Why does my cat like to sleep in bed with me?

Some cat owners enjoy having a warm, purring bundle of fluff sleeping on their feet each night, while others might not even allow their cats on the furniture. But have you ever wondered why your cat likes sleeping in bed with you?

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Cats sleep, on average, around 12 to 18 hours each day and they often like to change their sleeping locations. Although they have a perfectly good bed, you may find that they often choose to sleep on top of a cupboard, on a radiator, on the sofa – or on your bed.

Here, we explore the pros and cons of allowing your cat to sleep with you and what you need to know.

Why does my cat like sleeping on me?

There are several reasons why your cat likes to sleep on your bed.

• To bond with you. Cats are loving and sociable animals, and like to share their love. They’ll sit on your lap if you’re on the sofa and can lay across your lap, legs, feet – or even head – when you’re in bed.
• To keep cosy. Let’s face it, your bed is comfortable and the perfect place for a nap. Add the warmth of your body and it’s no wonder they’ll choose to sleep on you.
• To be secure. Cats feel vulnerable to predators when asleep so being near you helps them feel safe.
• Because it’s their spot. You may think it’s your bed but cats are territorial animals, so it’s likely they’ve already marked it as theirs.

Is it safe to let my cat sleep on the bed?

Unless you have an allergy to cats or have asthma, it’s fine for your cat to sleep on the bed. However, there are certain circumstances where it may be better for both you and your cat to keep them off of your bed. For instance, cats with kidney problems or urinary tract infections may urinate in places they usually wouldn’t. If that’s the case, you may want to have a special space where they can sleep, with a waterproof mat beneath their bed, instead.

What are the benefits of letting your cat sleep with you?

When your cat is happy, they purr. It’s thought that the frequency at which cats purr is healing, possibly to us as well as them. As a result, having the pleasure of a happy cat sleeping on the bed can be enjoyable for both owners and pets alike.

Will I get fleas if my cat sleeps on the bed?

Fleas can be a problem if you get an infestation, but these will be throughout your home rather than just in the bedroom. Make sure you treat your cat for fleas frequently, and treat your home and their bedding if they’ve had fleas, too.

What are the cons of letting my cat sleep on the bed?

• If you’re a light sleeper or your cat is restless, it may interrupt your sleep.
• Cats can become more active at night so you may find they decide to play or roam the house.
• If your cat uses the cat flap at night and it’s wet outside, you’ll find lots of paw prints on your nice clean bedding.
• Cats shed hair, especially when moulting in the spring and summer, so your bed can get pretty hairy. You may find you need to wash your sheets more often.

How can I stop my cat from sleeping on my bed?

If you don’t want your cat sleeping on your bed or you prefer to keep your bedroom fur-free, close the bedroom door and leave your cat in a different room. Make sure they have a comfy bed, litter box, access to fresh water and plenty to keep them occupied – and they might even start to prefer this room to yours!