What is a cat's favorite activity? Of course, a game, and then a well-deserved rest! In the closet, in the drawer, on the sofa, on the chair, on and under the bed, on books and even in the sink. Cats' imagination as to which places in the house can be used to create a separate bedroom for themselves probably has no limits. During the day, the cat may even change its resting place several times. Despite the house purchased for the pet, it often goes to sleep where it is most comfortable for it, guided only by the selection criteria known only to it.
Depending on the terrain, temperature, number of people nearby and even the current state of affairs at home, the cat sometimes chooses a rather unusual place to sleep. If it is cool, the animal will look for dark and warm places, but on hot days it will hide where it is cooler.
It may seem incredible, but cats sense what things are valuable to their owner. The more important the item is to its owner, the more likely it is to turn into a cat bed. Cats are able to perceive emotions and analyze the owner’s behavior, therefore, they quickly identify an object that is important to him and, lying on it, mark it with their own smell. Also, the survival instinct, the animal's personality and past experiences influence the choice of where a cat is going to take a nap.
One of the reasons why cats squeeze into tiny boxes, slide deep into closet shelves, snooze on their owners' heads, or "nest" in sinks is to regulate their body temperature.
When the cold comes, there's nothing better than finding yourself a warm place, heading there and taking a nap for a couple of hours. Cats seem to be well aware of this. In winter, you can often find a cat purring behind a pillow or dozing on a radiator. In turn, the tight spaces where cats tend to curl up help them maintain the right body temperature.
Peekaboo
How many times have you run around your apartment in a panic, looking for a cat that seemed to have disappeared into thin air? Yes, most cats have this crazy habit of settling down to sleep in a secluded place. Hiding is normal behavior for cats, especially when they want to get a good night's sleep. They do not like noise and value privacy, usually finding a quiet and dark place, such as in a laundry basket or on the top of a clothes rack, where they sleep most of the day.
Most often they go to places that have only one entrance. This way they don't have to stay on guard all the time. They often choose spaces that are away from family members. Tight and confined boxes make cats feel safe. The sides of the container act as armor that protects the animal from predators. This way he doesn't have to be on guard all the time, making it easier to relax. In addition, boxes help cats reduce stress.
A cat has its own place - why does it need it?
Some people enjoy sleeping with their cat, but this isn't for everyone. If you want to have your bed all to yourself, or if your cat prefers to sleep elsewhere, you can make a comfy DIY cat bed or choose from a variety of plush cat beds at your pet store.
Cats love something to sleep on. This could be anything from a folded towel or blanket to a pillow purchased from a pet store. Cat pads are flat pieces of fabric with a small amount of padding.
They are portable and usually washable and suitable for your cat's wanderings; some are electrostatically charged to trap dandruff and hair, and some are made from faux fur or sheepskin to provide extra warmth.
- Cat beds vary in design and price, with options ranging from bowl beds to hammocks and bunk beds.
- The cups are attractive to cats because their round shape follows the natural contour of a curled up cat.
- Some are fleece-lined with a removable, washable cover for added convenience.
- However, your cat may also like to crawl into a wicker lined blanket, laundry basket, or cardboard box.
- Bunk beds, lounge chairs and soft chairs or sofas are also available for your cat, although they are a little bulky and not as portable, they are comfortable and attractive. You can get acquainted with all the options in more detail by looking at the photos of places for cats.
Cat trees are a great way to immerse your pet in nature. Some of these trees also provide a place for your cat to scratch, something she likes to do when she wakes up, and if you have multiple cats, the tree gives more than one cat a place to sleep.
Your indoor kitten can also enjoy the outdoors. They will greatly appreciate your efforts in choosing one of the sunny spots where they can see some activity in the backyard.
However, be careful with open windows, make sure the mosquito nets on the windows are strong and secure, because your cat may kick them out to get outside.
- If you decide to provide your pet with a separate bed, be sure to place it in a comfortable, safe place with an appropriate temperature.
- The cat's place in the apartment should not be near heavy traffic, nor in a cool or damp place.
- Don't choose near the family dog. Do not place near the front or back door.
- Choose in a quiet area where the family gathers, such as the family room or kitchen, or if you prefer, you can keep it in your bedroom.
Some cats are known to lie quite comfortably on top of the refrigerator, where they can watch the family while enjoying the warmth of the engine.
Everything is in plain sight
Some cats are very sociable, they are attached to their owner and enjoy spending time in his environment. Then they go to bed in such a way that the person is constantly in sight. Most often, they doze, lazily raising their eyelids just to see if their guardian is where they should be, so they choose a carpet for their “observation platform.” Located in the center of the room, it gives a good view in all directions. A window sill, a sofa or a table in the kitchen is also suitable as an observation point... there are several, sometimes even dozens of such places from which the cat controls the situation in the house.
Furniture for cats
Most cat owners buy cat furniture for their pets along with cat beds. Cat-friendly furniture can even make the perfect place for a cat's bed.
Many cats like to sleep on top of or inside a cat condo or on flat perches in a cat tree. Make your kitty's cat furniture even cozier with a bed.
They look down on us
Cats love to look at everything from above! And this has nothing to do with the fact that they are supposedly filled with pride. In their natural habitat, cats hunt, but they can also become prey to larger animals. The instinct of the predator that lies dormant in a domestic tiger orders him to find a resting place where he has the best chance of seeing a threat or prey. Therefore, your cat may sometimes seem to overreact to certain sounds, movements, or objects. In practice, this means that places such as the top of a cabinet or shelves will become your pet's favorite resting place.
Even if a cat has been domesticated for a long time, it should be remembered that vigilance has not disappeared from its genes and it will choose a place that is at its best. It is for this reason that wild cats doze on tree branches.
Instincts
In the wild, felines must remain vigilant and wary of other predators. Their domesticated counterparts adopted a strong instinct for self-preservation. Sleeping in unusual places is one way of protection. By the way, this same instinct makes a cat carry her newborn kittens around the house in search of the safest place, in her opinion. The habit of dozing on cabinets and high shelves can also be explained by the desire for complete protection. Looking down on everything, the cat maintains control over the situation and can not only protect itself, but also attack the victim.
Attract attention
The cat can be found in the kitchen or bathroom, resting on cold and hard tiles. This unobvious vacation spot is surprising. Seeing a pet on a cool floor, many wonder if this is a cause for concern. As a rule, no. The kitchen and bathroom are places where the cat's owner often comes and goes and the cat lies down so that it cannot be walked around. All this is done to attract attention. Then the cat can count on a few extra strokes, and sometimes even a tasty bite. In addition, in the summer, cool tiles allow the cat to find relief from the tedious heat.
They can stretch out on a book that their owner is about to read. Or they lie directly in front of the computer screen, effectively preventing them from working or watching a movie.
Pay attention to materials
It is best to choose soft and warm fabrics that will not electrify the animal’s fur. Most common furniture fabrics work well, such as flock or faux suede. The fabric should be dense, resistant to cat claws and withstand frequent washing.
Many cat owners prefer to buy beds with removable covers - they are easy to care for. Loungers quickly absorb odors, so washing should be done regularly.
- With removable covers
Under the blanket
Under the blanket, under the sheets in a pile of pillows. If your indoor cat likes to curl up under warm blankets, you should not throw them loosely on the bed or sofa, because there is a risk of accidentally squashing your beloved pet! Cats crawl under blankets or piles of things for the same reason as humans - to keep warm. It is also a way to create an environment that is not only warm, but dark and safe.
For the same reason, the cat hides in drawers, bags, boxes, bags, baskets. Wherever it’s warm, cozy, dark and safe. Such hiding places are better at reducing stress. It has been scientifically proven that anxiety levels in animals are reduced in dark and small spaces. Small surfaces provide ideal insulation from the environment and are ideal for curling up, a position that allows animals to maintain their desired temperature.
How to choose a place for a cat bed
Cozy corner. The best way to place a cat is to place her crib in an area that she has already designated as her favorite place to sleep.
Whether on the sofa, under the bed or on the windowsill, your cat will likely continue to sleep wherever she sees fit, even if there is a cozy bed for her somewhere else.
Pay attention to your cat's favorite places to nap and try setting up cat beds there first.
If she's hesitant to curl up in her new bed, try putting cat treats or sprinkling catnip in it to entice her.
Love of literature
It turns out that a love of books may be inscribed in... cat DNA. The history of this addiction dates back to the times of ancient Egypt, where cats were domesticated. They protected houses, fields, and also libraries, where valuable scrolls were kept, from rodents. Some have been specially trained for this purpose! We can say that cats had a hand in the development of civilization. No wonder they were worshiped as gods. For centuries, cats have served the same role. Later they lived in bookstores and museums, where they protected collections of rare books. To this day, cats feel comfortable in bookstores and antique shops. Perhaps they feel that this is their historical duty!
Also, hypothetically, it can be assumed that cats' love for paper is related to safety. To escape, the cat climbs a tree. Perhaps the structure and smell of wood somehow “reminds” cats of their natural habitat, and paper replaces it at home.
Everyone knows that cats are thermophilic; they look for heat sources everywhere. And a piece of paper turns out to be... one of them. Paper is an excellent insulating layer - it reflects the heat of the cat lying on it and returns it to the cat. The texture of the paper and the sounds it makes are also important. All this makes an ordinary piece of magazine or a creaking newspaper more attractive to many animals than the coziest den.
There is also a theory that a cat that definitely wants to lie down on a newspaper or book that its owner is currently reading simply wants to attract attention. Some cats love to be in the center of things and therefore just want to say with their behavior: “Hey, I'm here! It's time to play with me."
How not to house train a cat
Don't forget that cats are freedom-loving animals. Violence against them is unacceptable. You should not try to push your pet into the house and hold it by force. This will turn your pet away, the structure will become a source of negative associations, and the cat will never recognize it. You can’t take the cat out of the house either; such actions are also harmful.
It is a mistake to scold an animal near its home or after an unsuccessful attempt at training - negative emotions will be associated with a building that is unpleasant for the cat for a long time.
Why does the cat sleep on the keyboard?
Some cat habits are not easy for humans to understand. For example, the fact that most cats simply adore the keyboard or computer screen.
“Today you are not working, because I will sleep here,” says the cat, settling on the keyboard of a working device, sometimes changing all the settings.
Why is this happening? Behaviorists also speculate about the reasons for cats' love of computers. While there are no studies that provide a definitive answer, there are several theories that point to possible reasons why pet tigers become addicted to electronic equipment.
Some argue that the answer lies in the electromagnetic field emitted by the device. Perhaps cats are able to sense it, and for some reason they are drawn to it. Opponents of this theory disagree, because in this case, pets should also be interested in other equipment, such as smartphones. Meanwhile, they are usually only drawn to computers.
So, maybe we are talking about the heat that technology generates? Cats, after all, love to bask on the stove. This sounds logical, but the fact is that for many of them, a cold, switched-off laptop is just as attractive as a switched-on one.
Could this be jealousy?
Animal psychologists agree that a cat's interest in computers is actually associated with the user of the equipment, that is, with the owner. According to this theory, the cat lies down on the laptop because it sees that the device is the center of the person's attention. She is jealous and wants to redirect all attention to herself. In addition, the owner often unconsciously reinforces this behavior by stroking the cat and talking to it. The cat thus receives the signal: “This works,” so it will interfere more often.
But what to do in a situation where you just need to get work done, but your pet has a different opinion about it? The only way is to gradually wean the animal from such behavior. If the cat wants to be nearby, you need to allow him to do this by setting up, for example, a den near the computer and each time moving him there as soon as he tries to settle on the laptop. When he decides to stay in the prepared place, it is good to reinforce such a gesture with a reward, and also do not forget to praise him for this every time. This way, the pet will receive what it was looking for - closeness and attention, and the person will be able to work calmly.
Find the right size
The bed should be large enough for the cat to stretch, stretch out its paws, and lie down in any position. For most cats, a bed with a diameter or length of up to 45–50 cm will be enough. For larger cats - for example Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest, Siberian, British - larger beds are needed. You should focus on models with a diameter of 60–65 cm.
The shape doesn't matter much - rectangular, oval and round are equally good. Many cats like beds with sides because they give them a feeling of security.
- With sides
- Round
- Oval
- Rectangular
Why does a cat sleep on her guardian's head?
Even if your pet politely falls asleep at the end of the bed, cuddled up to your feet, you shouldn't count on him staying in that same spot until the morning. At least several times during the night, the cat changes its position and location, eventually greeting its guardian in the morning by lying on his head.
According to feline sybarites, snuggling up to a warm human face or hair allows them, on the one hand, to warm up, and on the other hand, to save on their own heat. The principle of energy saving. But why not legs or arms? The limbs that a person most often hides under a blanket have a lower temperature, which makes them no longer so attractive as heating pads.
During sleep, a person changes his position, turns from side to side, puts his hands next to his face or along his body, moves his legs. These involuntary limb movements are extremely annoying for cats. Therefore, they prefer to find places to curl up where they won't be woken up every few minutes. The human head area is the calmest place, which is why cats often choose it for long sleep.
If you look at a sleeping person. What part of his body is the most prominent? Of course, the head, shoulder or back depending on the position in which he sleeps. Instinct tells cats to take sleeping places that are improvised observation points in order to give a good overview and quickly retreat in a suitable direction in case of danger.
Hair, especially long and thick hair, is associated with fur in cats. By snuggling with human hair, cats return to their childhood, feeling safer, as if their cat mother is still nearby, watching over their sleep.
Decide which type to prefer
For a cat, you can buy an open bed or an enclosed house. Beds are universal - not all cats like houses.
There are different types of sun loungers: there are standard baskets with high sides and mattresses. The base can be anything, for example plastic or wood. Wicker baskets look especially beautiful and cozy. They are also good because the cat can chew the twigs - many animals like this.
There are completely soft loungers filled with padding polyester or holofiber. These are classic pillows and mattresses. Most cats like them. The main thing is to place such loungers on a raised surface, for example on a windowsill, chest of drawers or cabinet. To feel comfortable, cats need a good view.
There are high and soft sunbeds with a small recess inside. Many cats like them, but cleaning such beds is not very convenient.
A good option is a hammock. Hammocks can be attached in different ways, and one of the universal types is with a battery attachment. Cats like warmth, and they lie in such a hammock very willingly.
Houses are an option for not very sociable cats who value their personal space. If your pet likes to hide, the house is perfect.
- Sunbeds
- Pillows
- Houses
Pay attention to additional features
Owners of short-haired and hairless cats should choose heated beds. These pillows always keep cats warm. Heating may also appeal to very mature animals, but many young cats will also appreciate this feature.
Read also TOP 10 rating of the best toys for cats
Some houses and hammocks are equipped with toys - most often they simply hang a soft ball. Playful cats will definitely like this option.
- Heated
- With toys
The cat chooses where it is warm, clean and safe
Safety
Sleeping in safety is important for cats at the level of instinct. Fluffy pets love all kinds of heights. This, for example, could be the back of a chair or sofa, a bookshelf, or a shelving unit. The cat will also choose the most secluded corner that can be found in the house. These pets also love boxes - they will definitely climb into it if it is in the room. In the understanding of cats, this is an ideal safe shelter, protected on five sides.
Purity
Cats are also very clean people, so they have appropriate requirements for their sleeping place. The cat’s sleeping place should not only be clean, but there should also be no unpleasant odors there. A cat will not sleep simply on the floor, much less on the ground. She will definitely take care of a more comfortable place.
Dependence on weather and time of year
A cat can change its preferences for places to rest. It depends on weather conditions. If it is winter, then the cat will love a place near the radiator, near the stove, or near the heater. If the weather is hot, then the mustachioed pet will prefer a cool tile floor, or even occupy the sink.
Mood
Cats have a rather capricious character, and when choosing a place to relax, they will be guided by their mood and condition. If the pet is unwell, he will take care of the place as calm as possible. If he is in a playful mood, he can climb onto some raised area in the living room and take a nap there, sometimes opening his eyes slightly to see what is happening around him.
What is important to remember
Despite the positive aspects, spending time with your pet at night is fraught with a number of troubles. According to a study by somnologists, sleep quality deteriorates among those who sleep with pets. The productivity of rest time decreases, because cats are nocturnal animals by nature and are unlikely to lie quietly with people until the morning.
Other adverse effects include:
- Feeling of discomfort. They don’t think about the comfort of the owners; they lie down the way they like. In the middle of the night they disturb you by purring and trampling on family members. They even bite suddenly if the sleeping behavior seems threatening.
- Too little sleep. Cats tend to wake up at 4 - 5 o'clock in the morning. First they will want food and water, and then they will want to play. To get what they want, they will wake up the household. It is clear that people will not like a sudden awakening.
- Poor hygiene. Although cats are clean and wash themselves constantly, the risk of dangerous parasites like toxopalasma remains. There should be no helminths or fleas; this requires giving the animals special medications.
- The appearance of allergies. According to research, wool does not have a negative effect on the body. Only substances that are secreted by internal secretion.
To protect yourself from troubles, it is recommended to vaccinate your tailed animals on time. In addition to anthelmintics, you need to wash your paws after visiting the litter box and outside, and bathe them periodically. However, it is still highly undesirable to allow cats in the crib of small children.
To prevent the animal from interfering with the night's rest, it is important to provide the pet with a comfortable place, away from the hustle and bustle. A suitable option is to provide a personal sleeping item. For example, a smooth pillow, bed, house or heated mat.
We all want to be safe
The need for safety is a very important point for any mammal. Both the child and the kitten are afraid of the big and noisy world around them. It's much calmer on your chest. But, you should not exaggerate your importance for your beloved pet and assure yourself that he loves you like his own mother. Cats are quite selfish creatures. And in fact, from the very first day the cat understands that you are protection and nutrition. Therefore, even when choosing a place to sleep, he prefers not to lose sight of you. And for this he simply sleeps on top of you. This is how she feels you all the time.
Located at the feet - what does it mean?
Why does an animal prefer to sleep at its feet? The reason why a pet sleeps on its legs may be that the person spends most of the time with a load on the lower limbs. Most likely, these are labor costs. A common cause may be sports such as athletics, marathons, ballet, volleyball, basketball, football, etc. Sports, of course, are good, but there are limits to everything, you shouldn’t overdo it, the consequences may not be what you want to see.
If you can’t reduce the load on your legs, let the cat continue to dream in your legs.
