What does a cat who likes to sleep next to its master mean?
Masterweb
11.07.2023 11:20
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Why does my cat like to sleep with me at night? This is the question that many cat owners ask themselves. The well-known scenario is as follows: You are about to go to bed, you find the ideal position to fall into the arms of Morpheus and now your beloved feline joins you to sleep by your side. He is looking for a comfortable place to put his ball of fur. On your knees, your belly or your head, he will go where he feels comfortable, but why will you tell us?
Cats are generally known to be independent compared to other pets like dogs. However, they like to snuggle up to their masters and sleep with them at night. Several reasons are at the origin of this feline behavior and experts explain the physiological and psychological factors which encourage our four-legged companions to desire our presence with them at night.
Cats are generally known to be independent compared to other pets like dogs. However, they like to snuggle up to their masters and sleep with them at night. Several reasons are at the origin of this feline behavior and experts explain the physiological and psychological factors which encourage our four-legged companions to desire our presence with them at night.
Why does a cat like to sleep next to its owner?
If your cat joins you every night to sleep by your side, know that there are reasons for it.
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Your cat seeks warmth
It is a basic need for a cat. He will sleep where he will feel warm and your body is a source of it. According to Vicki Jo Harrison, president of the International Cat Association, it is particularly near the head and feet that body heat escapes. And so it is in these places that you will see your cat sleeping to feel good there.
Your cat needs security
Still according to the expert, the cat will seek security from its master. You should know that this feline, by its instinct, always remains vigilant in the face of danger and sleep is a moment of vulnerability. But by being with his owner, he will feel safe and you are the best comfort for him. It is also a mark of trust, explains the specialist, you will be an additional protection for him.
Your cat likes comfort
For your cat, the bed is the best place for sleeping and lounging. The reason ? He finds the familiar smells as Pam Johnson-Bennett of Cat Behavior Associates explains. The cat thus finds psychological and emotional comfort there.
Your cat wants to bond with you
It’s not for nothing that your cat snuggles up to you to sleep. He needs to create an emotional bond and show you that he loves you and trusts you. Pam Johnson-Benett, explains that cats outside often sleep glued and curled up next to each other. This is friendly social behavior. And if you’re away all day, nighttime is the perfect time for him to get closer to you.
Your cat is marking its territory
In this regard, Vicki Jo Harrison, explains that cats have glands in the feet and the head and release pheromones. By sleeping in your bed and bumping your head, he is marking his territory.
Now that you know why your cat clings to you at night to sleep next to you, the question is whether it’s a good thing to let him.
Is it good to let your cat sleep with you?
The answers to this question differ. Experts point out that this can create an emotional bond with your cat, especially when he’s shy. The night is therefore an opportunity for him to get closer to you while you sleep. However, if you are a light sleeper, you may be disturbed all night long. All you have to do is move your foot or your toe for your feline to think that playtime has arrived. He’ll jump up on your toe to nibble on it while you’re sleeping soundly, and you’re awake! The cat can also wake you up early in the morning just because he is bored or hungry. Another major downside is that your cat leaves hair and some litter on your bed and that’s not really hygienic.
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You should know that the cat has an internal clock that is far from matching your sleeping habits. You must have already noticed that he is restless early evening and early morning. To this end, it would be smart to play with your cat before bedtime, for example by imitating a hunting session with his favorite toy and then to give him food before sleeping. Why not program an automatic food dispenser that triggers while you sleep? With these tricks, your cat will let you sleep peacefully.
You have understood it, if your cat comes to snuggle up against you to sleep at night, it is because he appreciates your presence and your company and that he just loves you. If you give him love, he will return it to you, of course.
