Cats are interesting animals that sometimes do things that we humans don't quite understand. Did you know that it is a proven fact that cats love to sleep next to their owners? In particular, if the cat has a choice, you will find that your cat loves to sleep on you every night.
There are many reasons that could explain why your cat loves to sleep with you, and every cat lover should check them out. That's why here, we decided to learn about this feline behavioral trait by discussing why a cat loves to sleep on your feet.
Cat survival
An adult rarely weighs less than 40 kg. Assuming the average weight of an adult cat is 3 to 4 kg - excluding Maine Coons, Savannah cats and other larger breeds - this means that cats are choosing to sleep with a person who weighs at least 10 to 13 times more than them.
So if a cat is intelligent and keen to survive without being turned over in the middle of the night, it will naturally choose to sleep in a safer place: its feet. There is less weight, and the chances of escape are easier and greater.
In fact, cats develop the habit of moving towards either end of the body (head or legs) when they become adults, while in general kittens sleep on the chest of their preferred and sleeping owner.
Kittens love to sleep on their owner's chest as they can feel the heartbeat and in turn feel protected, which reminds them of their mother and lactation.
However, once cats learn that humans move and roll in their sleep, they learn and adapt. This explains one of the main reasons why your cat loves to sleep with you.
Recognition or protection of property
A simple answer to the question of why cats sleep at their owner’s feet may be their desire to stay close to a beloved creature that satisfies its whims. The pet understands who:
- gives him food and treats;
cleans the tray;
pays attention. Even while remaining unapproachable, the animal feels gratitude
By perching on the edge of the bed, it shows that it values its companion and hopes for continued cooperation. Defending territory may be another reason why a cat sleeps at a person's feet at night. In the case of mousetraps, it is difficult to tell who owns whom. Cats are confident in their dominant role. Positioned at the feet, they claim ownership of the owner. This habit can develop after major changes in your pet's life. For example, the birth of a child or the appearance of another animal
Even while remaining unapproachable, the animal feels gratitude. By perching on the edge of the bed, it shows that it values its companion and hopes for continued cooperation. Defending territory may be another reason why a cat sleeps at a person's feet at night. In the case of mousetraps, it is difficult to tell who owns whom. Cats are confident in their dominant role. Positioned at the feet, they claim ownership of the owner. This habit can develop after major changes in your pet's life. For example, the birth of a child or the appearance of another animal.
Nestling at your feet - a practical solution
Cats are pragmatic animals. When choosing a place to sleep, they think about comfort as much as safety. The reason why a cat sleeps on its feet at night is because of the optimal combination of these characteristics. At the end of the bed there is a pet:
- gets enough space to spread out;
is less likely to be disturbed by the owner’s restless sleep;
has a good view of the door to the room or to the balcony (depending on the layout).
Sitting at the foot, the pet maintains personal boundaries, remaining in close contact with the owner
This combination is especially important in hot weather. A sleeping person may accidentally hit a cat with his foot at night.
But, sitting next to her, the animal runs the risk of ending up under an overturned body or playing the role of a huggable toy.
Cats are heat-loving creatures. People often wrap their legs more tightly. Having settled down with them, the pet gets the opportunity to sleep on a blanket or blanket. In the nook behind bent knees, the pet will receive a warm, cozy mink. The owner's native scent will help him fall asleep faster. By remaining in close contact with the owner, the cat will maintain its distance and will always know when the owner gets up in the middle of the night. She will not miss the opportunity to beg for a treat once again.
Animals sleeping near the feet have the opposite purpose. This way the cat will maintain contact with the owner, and his sleep will not be disturbed.
The cat lies at your feet - beliefs
Few people have not heard stories about the supernatural abilities of mousecatchers. It is believed that a cat lying down on the threshold communicates with brownies. Staring at one point, the pet watches the other world. Although, according to experts, he “freezes” when he gets ready for bed.
Some owners believe that the reason why cats like to sleep on their feet is the desire of their pets to rid them of negative energy. Pets take away the negative charge accumulated during the day. The legs, as the end point of the body, seem to be a good contact area. Adherents of the energy theory advise not to worry about the influence of negativity on pets. Cats are carriers of a powerful negative charge. The “bad” energy collected from a person helps to fuel their vitality.
Scientists have proven that purring frequencies have a calming, even therapeutic effect on the animal. But people were talking about the healing properties of cats even before such claims. It is believed that the animal finds a sore spot and, sitting on it (nearby), speeds up recovery. The owners can explain the cat’s desire to settle down at their feet by the presence of:
- varicose veins;
joint inflammation;
swelling;
calluses or injuries.
Skeptics explain the desire of pets to settle in a sore spot by pragmatism. Inflammation leads to a local increase in temperature, and the cat is drawn to a warm place. The healing powers of mousetraps are attributed to the placebo effect.
Cats love to sleep with their owners. The pet can find the most comfort at the feet. This is how the cat feels that he is protecting his owner and preventing encroachments on his territory. Energy theories should not be discounted either. Sitting at the owner’s feet, the pet can help get rid of the day’s negativity. Although, more likely, the cat wants to stay close to the owner without the risk of him kicking or cuddling her in the middle of the night.
Cats love routine
Did you know that cats love routine? When a cat sleeps at your feet, they realize that a habitual awakening is based, moves towards your face and begins to rub against you and meow. Cats like routine, without unpleasant surprises.
This means that if you usually wake up at 8am every morning, they recognize this action and try to comply with it. You may have noticed that if you are sick and in bed, your cat is more likely to stay with you and keep you company.
Vampirism
There is an opinion, which has not yet been scientifically confirmed, that cats are energy vampires and people very quickly become dependent on them. Some people really call it love.
Avid cat lovers also claim that cats only take away negative energy and they do this when they press their warm tummy to you. That is why they love to lie exactly where the owner or mistress is experiencing pain, relieving unpleasant symptoms; older people especially like to be treated in this way when a large bouquet of sores is collected, the heart is playing naughty and the pressure is jumping. Well, all that remains for now is to take this hypothesis on faith.
Cat instinct
Cats are territorial, attractive and sociable animals. Every square centimeter of their home is their territory. Thus, as kittens they are already dedicating themselves to patrolling and exploring every corner of their new household.
This instinct of a cat, like any other animal, is to understand their territory and habitat. Cats want to know about everything around them in order to feel safe.
Cats will be affectionate with all family members. They will play, beg for attention, and often make everyone in the family love them.
However, it is normal that there is one person they prefer more than others and will most likely decide to sleep with. If your cat likes to sleep on the legs of a particular person in your family: it's because that person is his favorite.
Ringworm and other types of skin mycoses
Ringworm is a skin disease accompanied by:
- the formation of a small rash;
- damage to fur and claws.
This disease can occur due to a viral infection or reduced immunity of the animal.
There are the following factors that contribute to the development of lichen in pets living at home:
- walking outside without supervision;
- treatment with immunosuppressants;
- malnutrition;
- parasite infection;
- malignant formations.
The most common causes of ringworm in cats are those caused by fungal infections. There are several types of lichen:
- Ringworm, which is based on fungal diseases. This type is easily transmitted to humans, especially to young children. Fungal spores remain viable for 5-10 years because they are resistant to environmental influences.
- Versicolor or pityriasis versicolor, which is a dangerous disease. The cause of its occurrence is a yeast-like fungus, which under certain conditions transforms into a pathogenic form.
- A shingles or pink appearance that appears when immunity is reduced and is of an allergic nature.
- Eczema or tinea versicolor manifests itself in animals as an allergic reaction to a specific irritant and is not transmitted through contact with humans or other animals. Allergies can be caused by exposure to household chemicals, a malfunction within the body, or stress.
All types of lichen in cats have common symptoms:
- hair loss;
- inflammation of the skin accompanied by peeling;
- change in pigmentation;
- severe scabies.
If you suspect lichen, the cat should be isolated immediately. A glazed balcony, loggia or separate room is suitable for this; you need to make sure that the room is warm. After this, you need to contact a veterinarian to establish through diagnostics the cause of the cat’s itching and methods of treating it.
To prevent such diseases from occurring in cats, it is recommended to periodically vaccinate them for preventive purposes.
The cat is sleeping at your feet: not what you think
Naturally, you may think that the only reason your cat sleeps at your feet is because they love you and want your company. This may be somewhat true, but not always.
In your cat's mind, you are often the one sleeping on your feet, not the other way around. Since you live in your territory and she recognizes you, she allows you to sleep on your side. Besides the fact that your cat likes to sleep on you or lie next to you: your cat will show you affection or trust by licking you.
Cats are very hygienic and thoroughly wash themselves and lick themselves with their own tongue. If you bring home a new cat, especially if it's another cat, your cat will likely be unhappy for a while.
She will be unhappy and may suffer from aggression, isolation and neglect. Some cats may even shy away from you a little. In this case, make sure that you give both kittens equal attention and communicate properly with both. Over time, your first cat will get to know the new cat and things should get better and get back to normal.
How many hours a day does a cat sleep?
If you're jealous of your cat for the number of hours he spends sleeping each day, don't worry, you're not the only one! Whether your cat sleeps in your head, on your chair, in the sun, on your computer, or in the strangest and most unlikely places, know that cats are comfortable everywhere!
Although it seems incredible, a cat's body needs everything in order to stay healthy. Are you wondering why cats sleep so much? If yes, don't miss reading this article where we will discuss how many hours does a cat sleep per day.
How many hours a day do kittens sleep?
If you have a litter of newborn kittens at home, you may notice that they spend most of their time sleeping. It's also normal that this can cause anxiety for any new kitten owner. However, as long as these kittens wake up to eat and be collected by their mother, there is no need to worry.
During the first days of a kitten's life until 4 or 5 weeks of age, kittens sleep about 90% of the day. This is approximately up to 20 hours of sleep per day. But is all this sleep time necessary for kittens? Yes! Because while kittens sleep, hormones are produced that stimulate their growth. This amount of sleep ensures that the kitten is fully developed within the agreed period of time.
Although kittens sleep a lot, they do not remain completely inactive. It is not uncommon to notice that when your kitten is in deep sleep, he will move his paws or that his body will tremble. These movements correspond to the exercise necessary for the proper development of the kitten.
By the fifth week, kittens dramatically reduce their sleep time to about 65% of their time. You will notice that the remaining 45% of this time will be spent playing and feeding.
How many hours a day do adult cats sleep?
After the fifth week and until the cat's first year of life, as we said earlier, kittens sleep only 65% of the time. However, once a cat reaches adulthood, the average number of hours a cat sleeps increases again.
This sleep time for cats increases to approximately 70% and 75%, that is, 15 or 16 hours a day. Typically, it takes one year before the cat reaches adulthood. This time, however, depends on the cat's breed, as some breeds will take longer to reach adulthood.
Despite these long periods of rest, an adult cat does not sleep for 16 hours straight. These 16 hours of sleep are usually broken up by cat naps throughout the day. During this sleep, you will notice that your cat wakes up quite easily.
In fact, a cat falls into deep sleep once or twice a day. You've probably also noticed that cats can fall asleep anywhere!
How many hours does an old cat sleep?
A cat's old age is calculated slightly differently depending on the cat's breed. Although, as a general rule, when a cat is over twelve years old, most are considered senior cats. When they reach old age, it may be difficult to notice any changes since they do not change physically.
But gradually, you may notice a change in your old cat's behavior. Older cats become more sedentary and calm. Changes in appearance in cats only occur when they are around 15-18 years old or if your older cat is sick.
As cats age, their activity levels decrease, and older cats tend to sleep more hours. An older cat will sleep approximately 80% to 90% of his day, which is 18 and 20 hours. This is very similar to the number of hours a kitten sleeps.
Purr
There is a belief that a cat predicts the outcome of a situation with its purring:
At the patient's bedside - a speedy recovery.
Sitting on a suitcase - an easy road.
In preparation for the wedding - a happy family life.
Fishermen have a rich catch.
On the guest's lap - a good relationship.
Purring, or rumbling, in cats usually accompanies a state of pleasure, hence the sign - if the cat is happy, then everything will be fine.
Sound originates in the muscles located around the vocal cords, which begin to vibrate under the influence of electrical impulses from the cerebral cortex. It is worth noting that not only cats can purr, but also many other animals: hares, foxes, badgers, bears and even elephants.
Why do cats sleep so much?
There is no consensus on the reason why cats sleep so much, although most studies are nurturing in this regard. These studies show that cats have the luxury, even in nature, of sleep. The reason for this is that they are good hunters and therefore do not need to spend as much time hunting as other animals.
In addition, in winter, cats prefer to rest longer to retain as much heat as possible. This also explains why cats seek out the warmest places to rest. And it is quite clear that this dormant custom, or instinct, was preserved by domestic cats.
Another reason why a cat sleeps so much is because they are bored or spend too much time alone during the day. If you are not home, it is normal for your cat to sleep. And when you get home, this lethargic manner may continue.
If your cat is lazy or sleepy, consider playing with her more, offering her toys and spending more time with your cat. But don't interrupt your cat's sleep time, as this can cause stress.
Many people believe that cats are exclusively nocturnal animals and therefore sleep during the day, but this is not true. Cats sleep at night too!
Reasons for behavior
Cats have been living next to people for a very long time, but despite this, humans have not yet been able to fully study the behavioral characteristics of these domestic animals. Moreover, each pet has its own individual character. Therefore, for many, cats still remain mysterious animals, and it can be difficult to understand why cats do certain things.
Cats very quickly get used to their owners and each pet has a special place in the house where he likes to relax. For example, many cats love to sleep at their owner's feet. It is impossible to answer correctly the question of what are the reasons for this behavior. But there are several versions that explain this behavior of cats.
Veterinarians' opinion
Since cats love warmth and prefer comfortable and cozy conditions when sleeping, they always choose the warmest place in the house. In the cold season, this is a place next to the radiator, sofa or bed of the owner. That is why, in order to rest in comfortable conditions, many cats sleep at human feet.
Veterinarians explain this love for warmth by the fact that during sleep the cat does not move and begins to freeze a little. To prevent hypothermia of its body, the animal initially looks for a warm and safe place.
Cats love to sleep warm
Opinion of bioenergetics
There is a theory that cats are able not only to sense negative energy, but also to neutralize it. According to this theory, cats can easily find accumulations of negative energy in the house. This is the place that animals choose to rest and sleep. Once a cat lies down for a while in such a place, the negative energy is neutralized and no longer poses any danger. However, this does not cause any harm to the pet.
Often negative energy accumulates in the corners of the room. But it often happens that a cat lies down on the very chair or armchair where a person was recently sitting, and at night they prefer to sleep at his feet. This suggests that the pet feels the person’s energy and is trying to help him, neutralize all the negativity. Many bioenergetics specialists are confident that a person’s negative energy accumulates in the lower part of his body.
There is another version of why a cat lies down at a person’s feet to sleep, which is put forward by bioenergetics. According to this version, it is believed that a person unconsciously draws energy from space. Initially, this energy carries a positive charge. But as soon as it passes through the body, it changes and becomes negative. Cats feel this and help a person neutralize bad energy. Thanks to this, many people manage to get rid of headaches, bad mood and even some diseases. Bioenergeticists also believe that in this way the animal not only relieves negativity and disease, but also helps to prolong life.
Cats take away negative energy
Other reasons
In addition to the theories proposed by veterinarians and bioenergeticists, experienced owners identify the following reasons:
- Love for the owner. Expressing your affection, gratitude and joy from the presence of your beloved owner is a completely natural need of any living creature. The cat is no exception. They miss their owner when he is away from home, and at night they compensate for the lack of communication with close contact. This is especially pronounced in cats that were taken away from their mother early. When such a kitten is handed over to its owner, it begins to consider the person its parent. At the feet or at the side of the owner, such a cat, as in childhood, is safe and warm.
- Attractive smell. For cats, the smell of the owner is familiar and has a calming effect. Cats have a keen sense of smell and a sensitive nervous system. Because of this, they do not sleep most of the day, but doze. A good night's sleep is possible only in conditions of complete safety, which is provided by the smell of a loved one.
- Desire to control. The cat treats its owner not only with love, but also with some possessiveness. If a cat lies down on a person’s legs, then he will no longer be able to move or get up without her knowledge.
- Jealousy. If a cat previously did not sleep on its owner’s feet, but after the birth of a child or a second animal, it began to do so, most likely the reason is banal jealousy. When a cat lies down on a person’s feet, it lays claim to it and leaves its scent on it.
What is a cat's sleep phase?
As mentioned, a cat's sleep phase is divided into a series of naps and deep sleep stages. Napping is usually a quick nap where the cat remains relaxed but at the same time alert to what is happening outside.
If a cat stays in this stage of sleep long enough to feel safe, it will eventually enter REM or deep sleep. When your cat is in deep sleep, you may notice that she shakes or moves while she sleeps.
This movement also tells us what cats dream about and what they can essentially dream about. When cats are daydreaming and in REM sleep, they may also perceive external stimuli (such as the smell of their food) and respond as if they were awake (moving their nose to pick up a scent).
In conclusion, it can be said that if a cat spends a long time sleeping, this is completely normal and necessary. The only time we would suggest that you would be a little concerned is if your cat sleeps more than these average hours.
Additionally, if your cat does not get up to eat, drink, play, or urinate during the sleep phase, caution should be exercised and a veterinarian should be consulted.
