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.
Accustoming to a separate place
You can wean your cat from sleeping on the bed if you provide him with an equally comfortable and warm sleeping place. There are recommendations to help train your animal to sleep separately:
- A prepared bed or a special house should be installed in the favorite part of the apartment, where the pet likes to spend a lot of time;
- A small kitten should be placed in a new place for familiarization. In order to attract attention to it, a bait such as catnip is suitable;
- If the cat already has a rug, you need to put it on the bed, then there should be no problems with relocation. For a pet, the owner’s old T-shirt or pants can be his favorite, which should be laid out in his house;
- It is recommended to close the bedroom door before going to bed. Don’t pay attention to your pet’s plaintive meow; after a while he will understand that he won’t be allowed in and will get used to sleeping in a new place.
How to organize
It is important for a cat that its sleeping place is not only cozy and warm, but also clean, which is why they choose their owner’s bed. In some cases, furry pets get into the linen cabinet or closet where washed bedding is stored.
The owner should take into account that cats like to sleep on an elevated place, and not on the floor, like dogs. This gives them a feeling of security. Cats try to choose quiet, preferably dark, places to sleep so that none of the household members disturbs their peace. It is for this reason that animals prefer to hide and sleep in boxes, closed on all sides from light penetration.
The organization of the berth is carried out taking into account the following recommendations:
- For these purposes, a large box or a spacious basket is suitable, which can be placed near the radiator in winter, and a soft bedding can be laid inside;
- Convenient location. The owner must place the sleeping place in such a way that the cat can have a good view of the owner and everything that is happening around him. It is also not recommended to place the basket too high so that the cat can easily climb into it and go to bed;
- The bedding should be made of fabric that is pleasant to the touch. If desired, you can put a small pillow in the basket.
If the owner wants the cat to like his sleeping place, he must ensure that it is clean. It is recommended to wash it regularly and remove any remaining wool. When washing, it is better to avoid powder and fabric softener, and use laundry or baby soap so that the bed does not have a persistent chemical smell.
When the cat gets used to sleeping in a place organized for him, sometimes old habits can appear, and the pet will again be found in the owner's bed. You should not scold or punish an animal; its behavior is nothing more than a manifestation of passionate feelings of love and affection for a person.
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.
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.
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 do representatives of the cat family roost in nature?
For a long time, zoologists focused only on monitoring hunting and social relationships in prides, but with the advent of GPS collars, a number of large-scale studies were conducted that made it possible to understand how representatives of the cat family choose their habitat. The best hunting areas are not necessarily the safest places to relax.
It is important for felines to have a den where they can sleep peacefully. This could be an improvised cradle in a tree, a hollow, a space between boulders, or a level step on a steep cliff.
Sometimes these predators occupy the homes of other animals, but do not neglect the main rule: the place to sleep should not be fenced, it is necessary to have a clear escape route. Wild cats that live near humans may nest in storm drains, abandoned cars, or buildings without doors, but they never sleep in the open.
Both solitary and collective predators carefully fence their personal territory. They sleep separately from their relatives, mark and guard their lair, and communicate with group members in a neutral zone.
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.
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!
Sleeping next to the owner
When cats sleep, their body temperature drops several degrees, so they look for a warm place to snuggle up, writes John W. S. Bradshaw in his book Domestic Cat Behavior. It also notes that the act of sleeping on a person is a sign of the affection that a cat feels towards its owner. Essentially, the cat is saying, “I like you, you’re cozy, so I’m going to go to bed right here.”
Source: elhow.ru
Cat behavior expert Emily Parker confirms this idea of a cat's need to feel completely safe. She says: “When cats sleep, they are at their most vulnerable. So they tend to find places where they feel protected.” In addition, in case of any danger or threat, she will be ready to wake up her owner to warn him.
The proud mom of two black cats, Trout and Jellyby, says the pair can often be found somewhere on her body: "If they're not with me, they're probably bothering my daughter by sitting on her shoulders or taking up residence in her Barbie house . The vast majority of the time, their favorite place to sleep is between my legs. Personally, I always assumed it had something to do with their desire to run the house. Their ability to sleep on you whenever they want, and your allowing it to happen, maintains their status. They seem to say: “You are below me, stupid man.” But as I realized later, this is a matter of comfort and affection, and also a sign of complete trust.”
Animal psychologist Claire Bessant wrote that just to rest or take a short nap, cats can choose any place. However, when they really want to fall into deep sleep, they need warmth and security, and there is no better place for them than next to the body of their owners.
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.
What do the signs say?
In ancient times, people were convinced that it was impossible to sleep with a cat on the same bed, otherwise the person would start to get sick and this would negatively affect his fate. However, times have changed and people began to think differently, not paying attention to superstitions.
Owners of furry pets believe that cats, when they go to bed next to a person, show love and devotion to him. This is due to the fact that cats find it difficult to tolerate loneliness. Among family members they find a favorite, towards whom they show tender feelings.
The preference to sleep in the legs is nothing more than a reluctance to be annoying. The cat understands and recognizes that the owner is the only leader in the house and its protector.
Popular superstitions say:
- If a cat constantly lies at a woman’s feet, there is a reason to consult a doctor. Animals acutely sense negativity and the development of internal ailments, and therefore try to warn the owner about them. Often, after visiting a doctor, varicose veins, vascular disease, are diagnosed;
Why do earthquakes occur frequently in Chile?
- If a cat lies down on the stomach or back, then, according to the sign, the animal finds a problem area on the human body, trying to warm it and heal it.
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