Why does my cat only sleep with me during the day?

Cats can be moody. So, when your cat chooses to snuggle up with you in bed at night, you probably don’t fight it. But why is it that your cat ignores you all day and then wants to sleep next to (or right on you) while they sleep at night? Well, there are actually a few reasons why cats love sleeping with you. They might not want to snuggle up with you if you’re doing any of these things that cats actually hate.

Índice Show

They’re seeking warmth
They’re marking their territory
They want to bond
Why do most cats sleep with their back to you?
Is it bad to let your cat sleep with you?
Are there ways to teach your cat to not sleep in your bed with you without locking them out of your room?
Why Does My Cat Sleep There?
The Advantages of Kitty Zzs
The How and Why’s of Who Cats Choose to Sleep With

Cats are always ready to attack or defend themselves, so even when your cat appears to be out cold, they’re actually still on high alert for any noises or smells that mean they need to spring into action and attack. However, sleeping is their most vulnerable state.

“Since cats are always poised for action, it makes sense that they’d seek extra protection by curling up next to their owner,” says Mikel Delgado, cat behavior expert with Rover. “You may give your cat an extra level of security during sleep, a time when they’re most vulnerable.”

If your cat sleeps near you it means that they trust you and they feel secure with you by their side. Here are some other signs that your cat trusts you.

They’re seeking warmth

“A cat’s normal body temperature is up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why you can typically find your feline friend snoozing in a sunny window or crammed in a box—to soak up as much warmth as they can get, which includes using you for your body temperature,” says Delgado.

They’re marking their territory

Cats like to claim their territory by marking it with their scent. When they sleep on top of you, they may be marking you as theirs.

They want to bond

If you’re wondering “Why does my cat sleep on me?” it may be because they’re trying to tell you that they love you. “It’s not unusual for cats to engage in ‘pillowing’ at bedtime, which is when they use another cat as a pillow, so if they’re the only cat in the house, they love to use you as an alternative,” says Delgado. “And even if they’re not the only cat in the house, you may be their preferred ‘pillow-mate!’”

If your cat sleeps on you almost every night, there is typically no cause for concern. If you notice that they’re sleeping much more than usual and have low energy, you should take them to the vet to get checked.

“If your cat has never slept on you before and suddenly has started to, watch carefully for any other signs of illness. A change in behavior can sometimes be the first clue that something is wrong,” says Delgado.

There is, actually. If your cat likes to sleep near your head it’s probably because your body releases a lot of heat from there while you sleep, making it extra cozy for your cat. You also don’t move your head much in your sleep, so your cat knows that they’re less likely to get whacked by an arm or leg up there. Another reason your cat might like to sleep near your head is that they like the smell of your shampoo and your natural hair oils, Delgado mentions.

If your cat likes to sleep on or near your chest it could be because the sound of your heartbeat and steady breathing draws them in and comforts them.

And if your cat is a lap sleeper, it’s probably because they know they get extra scratches and love while they’re on your lap. It’s also a warm place to snuggle up.

Why do most cats sleep with their back to you?

Since your cat is always ready to attack if needed, he or she most likely sleep with their back to you so they can watch the environment for both of you. Isn’t that adorable? Here are some other ways your cat shows affection.

Is it bad to let your cat sleep with you?

There are definitely pros to letting your cat sleep in bed with you. It can help with stress relief, allows the two of you to bond, and keeps you both cozy and warm. But, there are also some cons.

“Although not strictly nocturnal, many cats are active in the evening so it could be hard to get in some Z’s if he’s being rambunctious,” says Delgado. “Plus, if your cat prefers to sleep on your chest or head, this could become bothersome, particularly if he’s overweight.”

Also, indoor cats could track litter into your bed and outdoor cats might be carriers of disease.

Delgado also warns that cats should never sleep with children under the age of five. There could be a risk of suffocation and if the cat gets startled in the middle of the night they could panic and scratch a child. Avoid these other mistakes that cat owners should never make.

Are there ways to teach your cat to not sleep in your bed with you without locking them out of your room?

Delgado recommends a few different options for helping your cat sleep in a separate room from you.

You can try a heated pet bed so they can get a little extra heat while sleeping.
Help them settle down for the night by playing with them followed by a large dinner. Having a full belly can make them sleepy and they’ll be happier to plop down on the couch instead of your bed.
You can set up an automatic feeder for particularly restless cats to dispense a small amount of food every 1-2 hours throughout the night. This will keep your cat watching the machine instead of barging into your room and running up and down your bed.
Setting up some early morning distractions can help too. Try setting up a bird feeder outside a window your cat likes to sit by so they can watch “Bird TV” in the morning so they don’t wake you up at 4 in the morning to be fed.

Now that you know the answer to, “Why does my cat sleep on me?” learn how to decode your cat’s other behaviors.

Impact Photography/Shutterstock

Ahuli Labutin/Shutterstock

cath5/Shutterstock

Originally Published: February 06, 2020

Many cats are particular about their behaviors. They have specific ways they groom themselves, what they like to do for entertainment and yes, where they like to snooze. Cats are infamous for napping and you may have noticed that there are many rituals about how they do it. One of the more common questions we get from cat lovers is how do cats choose who to sleep with.

There are a few reasons why cats choose specific people to slumber with. Your friends at Union Lake Pet Services are here to tell you all about it.

Why Does My Cat Sleep There?

Unlike us, cats don’t just go to bed at a set time in the evening and sleep for the duration of the night. They are a crepuscular species, which means they nap intermittently throughout a 24-hour period, but are mostly awake at night (mostly around dusk and dawn). They may change where they sleep and with whom often, so it’s unlikely that one specific place or person will be “the one”.

They do have some considerations about where and with whom they snooze, though.

The one who feeds them. Let’s face it, most pets are motivated by food, and they tend to pal up with the one who brings home the bacon, so to speak. So, if you take care of your cat, they’ll feel closer to you. Plus, they want to be there when you open your eyes in the morning, because – guess what – did someone say breakfast?
The warmest spot. Cats love to be warm, and that’s why you’ll see them sacked out in the sunshine. They crave warm and cozy spots, so if your bed is something they find comfortable, they’ll likely choose you to snuggle with.
The one who makes them feel safe. Cats are particular about where they sleep, ensuring it’s safe and secure. They will choose a spot where they can make a quick getaway, even if they feel secure when sleeping with one of their human family members.
Your smells and sounds. Cats are sensitive to scents and sounds and can be attuned to a certain person’s snores, odors, etc. Your scent may be another way to make your pet feel connected to you, and therefore safer. The sound of breathing has a lull to it that can also be soothing to your furry friend.
You’re the favorite. Cats, like many other pets, can bond more closely with one family member. The reasons for this are varied, but generally speaking, it is the person who cares for them each day. This bond is important to your cat as they are social creatures that need affection and attention from their owner. By sleeping with you, it is another way for them to show their love.

The Advantages of Kitty Zzs

Allowing your cat to sleep with you on the bed can also have benefits for you and your meow mate. It….

Reduces stress – Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Strengthens the bond – Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners.
It’s warm – For those who get cold easily, a cat in the bed is the perfect feet warmer.
Good company – Whenever you are lonely, having a cat as a companion is the perfect feel-good friendship.

The How and Why’s of Who Cats Choose to Sleep With

Did any of these reasons make sense to you about your cat’s sleeping habits? Most cats (including those who love their owners) will sometimes sleep alone in a quiet space because cats love to change where they sleep. One night your cat may sleep with you, while the next, they are on the bunk with one of the kids. The main thing is that this snuggle time enriches both your life and the life of your cat. It creates a closeness that is immeasurable.

We hope this helps explain how cats choose who to sleep with. Would you like more information on this or other cat behaviors? Just give our team a call. Sweet dreams for a restful catnap.