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Does your cat sleep with you? You should be thrilled

Here's why your cat chooses your side as his favorite resting spot

Paige Cerulli
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There’s something about getting into bed at night and having your pet join you that can’t be matched. When your cat comes and curls up against you, it feels cozy and comforting. But why does your cat sleep with you, and is he doing it out of affection or just because it’s comfortable?

The answer may be a mix. If your cat sleeps with you, chances are a few things prompt him to seek you out, but don’t worry. Most of the reasons are pretty flattering. The more you know about your cat’s sleep behavior, the better you’ll be able to guess why he’s chosen you to be his nap buddy.

Cat lying on the sunny spot on a bed
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Why your cat sleeps with you

There are a few different reasons why your feline friend may choose to sleep with you. Cat behavior expert Mikel Delgado tells Reader’s Digest that cats may sleep with humans because they want to be warm and cozy as they snooze. Your cat could be attracted to your body temperature and he’s using you as a sort of heated bed.

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But there are other, more meaningful reasons that could be behind your cat’s decision to sleep next to you. Delgado says that some cats like to sleep on humans as a way of marking their territory. In other words, your cat knows that sleeping on you will leave his scent behind, and he wants it to be obvious to other cats that you’re his.

Your cat might also be curling up next to you because you help him to feel secure. Cats are most vulnerable when they’re asleep, and your presence might reassure your cat. Sleeping by you means your cat trusts you and feels safe around you.

Cats also sleep alongside their humans as a way of bonding. If your cat curls up against you or uses you as a pillow, he may be demonstrating that he likes you and wants to be close to you.

Gray cat lying on a bed with a white comforter
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What it means if your cat chooses you over other humans

If your cat repeatedly sleeps with you, instead of other humans in the home, he’s indicating that you’re his favorite person. According to Union Lake Veterinary Hospital and Pet Services, cats often bond more closely with one human in the home. Often, cats pick the person who cares for them every day. So, if you’re the one who feeds your cat and cleans up after him, think of this as your cat’s way of saying thank you.

A Siamese cat lying on a white bed
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More ways to bond with your cat

Having your cat sleep with you can be a great bonding experience, but some cats just aren’t the cuddly type and may never join you in bed. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways you can bond with your cat.

Playing with your cat is a great option. Get a variety of cat toys and test them out to see which ones your little buddy likes the most. Make a point of playing with your cat daily. This routine interaction not only provides a chance for you to get to know your animal better and give him some entertainment, but it can also help to keep your cat healthy and fight off obesity. Remember, just a few minutes a day makes a big difference to a little pet.

You can also use grooming sessions as valuable bonding time with your cat. Many cats enjoy being gently brushed, and this can even mimic the way that your cat might mutually groom another feline. Pick out a brush that’s soft and gentle, then experiment with different stroke intensities and speeds until you find what yours likes the most. Many cats enjoy having their chin and cheeks brushed, so see if brushing those areas prompts your cat to purr and press against the brush. When that happens, you know you have a winner.

Feeding your cat is another great way to bond with him. If you haven’t done so already, make yourself the person who feeds your cat breakfast every day. Providing the occasional cat treat can also help strengthen your bond with your kitty, and it can be a good way to win over the trust of a cat who may be new to your home.

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Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
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