to be sleeping soundly, their sense of hearing and smell are keen enough to spring into action if necessary.
By choosing to sleep with you, your cat gains an extra level of protection and bonds with you at the same time.
When your cat chooses to sleep with you, it’s her way of telling you “I love you. I want to be around you and spend time with you when I’m at my most vulnerable”
2. warm areas of your body
Cats are naturally drawn to warm places. you may have seen your cat hanging out near a heater or wood stove on especially cold days.
Some parts of your body are warmer than others, and that may be why your cat chooses to sleep on them. these can include your chest, lap, or even your face!
3. your cat is a social sleeper
Kittens are naturally social sleepers. Early in their lives, they snuggle up with mom for a nap, and often with their brothers and sisters in their litter. Outdoor cats also snuggle up with family members to stay warm in the winter and keep themselves safe from predators and other outdoor dangers.
so it stands to reason that, in addition to the warmth of your body, they also like the sound of your heartbeat and the rhythm of your breathing while you sleep, causing them to snuggle in your lap or on your chest to take a nap.
4. trust
Any cat owner knows that earning their kitty’s trust is no easy feat. so if you find your cat sleeping on you, consider it a compliment because it means that he considers you part of his family.
remember, when cats are sleeping, they are more vulnerable, so they may only choose to snuggle with people who make them feel safe.
why do cats sleep so much?
Cats are most active at dusk and dawn, so they spend much of the day sleeping. They do this for many reasons, including hormonal regulation and physical healing and restoration. Because cats are programmed to chase prey, primarily at night, they sleep during the day to save energy for their nocturnal hunts.
Although cats have been domesticated, many still retain these feral instincts. but depending on what your schedule is, cats have been known to adjust their sleeping and waking hours to maximize the time they spend with you.
Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, so it stands to reason that they want to be as comfortable as possible. your cat sleeps with you because he loves you, he wants to spend time with you and he sees you as a source of warmth. so give them some satisfying cat scratches and petting when they look for it and enjoy the bonding experience.
