For some of us, nothing is more relaxing than curling up on the couch or laying down for a good night’s rest with your sweet fur baby curled up right by you. While most pet parents appreciate this, they often want to know the meaning behind the behavior. If you are a purr-parent asking, “Why does my cat sleep pressed up against me,” you have come to the right place.
We know that feline behavior is unpredictable, and sometimes, owners can interpret something as affection when it is not. While pet parents want to assume that their fur babies are cuddled up next to them while sleeping because they love them, is this always the case?
Interpreting feline behavior and its unpredictability is a huge part of being a cat owner. Owners need to learn more about how felines communicate and what their behavior means to understand their pets better.
What Does It Mean When A Cat Sleeps Pressed Up Against Me?
Owners often ask, “Why does my cat lay against me?” Although many pet owners appreciate cuddles and like nothing more than to fall asleep next to their four-legged family members, sometimes a pet wanting to always sleep with you can be a bit troublesome. This is especially true if they become territorial, refuse to slumber elsewhere, or their behavior becomes bothersome.
While it might seem like there is an easy explanation for this behavior: you are comfortable, and cats like to be comfortable, there are a few different motivations behind why they want to cuddle and, specifically, sleep pressed up against people. Snuggling is one of the most endearing behaviors our feline family members can exhibit. Understanding why a kitty might like to sleep this way is helpful.
5 Reasons Why Your Cat Sleeps On You
Most often, a kitty wanting to cuddle seeks to their human is seeking affection, comfort, warmth, or a place they feel safe.
1. Trust & Security
A big reason cats like to curl up and slumber against people is to feel safe and protected. Felines are naturally inquisitive and independent animals but also need a safe place to relax and nap. They like to feel protected and seek places with a sense of security. Often, a specific person in the family may provide that safe place. This can happen, especially if a cat has imprinted on someone. Imprinting occurs when a kitty feels a very close connection with a person. By sleeping right next to, or even on, a person, they can feel safe and secure and know they will be protected.
2. Affection
Kitties also sleep pressed against people because they enjoy physical closeness and affection. Felines are very tactile creatures, and they enjoy being petted and rubbed. Sleeping snuggled up against a person is a way for kitties to show their affection and get physical contact. You may have noticed your kitty rubbing against you to get attention. Sleeping nestled next to you gives them this much sought-after physical contact and stimulation. These snuggles can also signify appreciation for their special person.
3. Warmth & Comfort
One of the main reasons purr babies like to sleep cuddled closely with their humans is that they naturally seek out warmth. Kitties are known for their love of heat and often find the toastiest spot in the room to curl up and take a slumber. Felines have a higher body temperature than humans. They usually run about 102 F. So, along with feeling secure and protected, cats like to slumber right up against you to share your body heat. They especially like feet and heads, as these are places where our bodies release a lot of heat.
4. Marking Territory
If a purr baby has imprinted on you or feels territorial about you, sleeping pressed against you may be a way of sharing scents and marking territory. They can do this at the same time as showing you affection. Cats want other animals, especially other felines or pets, to know what areas of the home and specific people are “theirs.” Head rubbing, in particular, is a sign of territory marking. Felines have scent glands on their heads, tails, and feet and release pheromones by rubbing and kneading on things. You may notice your kitty doing this before falling asleep and pressing comfortably up against you.
5. Company
Felines have a reputation for being self-sufficient. Some may even seem standoffish. In truth, they are very social and crave companionship. Cats like to be around their people, which also means sleeping with them. Though they can be very independent, felines are outstanding actors. They can cover feeling scared, lonely, and sad. Seeking out the warmth and company of sleeping right next to you is a surefire sign they enjoy your companionship.
Why Does My Cat Lay Against Me?
Kitties lay with you for the same reasons they like sleeping on you. This is a way they seek out attention, affection, comfort, warmth, and security. This behavior also lets other pets know you are taken. Though they may not be asleep, the motivation for being near you is the same.
Is It Good To Sleep With Your Cat?
On the positive side, owners like the affection, and purr babies feel safe. Cuddling keeps both pet and owner warm and is a special bonding time. For many owners, this is a perfectly acceptable situation. Some owners may not like pets on or in their beds but will enjoy snuggles on the couch. A kitty often purrs when they are asleep, which shows contentment but also is beneficial to promote healing and a sense of calm.
On the con side, if you let your cat sleep with you, it can lead to cat hair and dander in your bed and clothes. Felines also rest a lot during the day and tend to be more active at night. This means they may fall asleep pressed up against you but may not stay that way for long. Even if they snooze for an hour or two, most cats will walk about, explore, and have some activity at night. This can be disruptive to your sleeping. There is also a risk of transmitting bacteria and pathogens, especially if your cat is allowed outside.
Cats Communicate Through Body Language
When kitties sleep nestled closely with people, they are usually communicating affection. They may also rub against people to show their appreciation. Kitties also use their tails and ears to communicate. A cat’s tail will usually be in a relaxed position when they are content and happy. Ears pointed forward are usually signs that the cat is relaxed and comfortable.
Felines also use facial expressions to communicate. A cat’s eyes are often wide open, staring, and alert when interested in something. They will also blink slowly when they are content and happy. Research has shown that this is purposeful behavior felines engage in to show happiness and trust.
Kitties that sleep pressed closely by people can benefit from physical contact. This can help to reduce stress levels and can even help to improve their overall health. Physical touch can also help cats relax, feel safe and secure, and foster a strong bond between pets and their owners.
Ways To Encourage Snuggles
There are a few ways to encourage cats to snuggle up against people. One way is to provide cozy places to nap, such as a warm bed or a soft blanket. Kitties love to curl up in warm and comfortable nooks, which can help make them feel safe and secure.
Another way to encourage cats to snuggle is to provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Playing with them and providing engaging toys can help to keep them mentally stimulated and can help to reduce stress levels. Petting and belly rubs can also help encourage affection.
Final Thoughts
One way cats show trust and affection and seek comfort is to sleep near people. Most often, this will be with someone they feel a connection to. Understanding feline body language is a valuable tool for owners and can help form a strong bond with your pet. Felines communicate their affection through snuggles, and sleeping pressed against people shows trust and love.
