Why does a cat sleep with its owner: 4 reasons

27.03.2023 00:01
Updated: 14.04.2023 21:51

Everyone knows the saying that a dog is a man's best friend. In fact, the bond between dogs and people is very strong.

Scientists estimate that the domestication of dogs occurred about 25,000 years ago. Over such a long period of time, both dogs and humans have realized the enormous benefits of such a friendship. Just as often as dogs, we choose cats as pets.

The situation is somewhat different with cats, however. Although humans have long tolerated cats in the household - cats were useful in controlling pests such as mice - it is relatively recent that these four-legged creatures have made their way into our homes.

This makes human-cat communication not as easy as human-dog communication. You can find a lot of information on the Internet about the strange and, at first glance, incomprehensible behavior of cats.

Not at all like a dog

Conventional wisdom holds that cats are very individualistic. But is your little purr really a loner who only needs you to fill his bowl and clean his litter box regularly?

Cat
Photo: © Belnovosti

This is a misconception and very harmful to cats. Cats can become attached to their owners just like dogs and need human interaction. Sometimes this attachment is so strong that when the owner leaves the apartment, the cat shows serious signs of suffering, such as persistently grooming itself or howling constantly.

The cat's reputation for being indifferent to everything is explained by the fact that these four-legged creatures, unlike dogs, are much less generous in showing affection. Just pay attention to how a dog greets us when we return home and how a cat greets us. A dog usually barks, jumps up and wags its tail.

It is enough for the cat to slowly approach and rub against your legs a few times. However, we must know that she is no less happy about our return than the dog.

Why does a cat sleep with its owner?

There are 4 main reasons why a cat sleeps in bed with its owner (and sometimes even on its owner). The first is a sense of security.

It is important to remember that in nature, cats are in the middle of the food chain. They hunt small animals themselves and at the same time run away from larger predators. That is why your cat sleeps with you because it feels safe next to you.

Another reason is the desire to mark territory. Cats are very territorial, and by sleeping with you, they mark you as a friend and a member of the group. In addition, sleeping next to a person allows them to more easily maintain the desired temperature.

Cats love warmth and warm places. In summer, they can spend hours basking in the sun. So if your cat sleeps with you, you should be a great "radiator" for her. The last reason is to ensure your safety.

Cats are almost always in alert mode. When they come to your bed, they are not only resting, but also listening for dangers that they can warn you about.

Author: Elena Gutyro Internet resource editor

Content
  1. Not at all like a dog
  2. Why does a cat sleep with its owner?