It’s a common experience for cat owners to find their feline friend curled up on their lap or snuggled up against them in bed. This behavior can seem puzzling at first, but there are several reasons why cats like to sleep on their humans.
Cats sleep a lot
First, cats simply spend a lot of time sleeping! The average housecat sleeps 15 hours a day, usually broken up into short naps. Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. In between their active periods, they need lots of rest. What better place to settle in for a nap than on a warm, cozy human?
Bonding and affection
Secondly, when a cat sleeps on you, it is showing affection and bonding with you. Cats display social bonding behaviors like grooming, head-butting, and sleeping next to other cats they have bonded with. When your cat snoozes on your lap or curls up next to you, it is extending that bonding behavior to you as well. This is a sign that your cat feels safe, secure, and comfortable with you.
Warmth
Another big reason is warmth. Cats like to conserve their energy, and sleeping on a warm human is an easy way to stay nice and cozy. Your body heat is attractive to them, especially on colder days. Senior cats and kittens may be even more inclined to nap on you to stay warm.
Your scent
Cats also sleep on their owners because of your familiar scent. A cat’s sense of smell is excellent, and they recognize their owner’s scent as soothing and safe. By sleeping on your lap or nuzzling up beside you, your cat is enveloped in your scent, which brings security and comfort.
Guarding you
Some cat behaviorists believe that cats sleep on their owners as a protective, guarding behavior as well. By sleeping on top of you, your cat is able to monitor you and your surroundings for potential threats. Your cat feels like you are a member of its family group and wants to watch over and defend you.
High vantage points
Cats also appreciate high vantage points where they can perch and survey their territory. When you are sitting or lying down, your body becomes a nice, warm elevated area for your cat. Sleeping on you allows the cat to oversee the home’s activity and remain alert.
Comfort and luxury
Simply put, you make a comfortable sleeping surface for your cat! Lounging on a plush, peaceful human is luxurious compared to the floor or furniture. Your body heat radiates into your cat’s body, and your breathing motions are soothing. The close physical contact when a cat sleeps on you facilitates bonding as well.
Safety
Cats tend to sleep in locations where they feel safest. If your cat chooses to sleep on you, see it as a compliment – they are signaling that they trust you and consider your presence to be a secure shelter. By sleeping with you, your cat feels protected from threats like other household pets, loud noises, or unfamiliar guests in the home.
Some cats are more affectionate
Sleeping on owners is also a behavioral tendency that varies from cat to cat. Some cats are simply more snuggly and affectionate than others due to their personality and early socialization experiences. If you have a very cuddly cat breed like a Ragdoll, they will be more likely to sleep on you than an aloof, independent breed such as a Bengal.
They like your bed
Let’s face it, humans have very comfortable beds! Your bedding is likely softer and cushier than the surfaces your cat has to sleep on around your home. When you are in bed, your cat wants to snooze there too and will happily use you as a pillow. Some cats even prefer sleeping under the covers right beside you.
Attention-seeking
Sometimes cats sleep on their owners for attention, especially if the human in question spends long periods of time sitting or lying down while reading, watching TV, etc. Your cat may want playtime, feeding, or to simply feel noticed, so sleeping on you is an effective way to interrupt your activity and get you to interact with them.
Health conditions
In rare cases, a cat sleeping excessively on you can signal an underlying medical issue. Conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and asthma may cause your cat to seek out more rest. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice any other odd behaviors along with frequent sleeping on you.
Tips for discouraging the behavior
While there are many perfectly normal reasons for your cat to sleep on you, sometimes owners want to discourage this behavior, such as at nighttime. Here are some tips to stop your cat from sleeping on you:
- Gently lift your cat off you and place them somewhere else whenever they try to sleep on you.
- Restrict access to your bedroom at night so you have a cat-free sanctuary.
- Provide appealing alternative sleeping spots around your home, like cat trees, beds, and window perches.
- Play with your cat right before bedtime to tire them out.
- Use deterrents like tin foil, double-sided sticky tape, or an upside-down vinyl carpet runner to make your bed less attractive to sleep on.
When to allow sleeping on you
Although you may want to discourage sleeping on you sometimes, there are occasions when allowing your cat to snooze on your lap or next to you in bed can be beneficial:
- When your cat needs comfort, such as during vet visits, travel, or storms.
- If your cat is elderly and struggles to regulate their body temperature.
- When you are bonding with a new cat or kitten.
- If your cat happens to sleep in a spot that doesn’t bother you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat sit on me all the time?
If your cat sits on you frequently, it is most likely displaying affection, comfort-seeking, or claiming ownership. Your lap is warm, smells familiar, and allows the cat to be close to you. Providing your cat with positive attention when they sit on you will encourage the behavior.
Why does my cat sleep on my head?
Cats sleep on their owner’s heads because it allows them to be very close to your face and scent. It also provides them an elevated perch for security. Sleeping on your head can signify bonding, but some owners find it disruptive.
Why does my cat have to be touching me when sleeping?
It is natural for cats to sleep touching or in very close physical contact with family members. Sleeping right up against you enables your cat to monitor you, pick up on your scent, stay warm, and show affection. Closeness while sleeping facilitates bonding between cats.
Why does my cat sleep on my back?
Sleeping on your back allows your cat to sprawl out comfortably while still having physical contact. Cats choose to sleep on their owners’ backs because the broad, warm surface appeals to them. However, some owners find cats walking on them disruptive to sleep.
Why does my cat sit on my lap while I’m in the bathroom?
It may seem odd, but cats often sit on their owners’ laps in the bathroom due to the interesting smells, your captive audience presence, and cozy confined space. Giving your cat attention for sitting on you in the bathroom will reinforce this behavior.
| Breed | Affection Level | Likelihood to Sleep on Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Siamese | High | High |
| Persian | Medium | Medium |
| Bengal | Low | Low |
| Sphynx | High | High |
| Maine Coon | Medium | Medium |
| Ragdoll | Highest | Highest |
This table shows how affection level corresponds to likelihood of sleeping on owners for some common cat breeds.
Conclusion
When your cat snuggles up on your lap or joins you in bed for a nap, it is a sign that they are bonded to you and see you as a source of comfort and security. Allowing your cat to sleep on you in appropriate situations helps reinforce positive feelings and promotes a loving relationship between you and your furry friend. While it can sometimes be disruptive, a cat intentionally sleeping right by your side is a compliment!