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8 Typical Reasons Why Your Cat Stopped Sleeping with You & What To Do

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Cat sleeping

8 Typical Reasons Why Your Cat Stopped Sleeping with You & What To Do

Do you ever wonder why your cat stopped sleeping with you? It’s a question that has puzzled cat owners for years. There are many reasons this might happen, but there are also some unexpected reasons you might not have considered. In this article, we will discuss the most common reasons cats stop sleeping with their owners and some of the more unexpected ones. We hope this information will help you better understand your cat and resolve any sleep-related issues you may be experiencing.

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The 8 Reasons Why Your Cat Stopped Sleeping with You

1. Your Cat is Stressed

One of the most common reasons for a change in your cat’s sleep habits is stress. If there has been a recent change in your home (a new baby, a move, etc.), your cat may be feeling stressed and anxious. This can lead to a loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in sleep patterns.

Other possible causes of stress include:
  • Loud noises or commotion in the home
  • Changes in routine
  • Lack of attention from their owner
  • Anxiety about going to the vet

What You Can Do

If you think your cat is stressed, establish a calm environment and give them more attention.

This may include:
  • Playing soft music
  • Keeping their litter box clean
  • Avoiding changes in their routine
  • Taking them to the vet regularly for check-ups
  • Providing them with hiding places (e.g., a cardboard box)
a tabby cat sleeping on a pillow
Image Credit: KatinkavomWolfenmond, Pixabay

2. Your Cat is in Pain

Another common reason for a change in sleep patterns is pain. If your cat is experiencing pain, they may be restless and have difficulty sleeping. This can be due to an injury, illness, or old age.

What You Can Do

If you think your cat is in pain, consult your veterinarian. They can help you determine the cause of the pain and provide you with options for treatment.

Treatment options may include:
  • Medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery
  • Weight loss
  • Dietary changes
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage therapy
  • Laser therapy

3. Your Cat is Bored

Another common reason for a change in sleep patterns is boredom. If your cat is bored, they may be restless and have difficulty sleeping. This can be due to a lack of stimulation in their environment.

What You Can Do

If you think your cat is bored, try to provide them with more toys and playtime.

This may include:
  • Playing with them regularly
  • Giving them new toys (e.g., puzzle feeders)
  • Providing them with hiding places (e.g., cardboard boxes)
  • Setting up a cat tree or climbing shelves
  • Getting a second cat (if they are socialized)
  • Providing them with safe access to the outdoors (e.g., through a catio)

If your cat is bored, there are many things you can do to provide them with more stimulation. Try out different things and see what works best.

cat sleeping
Image Credit: Bernhard Post, Pixabay

4. Your Cat is Too Hot or Cold

Another common reason for a change in sleep patterns is temperature. If your cat is too hot or cold, they may be restless and have difficulty sleeping. This can be due to a change in the temperature of their environment (e.g. if you live in a hot climate and suddenly turn on the air conditioning).

It can also be due to a change in their body temperature (e.g. if they are sick).

What You Can Do

If you think your cat is too hot or cold, try to provide them with a comfortable environment.

This may include:
  • Keeping the temperature in your home consistent
  • Giving them a warm bed to sleep in
  • Providing them with access to the outdoors (e.g., through a catio)

5. Your Cat is Sick

Another common reason for a change in sleep patterns is illness. If your cat is sick, they may be restless and have difficulty sleeping.

This can be due to several different illnesses, such as:

What You Can Do

If you think your cat is sick, consult your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine the cause of the illness and provide you with options for treatment.

Treatment options may include:
  • Medication
  • Surgery
  • Dietary changes
  • Vaccinations

It is important to consult your veterinarian so they can provide you with the best possible treatment plan.

Sick cat medicines
Image Credit: one photo, Shutterstock

6. You Snore or Toss and Turn at Night

If you snore or toss and turn at night, your cat may be disturbed by the noise. This can cause them to be restless and have difficulty sleeping. If you think your cat may be disturbed by your snoring or tossing and turning, try to sleep in a different room.

What You Can Do

You may also want to consult your doctor about your snoring or tossing and turning.

There are many potential causes of these problems, such as:
  • Sleep apnea
  • Allergies
  • Nasal congestion
  • Weight gain
There are many potential treatments for sleep problems, such as:

7. There Are Stray Cats Outside Your Bedroom Window

If there are other cats outside your bedroom window, they may be disturbing your cat’s sleep. This can be due to the noise of the other cats, the light from the window, or the scent of the other cats.

What You Can Do

If you think your cat is being disturbed by other cats, try to keep them inside at night. This may help to reduce the amount of noise, light, and scent they are exposed to. Use heavy blinds and blackout curtains to try to block out the cats. You may also want to consult your veterinarian about using a pheromone diffuser in your home. This can help to create a calming environment for your cat.

sleepy cat
Image Credit: sleepy cat, Unsplash

8. You Have a New Baby or Pet

If you have a new baby or pet, they may be disturbing your cat’s sleep. It can be due to the noise of the baby or pet, the light from the nursery, or the scent of the baby or pet.

What You Can Do

If you think your cat is being disturbed by a new baby or pet, try to keep them in a separate room. This may reduce the amount of noise, light, and scent they are exposed to.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many reasons why your cat may have stopped sleeping with you. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your cat’s sleep habits. They can help you determine the cause of the problem and provide you with the best possible treatment plan.

Most of the time, however, it is nothing to worry about and is simply a normal behavior change. Cats are independent creatures, and their sleeping habits may change occasionally. If you provide your cat with a comfortable, safe place to sleep, they will likely return to sleeping with you when they are ready. Thank you for reading!


Featured Image Credit By: bones64, Pixabay

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