If your cat sleeps with you and not your partner, it simply means that the cat feels safer and more comfortable with you.
One of the best feelings for pet owners is coming back home and being warmly received by their furry little pets. Did you know that petting or playing with your cat has been proven to aid in releasing all the right chemicals in your brain? Sleeping with your cat also improves sleep quality. Unfortunately, cats can be quite selective with who they choose to snuggle next to. If you sleep next to your partner, you might notice that your cat always opts to sleep next to you. But why is that? Read on to see why your cat loves sleeping with you and why you might be their preferred choice and not your partner. You will also get some tips on how to make your cat more comfortable with your partner.
Why does your cat sleep with you?
Before we get to the specific reasons why your cat will choose you over your partner, let’s look over why your pet chooses to sleep close to you in the first place.
Affection
Despite cats having a reputation for wanting their alone time, cats are very affectionate pets, especially towards their caregivers. When it is time to sleep, cats enjoy being next to their caregivers, and you can detect the comfort quite easily since they begin to purr and ask for affection. When cats are relaxed, they will also show their affection by rubbing against you, staring at you, and licking you.
Comfort
Who doesn’t like a fluffy pillow, a comfortable mattress, or a soft silky duvet when sleeping? When your furry little companion wants to curl up and sleep on you, think of it like that. Cats love high-quality sleep and sleeping with the caregiver guarantees a good nap for the cat. One might think that cats only look for comfort when sleeping with their caregiver, but there are other reasons why the adorable feline wants to be so close to you when sleeping. Take a look at the table below to see the various reasons your cat might sleep on specific body parts:
Body part |
Reason |
Head |
For warmth, especially if the caregiver has long hair.
They feel safer on your head. The head has minimal movements, unlike the feet and arms. Cats love the smell of scented hair shampoo. |
Back |
The back allows the cats to feel the caregiver’s slow respiratory system, and this calms them.
It allows the cat to observe you and the surroundings. |
Chest |
Due to the calming respiratory system of the caregiver. |
Neck |
For warmth.
The presence of the carotid artery gives them a sense of security like in the womb. The sound of the caregiver’s breath provides a calming effect. |
Feet |
It is a bonding exercise for the cat.
To protect you. |
So don’t be surprised if your cat constantly naps on any of these body parts!
Safety
Like how lions sleep in packs for protection, in a household, a cat will choose one person to sleep with each night. This builds up a level of trust and a strong bond between the cat and the caregiver in case any trouble or danger arises.
Bonding time
Cats love spending time with their caregivers although they might do this very subtly. These subtle displays of affection could be why they are labeled independent. Despite keeping you company when you are watching TV or working on your computer, sleeping with you is another way cats show their love. This might even be considered one of their favorite activities to do with their caregivers since they love napping a lot.
Why does your cat sleep with you and not your partner?
So, we have gone over the reasons why your cat will choose to be so close to you in the first place. But why does the cat always come to cuddle with you and not your partner?
You share a special bond
This goes without saying. If you have lived with your cat for years, they will most probably opt to spend time with you, as opposed to someone they have known for a few months. Similarly, if you live with your partner and he or she is always away or doesn’t spend much time with the cat, you will have a stronger bond with the pet. Giving cats the attention they need by playing with them, and feeding them might make you their favorite person. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t like your partner. Your cat could have other unique ways of showing love to your partner other than sleeping with them.
You are warmer than your partner
As seen in the table, it is clear that warmth is a necessity for cats to have a successful nap. At night or during the winter season, there is no sun for the cat to bask in therefore your pet might opt for your bed. If your body temperature is much warmer than your partner’s, don’t be surprised if your cat snuggles next to you. Some people love sleeping with heating pads so your cat might come sleep next to you instead, for that extra warmth. If your side of the bed is further from the window or door, it will be shielded from the cold therefore your cat will opt to sleep next to you.
It is more practical
Your cat might adore your partner but there could be certain reasons why the cat chooses to sleep next to you instead. For example, your partner could be a restless sleeper. Cats prefer sleeping next to a still person. Fidgeting, constantly getting up at night, or tossing and turning will make your cat feel uncomfortable and unsafe. If you’re smaller than your partner, your cat might sleep next to you since there will be adequate space. For safety purposes, a cat might prefer to sleep close to the door or nearest exit point and if you are closer to the exit point, your cat will opt to sleep with you. Your cat might also feel secure and safer sleeping next to a wall, therefore, will always opt for the side of the bed next to the wall.
How to change my cat’s sleeping behavior?
So you have just moved in with your partner and the two loves of your life are yet to form that special bond? Or perhaps your partner just hasn’t taken the time to bond with your pet. Here are some tips to make your cat a bit more comfortable with snuggling with your partner for a nap:
- Encourage your partner to take an active interest in the cat’s life. For example, feeding the cat, playing with the cat, or grooming the cat.
- Bringing some gifts to the cat, for example, play toys or treats.
- Allow alone time for the cat and your partner once they appear comfortable with each other.
- Allow your cat to be familiar with your partner’s scent, for example by leaving his or her shirt somewhere unobtrusive. You could place the shirt on the chair or bed.
Conclusion
Remember, unlike dogs, cats take a while before adjusting to new people. Therefore, encourage your partner to be patient with your cat. A slow and gradual introduction is important. Eventually, your cat will be comfortable curling up next to your partner.
FAQs
Is it beneficial to sleep with my cat?
Yes, sleeping with your cat offers a sense of security and strengthens your bond with the cat.
Why does my cat sleep on my neck?
Your cat sleeps on your neck for warmth and to feel calm.
How do cats choose who to sleep with?
Cats will choose to sleep with the person who makes them feel safe and warmer.