5 Reasons Why Your Cat Sleeps Next to You

Tags: Cat BehaviorUpdated on Jan 04, 2023

When you've got a furry little critter like a cat coming into your life, it's important to familiarize yourself with the basics of cat ownership. Cats are naturally independent but still need proper care and attention. So if you're thinking of getting a cat or already are, you should know how to care for your feline friend properly.

It turns out that cats like to sleep next to humans for more reasons than comfort. It's not just to snuggle—many of these behaviors can be attributed to the cat being in a safe environment, aka your home. So, just lay back and enjoy your peaceful slumber, knowing that your cat will likely stick with you for years to come.

To help you understand why your cat likes to sleep next to you, we've uncovered five reasons that might explain this behavior:

1. They Want To Protect Their Territory
2. They Yearn To Be Warm
3. They Need To Feel Secure And Loved
4. They Long For Companionship
5. They Are Comfortable With The Familiar

1They Want To Protect Their Territory

They Want To Protect Their Territory

Cats are territorial by nature, so when they sleep with their humans at night, they feel like they're protecting their property (you). They view the entire house as part of their territory, but since they're part of your pack (family), they want to be near you during the night as well. Your cat treasures you more than anything else in its life, so naturally, it will want to be near you throughout the night.

2They Yearn To Be Warm

They Yearn To Be Warm

Another reason why your cat might sleep with you at night is that it needs warmth. While your cat can be cozy in its own bed, it doesn't have a heater like you. As a result, you are warmer when you sleep, just like a heated blanket might be. This extra warmth can give your cat the comfort it needs to get through cold winter nights.

3They Need To Feel Secure And Loved

They Need To Feel Secure And Loved

At night, some cats feel insecure because they are alone and everyone is sleeping. To feel better, they may sleep next to a human family member. If a cat feels insecure and cannot get into a bedroom where someone is sleeping, it might meow outside the door and wake everyone up until it gets inside the room.

4They Long For Companionship

They Long For Companionship

If you spend much of your day away from home, 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 possible, 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 know you will leave for the whole day once morning arrives.

5They Are Comfortable With The Familiar

They Are Comfortable With The Familiar

Cats like to sleep with their human companions because they crave familiarity, and you going to bed every night is a familiar pattern for the cat. However, if you let your cat sleep with you occasionally, it can quickly become a habit that is challenging to break, especially on nights when you do not want them sleeping with you.

The Bottom Line

So, now that you know the situation and this behavior, do not be surprised if your cat wants to sleep with you at night. Just let it happen and enjoy your time together. You may even benefit from extra sleep if your cat likes to snuggle up with you, making for a good night's rest.

Although the reasons above constitute a few very good reasons cats like to sleep with their people, the above list should not be considered all-inclusive. Do you have a theory of your own as to why cats like to sleep on our beds, couches, and other furniture?