WHY DOES MY CAT SLEEP ON ME? AND IS THIS A GOOD SIGN?

Cats are creatures of habit, but some of these habits are a little peculiar - especially when it comes to sleep. Although you may have purchased an adorable bed for your cat, they may still choose strange locations to sleep. And their favourite location is probably you.

If you’re wondering, ’Why does my cat sleep on me?', rest assured, this is a good sign. Once your cat has bonded with you, they will want to sleep on your bed, next to you, or even pressed up against you. Cats may even sleep on your chest, your lap, or the best yet, on top of your head. In this article, we help cat owners understand their feline friend’s sleeping behaviours and the various reasons why cats sleep on us.

Understanding cats sleeping behaviour

While humans need a chunk of deep sleep to re-energise, cats have several restorative naps a day - infamously known as catnaps. During these naps, cats are still in a light sleep, even if they appear to be in a deep slumber. This is because cats are natural hunters, and when they sleep in the wild, it’s important for them to still be aware of their surroundings in case a prey or predator shows up.

Your cat’s sense of hearing and smell are heightened, so they are always on high alert and ready to attack or defend themselves at a moment’s notice, if necessary. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your cat is not disturbed whilst sleeping, which can usually be achieved by cats sleeping in your bed, or any place off the ground, to avoid children or other pets.

Some cats even adjust their sleep schedule to maximise the time they spend with their owners. In this case, cats will sleep when their owner is at work during the day, and then be ready to play when they’re home.

Cats replenish their energy with cat naps throughout the day, so they can spend their nights hunting.

Kittens need more sleep than adult cats because they are growing and therefore their bodies require more rest. Kittens are also a lot more playful, so they will need more sleep to keep their energy levels up.

Common Sleeping positions and meaning

Cats are known to sleep in a wide range of interesting and quirky positions, but what some owners don’t realise is that each common sleeping position often carries its own meaning:

• Curled Up: When your cat gets into a tight ball with its tail wrapped around itself, it’s a sign of light sleep, feeling secure, or seeking warmth.
• Belly Up (The 'Exposed'): If your cat lies on its back with its belly exposed, this is the ultimate sign of trust, comfort, and feeling safe. It’s often also a sign of deep sleep.
• Cat Loaf: Resembling a loaf of bread, cats lying with their paws underneath them are relaxed but alert and may be content but not quite ready for sleep.
• Side Sleeping (Stretched Out): When your cat lies on their side with their legs fully extended, this means they’re in a deep, restful sleep and feel comfortable in their environment.
• Sleeping on a Human/Another Pet: Resting their head or body on another being is a sign your cat wants to show its affection, and also means it feels secure and comfortable with whomever they are resting on.

Reasons why your cat sleeps on you

If you have experience as a cat owner, you’ll notice your cat has some strange sleeping habits. Often, cats will knead an area, whether it’s your lap or a blanket, before settling down for a nap, as a soothing way to make themselves comfortable.

But you may be wondering why your cat sleeps on you, or more specifically on your chest, lap or even on top of your head. There are various reasons why your cat has chosen you as their ideal sleep location, rather than their fancy cat bed, and we look at these below.

• Warmth: Cats will often seek out warm spots to sleep, and your body heat makes you the perfect place for them to rest their head.
• Trust: Because cats are most vulnerable when asleep, sleeping on you is a clear indication that they trust you and do not see you as a threat to them.
• Security: Because of their vulnerability, cats may sleep near you for security, trusting you to keep them safe.
• Territory: Your cat may mark you as territory in a way, as cats are known to guard their resources and may lay claim to you as part of their trusted social group.

Your cat has bonded with you

You’ll know first-hand as a cat owner that cats aren’t the stand-offish pets that they have been stereotyped to be. Cats are extremely affectionate once they have bonded with you, and love cuddling. Affection is on their terms, and they’ll show it only when they want to. By sleeping pressed up against you, your cat is telling you they want to stay near you. This behaviour is similar to that of kittens, who often use each other as a pillow - known as pillowing. Your cat may even jump into your lap for a snooze, knowing it’s the perfect position for you to pet them, which is another way for you both to bond.

Your cat feels safe

Like any person, you are more vulnerable and exposed when sleeping. By sleeping in bed with you, your cat is letting you know they feel safe with you. They are able to let their guard down and rest more peacefully, knowing you are there as their protection. Kittens always sleep near their cat mother, and in the wild cats will seek the safest place to rest between their hunting endeavours. At home, you are their safe space.

Cats like to feel warm

Cats are always curling up to sleep in the warmest spot they can find - whether they’re sleeping in bed, in a sunny spot, on the windowsill, or near a radiator. Although it may feel strange, your cat may sleep on your head for this very same reason. Your head releases heat throughout the night, and is more stationary than other parts of your body as we toss and turn whilst we sleep. Your cat may even find comfort in the smell of your hair. By sleeping on your head, your cat also knows they can easily (and perhaps, annoyingly) tap your face to wake you up if they want food or attention.

Cats are territorial

Although we call ourselves cat owners, really our cats own us. Cats are very territorial creatures, and have scent glands which release pheromones to mark their scent. If your cat is sleeping on you, besides feeling safe and warm, they are also marking their scent on you. This is the same reason why your cat may press up against you, rubbing their body on yours. They are claiming their owners as part of their territory.

Cats are social sleepers

As mentioned, cats are social sleepers and enjoy sleeping next to their cat mother or siblings by pillowing. When this is not an option, your cat may sleep on you. If your cat is sleeping on your chest, they likely enjoy the rhythmic sound of your heart beating, as well as your breathing. Hearing these sounds will make your cat feel safe, and may remind them of their time in a litter.

Cats’ hormones affect their sleeping

Although it may not be as much as dogs, a study conducted by Paul Zak (reported by The Telegraph  shows that a cat’s oxytocin levels increased as much as 12% after playing with their owners. It’s safe to assume that cat’s oxytocin levels are higher when bonding with their pet parent, and what better way for them to bond than to sleep on you?

What about if your cat is sleeping near you or next to you?

Some cats may not sleep directly on you, but may sleep next to you or sleep on your bed. This does not mean your cat likes you less! If you’re a restless sleeper and move around a lot in your sleep, your cat may not want to be disturbed. Your cat sleeping next to you indicates they still want to stay close to you, but may want a safe zone in order to not be hit by flailing arms or legs.

Why does my cat sleep on my legs?

Cats may sleep on your legs, as it gives them a mixture of warmth and safety while they sleep, while also allowing them to move away quickly if needed. 

Why does my cat sleep on my pillow?

Your cat may sleep on your pillow because it wants to be near you. This may be for security reasons, or simply a way to show its love.

Why does my cat sleep touching me?

This can be a combination of many factors. Cats will sleep on or near their humans for warmth, security, or bonding purposes, and any one of these, or all three, could be the reason.

Why does my cat sleep under the covers with me?

Cats will sleep under the covers primarily for the added warmth, though feelings of safety, trust, and affection also play a part.

Why does my cat sleep on my chest?

This is an indication that your cat views you as a source of safety and that they love you and want to be close to your warmth.

Why does my cat sleep on my head?

Your head is often the only exposed part of your body at night and releases enough body heat to act as a radiator for your cat.

Why does my cat sleep on my neck?

Cats will sleep on your neck as it is a warm spot that isn’t hidden under the covers when you sleep. 

What are the advantages of cats sleeping on you?

Your cat will feel warm, safe and loved when sleeping on you, next to you or on your bed. If you’re away from home during the day, your cat sleeping on you is a great way for you both to bond and spend that extra time together. Petting and sleeping with your cat is also a way for you both to destress from your day, as it releases oxytocin in humans too.

Your cat's presence, warmth and soothing purrs may also help you feel comfortable and relaxed and may improve your own sleep quality. 

It isn’t only small benefits, either, as the stress relief, lower blood pressure, and relaxation caused by your cat's presence may help improve your cardiovascular health, too.