Why Do Cats Lay on You?

Does your cat lay on you while you’re sleeping or watching TV? While some cats can be aloof and standoff-ish, many more are completely drawn to people and seem to want to snuggle and get as close as can be. If you have one of the latter, you may have wondered at times, “Why do cats lay on you?”

Let’s dive into the mysterious world of our feline companions to get a sense of why many of them like to use us as their personal mattress.

5 Reasons Cats Lay on People

You’ve tossed and turned for an hour and now you’ve finally found the perfect comfortable position. You can feel the welcomed sleepiness approaching and soon you’ll be in dreamland.

NOT SO FAST!

Your cat hops on to the bed and sits on your neck, forcing your head to turn in an awkward position and making it hard to breathe. WHAT GIVES?!!

Why do cats lay on you? Here are a few reasons:

1. They’re seeking warmth

You probably know cats like warmth, and they REALLY like it when they sleep. This is why you’ll see your cat follow that sun spot on your rug all afternoon. They lay down in it and nap for a half hour, then get up and walk a few inches over to where the sun spot has moved to, lay down and nap some more.

Or you find your cat sleeping in the laundry basket with your freshly washed and dried clothes.

Simply put, cats are heat-seeking furry missiles and they will find a source of heat, and lay on it or near it, even if that source is your face. 

2. They’re marking their territory

Cats are very territorial creatures, and they claim their turf by rubbing their scent on it. When your cat sleeps on you, it is another way to mark you as theirs. Awwww.

3. Cats look for security

In the wild, cats will look for the safest place to rest in between hunts. In a domestic household, the safest place to sleep is typically with you, the human. Knowing you are right there allows them to relax and rest easier.

In addition, cats are raised in litters. They are brought up around other warm bodies. If you’ve seen kittens, they tend to all pile on top of one another for naptime. That instinct doesn’t usually go away. 

4. It’s a bonding exercise

For some reason we can’t understand, cats have gotten this bad rap as being aloof and unfriendly. As cat parents ourselves, we know firsthand this is simply not the case for the majority of cats!

Most cats are social creatures and very affectionate. They want to be with us and connect with us as much as possible. You may have even witnessed your cat “pillowing” you. This is when cats make biscuits on each other during naptime. It’s adorable and if your cat is an only cat, you will most likely become the pillow they use. They are simply saying, “I love you and want to be with you.”

What a compliment!

5. It may be hormonal

Research has shown us that humans release the feel-good hormone oxytocin when we hug or are physically near a loved one. Research has also shown that dogs do the same thing when around their human family members. While there is no research to day to indicate cats do the same thing, there is a good chance they do.

Should You Let Your Cat Sleep with You?

Now that we know why cats like to sleep on people, the next question is, “Should we let our cats sleep with us?” The short answer is, it’s really a personal choice. 

Our short answer: it’s really a personal choice.

There are several pros and cons to doing so:

PROS

Curling up with your pet at night isn’t just cozy, it’s a recipe for relaxation and deeper bonding. Studies show that petting your cat or dog triggers the release of oxytocin, that  feel-good hormone we just mentioned that promotes calmness. 

Additionally, these snuggles help lower your cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, paving the way for a more restful sleep. If you’re often away during the day, bedtime becomes a precious opportunity to reconnect with your furry companion through shared warmth and affection.

CONS

While sharing your bed with a purring cat can be incredibly comforting, it’s important to consider how it might affect your sleep. Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. This nighttime energy burst might not mesh with your sleep schedule, and their playful antics could disrupt your slumber. 

Additionally, there are some hygiene considerations. Indoor cats can track litter on their paws, transferring it to your sheets. Outdoor cats may carry parasites. Regular vet checkups and good hygiene practices can help minimize these concerns. 

Finally, comfort is key. Cats can be quirky about where they choose to sleep, sometimes opting for your chest or head. This can be disruptive, especially for a larger cat. Shedding fur can also be an issue for some cat owners. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to share your bed with your feline friend is a personal one, but weighing these factors can help you make the best choice for a restful night’s sleep.

One final thing to mention is that cats should not be allowed to sleep with children under the age of five, and NEVER with a baby because of the risk of suffocation. So if your small children sleep with you at night, you’ll need to keep your cat out of the room. 

Final Thoughts

So why do cats lay on you? There are a variety of reasons from seeking warmth and security to bonding time and marking their territory. If it doesn’t disturb your sleep and you don’t share your bed with very small children, then go ahead and enjoy the warmth and purrs!

References:

1. Marshall-Pescini S, Schaebs FS, Gaugg A, Meinert A, Deschner T, Range F. The Role of Oxytocin in the Dog-Owner Relationship. Animals (Basel). 2019 Oct 12;9(10):792. doi: 10.3390/ani9100792. PMID: 31614747; PMCID: PMC6826447.
2. https://www.thewildest.com/cat-behavior/why-does-my-cat-sleep-on-me

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.