Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Why Did My Cat Stop Sleeping With Me? 8 Possible Reasons & What to Do

Cat sleeping

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.

divider 3 paws

The 8 Possible Reasons Your Cat Doesn’t Sleep With You Anymore

1. Your Cat is Stressed

One of the most common reasons for a change in your cat’s sleep habits is stress. If your cat is suffering from environmental stressors such as recent changes in your home (a new pet, a move, etc.), your cat may be feeling stressed and anxious. This can lead to changes in appetite, behavioral abnormalities, and changes in sleep patterns.

Other possible causes of stress include:
  • Loud noises or commotion in the home
  • Changes in routine
  • Lack of presence from their owner

What You Can Do

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

This may include:
  • Spending more time with them
  • Ensuring enough resources for all the cats
  • Avoiding changes in their routine
  • Taking them to the vet for a check-up
  • Providing them with hiding places (e.g., a cardboard box)
scared cat hiding behind the drawer
Image Credit: Nikolay Bassov, Shutterstock

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
  • Changes in household
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery
  • Dietary changes
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic care
  • Laser therapy

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money


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
  • 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.

Child playing with cat at home
Image Credit: Alena Ozerova, Shutterstock

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)

Is there anything better than a happy cat? We don’t think so—that’s where the Hepper Nest Bed comes in.

Hepper Cat Nest Bed
  • HAPPY COZY CATS - Your kitty will bask in luxurious sherpa-lined comfort while feeling warm, safe,...
  • MODERN DESIGN - Contemporary styling with upholstered fabric construction; just like your human...
  • WARM FLEECE LINER - Self warming, thick sherpa fleece with microfiber trim.

This product was designed with both your and your kitty's happiness in mind. While the comfortable bowl shape and wide lip to rest their heads on are ideal for sleepy kitties, you’ll appreciate the removable and machine-washable fleece liner for easy cleaning. It doesn’t get any better than this! Click here to try it out.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


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 immediately. 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
  • Changes in household

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

sick cat lying on blanket
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 try to avoid being with you in the same room. In this situation, it can be normal that your cat chooses to sleep in a quieter, more peaceful spot where they won’t be disturbed. Providing them with a cozy bed or safe space elsewhere in your home can help ensure they get the restful sleep they need.

What You Can Do

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

There are many possible causes for tossing and turning, such as:
  • Sleep apnea
  • Allergies
  • Nasal congestion
  • Weight gain
There are many potential treatments for sleep problems, such as:
  • Medication
  • Surgery
  • Dietary changes
  • Environmental modifications

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.

Synthetic Pheromone Diffuser for Cats
Image Credit: Dr. Karyn Kanowski, Pangolia

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.

divider cat paw scratch oct 2024

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: bones64, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Liver Disease in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatment Options (Vet Answer)

Liver disease is a common problem seen in cats, and many different things can cause or contribute to the development of the disease....

Do You Have Cat Withdrawal While You’re Out of Town?

This picture is like, totally weird, right? Where’s the light dusting of fine hairs? Where are the two glowing little eyes either blinking...

20 Most Playful Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Cats are low-maintenance pets that don’t need as much attention as dogs. They’re independent animals that want to do things how they want...

How to Stop a Cat From Killing Birds: 9 Vet-Reviewed Methods

Your house cat might seem like a big pushover when they’re snuggling on your lap, but those hunting instincts are often just below...

More related

Do Cats Pee to Mark Territory? Vet-Reviewed Cat Behavior Explanation

If you’ve ever seen your cat back up to a wall, the couch, or anywhere that is a vertical surface and spray urine,...

8 Best Luxury & Modern Cat Bowls in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Luxury cat bowls are those that offer greater ease, improved functionality, enhanced materials, or better looks than the standard bowls that adorn most...

6 Homemade Cat Food Recipes for Senior Cats (With Pictures)

We all know that a nutritionally balanced diet made up of high quality ingredients is vital to a long and healthy life. But...

Can Cats and Rats Be Friends? Our Vet Answers & Explains

Rats don’t get much love from pop culture or social media. But that’s not fair because these rodents can be loving, caring, and...

Keep reading

Senior Cat Grooming: Vet Approved Facts & Tips

Felines are fastidious creatures. They love to be clean and spend much of each day grooming themselves. As cats age, they sometimes have trouble grooming those hard-to-reach places. Older felines can have trouble contorting into the needed position to reach...

man brushing norwegian forest cat

Mobile Vet Clinics & Care: Our Vet Discusses Pros, Cons & FAQ

Your cat is wonderful at home but turns into some sort of Tasmanian devil the moment she gets to your veterinarian’s office. Is there an easier way to get her preventative care done so that you know she’s healthy? Let...

vet holding a cat

My Cat is Leaving Blood Drops Everywhere, What’s Wrong?

Anytime your cat bleeds, it is concerning. Often, bleeding that continues for more than a few minutes is a sign that your cat needs veterinary attention. Before we jump into why your cat may be leaving drops of blood everywhere,...

charcoal bengal cat lying on the floor

My Cat Just Threw Up, What Should I Do? (6 Vet-Approved Treatment Tips)

Vomiting is common in all cats, but excessive throwing up is not normal. If your cat is throwing up excessively every few weeks, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible. However, if this is your cat’s...

Cat vomiting

How to Sedate a Cat for Grooming: 3 Vet-Approved Methods

Some cats do not like being groomed, but if they’re long-haired or unable to groom themselves for any reason, grooming is a necessity. If their coat is not free of mats and tangles, it can tug uncomfortably on your cat’s...

groomer brushing a maine coon cat

How Do Cats Drink Water? Vet-Approved Facts

Have you ever watched a cat drink water before? It’s not something many people think too much about, but it’s truly an amazing feat of physics that requires perfect timing and balancing inertia with gravity. Sounds unbelievable? Keep reading to...

cat drinking from cat water fountain

Can I Leave My Cat Alone for a Weekend? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Any cat owner knows that cats are independent and self-reliant. Most cats nap during the day and eat when they want. They don’t require being let out to potty, nor do they need to be walked like dogs. When you...

Sad-cat-lying-on-carpet

Only Natural Pet EasyRaw Freeze Dried Treats Review 2025: Pros, Cons, & Verdict

Three weeks ago, I introduced you to Only Natural Pet, a Colorado-based online retailer of natural pet products. While I’ve been a customer of ONP pretty much since its inception in 2004, I never actually tried any of their products....