The Sleeping Habits of Cats: Olga’s Preferences
Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Unlike many owners, I don’t wake up in the middle of the night because my cat is screaming for food or scratching the door. Olga can be annoying, stubborn, and aggressive but rarely interrupts my sleep. She likes to nap in different locations in my house, including a rocking chair in the spare bedroom, an ancient Lazy Boy recliner in the living room, and underneath the couch and bed.
She doesn’t have a cat bed or preferred sleeping area, which is okay since she’s an indecisive feline. Most of the pet equipment I’ve purchased collects dust in storage because Olga isn’t interested in cat trees, cat beds, or scratching posts.
Where Should Cats Sleep?
I’ve read several articles about the advantages of cat beds and why pets sleeping with you is risky, and I agree with most of their conclusions. However, I let Olga sleep at the foot of my bed. She doesn’t sleep there every night but usually sleeps somewhere in the bedroom.
Although my life would be easier if she slept in a cat bed and napped in the same spot every day, I don’t want to force her or train her to use a bed if she’s happy with her unusual routine. Since she was a kitten, she’s always had trouble making up her mind.
Why Can’t She Make Up Her Mind?
She paces for a few minutes when she wants to jump in my lap, and she does the same thing when she winds down to go to sleep. She doesn’t eat all her food in one sitting; she eats a few bites, walks over to the window to see what’s happening in the neighborhood, and returns to her food bowl. She’ll do that several times before finishing.
Indecision is part of her personality, and while some cat owners may be irritated or distracted when their pets circle around them, it amuses me. Sometimes, I want to yell, “Stop pacing and make a decision,” but I refrain and accept her lack of confidence.
Is Sleeping in the Same Bed as Your Pets Unsanitary?
Sleeping in the same bed as your cat or dog is unsanitary, but you can minimize the risk of getting sick by washing your bedding at least once a week, keeping them groomed, and preventing them from sleeping on your face.
If Olga runs to the litter box before jumping on my bed or lap, I say, “No,” and gently push her off. She probably uses the bathroom when I’m asleep and jumps on the bed, but she stays near my feet, and as far as I know, I’ve never contracted an illness because of my cat’s sleeping habits.
Olga doesn’t get in my face or bother me as long as I don't oversleep, and since she doesn’t shed much, my covers aren’t covered with cat hair. Allowing a cat to sleep on the bed isn’t for everyone, but if you keep your bed and pet clean, it’s probably safer than sleeping in an airline’s cabin.
This article is a part of Christopher and Olga's series.
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Christopher Bays is a writer and editor with a soft spot for cats of all shapes and sizes. He enjoys researching and caring for Olga, an adopted Russian Blue mix who is always by his side while working. In his free time, Christopher enjoys gardening, writing short stories, listening to music, and hiking.
