Why Does My Cat Sleep Next to Me? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior

Cats are interesting animals. They are quite independent, yet they insist on regular attention from their human family members. They sleep frequently, but they can be playful while they are awake. They can be loud and annoying sometimes, while they can be cute and cuddly at other times. Luckily, most cats like to settle down at night.

Settling down at night typically means getting into bed. So, you may be wondering, "Why does my cat sleep next to me every night? Is their bed not comfortable enough?" It turns out that cats like to sleep next to humans for more reasons than comfort.

Here are the possible reasons that you might have your cat sleeping next to you at night.

The 5 Reasons My Cat Sleeps Next To Me

1. They Are Surveilling Their Territory

One big reason that cats like to sleep with their owners is to keep an eye on their territory. They may see the entire house as their territory, so when their family is sleeping, they want to be there to protect them, as well as keep themselves safe in your presence.

2. They Want to Get Warm

Another reason your cat likes to sleep next to you at night is to stay warm. Sure, they can get cozy in their bed. But they do not have a heater in their bed. You emit warmth while sleeping, just like a heated blanket might. The extra warmth can give your cat the comfort they need to get through cold nights during the winter months.

3. They Need Security

Even though your house is not threatened by any predators, their instinct to stay safe is stronger. To achieve security, they may sleep right next to a human family member. A cat looking for security and a peaceful spot may meow at the closed doors of bedrooms at night if they cannot get into the room to sleep next to a human.

This can make it tough for everyone to sleep until a bed is offered to the cat.

Those caring for anxious cats understand the struggles and discomfort that their companions feel on a daily basis. The innovative bowl shape of the Hepper Nest Bed provides nervous pets with support and its high sides offer a sense of security, diminishing stress and worry. To learn about how to the Hepper Nest can provide solace to your cat, click here.

Our recommendation

Hepper Cat Nest Bed

• COMFY KITTY - Your cat or kitten will have an amazingly deep sleep in this self warming, nesting cat bed. The warm, fluffy cat bed lining provides calming stress relief for cats of all ages.
• PRETTY HOME - This round cat bed has a modern and unique design that’s perfect for a sleek indoor look. We don’t think of it as cat furniture but think of the Cat Nest as a “cat home”.
• SPACE SAVER - Reclaim your desk, window sill, or couch from kitten encroachment. This calming nest cat bed has an elevated, space-saving hideout so comfortable your kitty can't resist!

Check Price on Amazon

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!

4. They Yearn for Companionship

If you do not spend much time at home during the day due to work or any other reason, your cat may want to sleep with you at night to get the companionship they crave. They want to be with you all the time. If this is not a possibility, they will take every chance they can get.

So, do not be surprised if your cat does not leave your side all night long if they are used to you leaving for the whole day once morning arrives.

5. They Have a Strong Bond With You

Another reason that cats sleep next to their owners is that they have bonded with you. Letting your cat sleep with you is a way of showing them how emotionally attached you are to them.

Is It Safe to Sleep with Cats?

It is generally safe to sleep with your cat if they are clean and well cared for. However, dirt, parasites, and bacteria could be transferred to the sheets and pillowcases. If you have a compromised immune system, it’s worth reconsidering whether to allow your cat into your bed.

Statistics show that 60% of cats are allowed on their owners’ beds, with 30% of them sharing the bed at night, making this habit difficult to break. If you prefer not to have your cat directly on your bedding, consider placing a sheet or spare blanket over the bed for added protection.

Ways to Get Your Cat Out of Your Bed

If you do not want your cat to sleep with you every night, there are a few things that you can try to get them to scram at bedtime. Try the following options:

• Move the Cat Bed To a Better Spot. Clear your bedside table off or set a TV tray near your bed, and put your cat’s bed on top. Hopefully, your cat will sleep in their bed and feel like they are sleeping in yours.
• Use Treats. Catnip and tasty treats with positive reinforcement are a way to get your cat to use their bed instead of yours.
• Close Your Door. Closing your bedroom door is a surefire way to keep your cat off your bed at night. They might meow and yowl for the first few nights, but patience and persistence on your part should curb the annoyance and help your cat accept their nighttime reality.
• Ensure Sufficient Playtime. Establish a routine with your cat, not only with feeding, but also with playing and environmental enrichment, ensuring they feel fulfilled and tired after each day.
• Be Consistent. Stick with the rules, as any time you change your mind and allow your cat on your bed, you are sending mixed signals, and they will not understand why suddenly it’s fine to be on your bed, and then it isn’t.
• Understand the Cause. Knowing why your cat loves sleeping on your bed will also help you deal with it. It may be as simple as providing a cat bed in a more suitable location. Some anxious cats may suffer from having a pheromone diffuser bring them some extra reassurance.

One or all of these options may work for you and your cat, so it is a good idea to try them all before deciding which ones are best for your household.

Final Comments

Many people do not mind their cats sleeping with them. However, not every cat owner feels the same. Hopefully, the insight we have provided will help you understand why your cat insists on sleeping with you and what you can do about it if you do not like it.

See also:

• My Cat Is Constantly Sleeping, Should I Worry? (Vet Answer)

• Do Cats Get Embarrassed in the Same Way Humans Do? Behavior Explained

Featured Image Credit: ajlatan, Shutterstock