Cat snuggled on top of pillow is not curious thing to cat parents. Affectionate cats often seek close proximity to their owners. While we can’t fully comprehend cat behavior, sleeping above your head may be their way of showing affection and wanting to be near you.
Take Away Information
Cats seek warmth, and your pillow, especially your head, provides a warm spot due to body heat. They are naturally drawn to warm areas and may choose to sleep on your pillow for that reason.
Why Does My Cat Sleep On My Pillow?
It’s a common scenario – as you prepare for a good night’s sleep, you discover your furry companion curled up cozily on your pillow. As you try to gently move them away, you can’t help but exclaim, “My cat sleeps on my pillow!” This is a familiar complaint among cat owners, but there are valid reasons behind your little fur baby’s choice.
As you may found, this habits are all in cats in several types as Bengal, Tabby or Siamese, there are some kind of habits you may experience before: Sleep On Your Pillow, bite your nose or guard you when you pee, sleep pressed up against you, jumping on TV or Attack Pregnant Woman,…
Attracted to scent and texture
Cats are drawn to the pleasant smells of freshly cleaned laundry, and they also appreciate soft surfaces. If you recently changed your pillowcase to one made of natural fabrics like linen, flannel, or cotton, your feline companions may find it enticing due to its cleanliness and softness. Moreover, the plump and comfortable nature of the pillow itself can be alluring to them, luring them into a deep sleep.
Familiar scent
Any vanilla, lavender, or chamomile are smelling in your bed? If you use scented facial moisturizers or lotions before sleeping, the scent can transfer onto your pillows, and cats have a keen sense of smell. When your furry friends feel lonely or stressed during your absence, they may choose to lie on your pillow to feel closer to you.
They recognize your scent on the pillow, which provides them comfort and solace. As they get comfortable, they may even fall asleep while eagerly awaiting your return home. So, if you come back to find your little furballs peacefully snoozing on your pillow after running errands, this could be the reason.
Additionally, cats may be drawn to the delightful scents emanating from your hair. Some people’s hair carries an enticing aroma, like coconut or rose water, thanks to the shampoos they use. If your feline friends adore the way your hair smells, they may seek to bury their noses in your head and sleep, making your pillow an attractive choice.
Seeking closeness
Your feline friend may simply want to be close to you because they love you! When you’re relaxing in bed, they opt for the spot nearest to you, fostering a physical and emotional connection. Their purring presence by your head signifies their happiness and contentment in your company.
Some time you may see your cats bring you toys to let them sleep with you.
Offering protection and comfort
One prevalent reason for your feline companion’s insistence on sleeping on your pillow is their desire to protect you. They recognize your importance in their life and seek proximity to provide comfort. If they sense your stress or anxiety, they naturally want to be close to console and reassure you. They communicate their presence and concern for your well-being when sleep next to you. By the Cornell Feline Health Center, patting or stroking can both help reduce stress for you and your cats.
Seeking safety and a vantage point
Cats naturally feel safer and more secure when they are in higher places. Keep an eye on their surroundings is one of the instinct to survive. When cats sleep or relax, they often prefer finding a higher spot, such as your pillow, that provides them with a good vantage point. This instinct helps them protect themselves and be aware of any potential threats or dangers in their environment. Sleeping or relaxing on your pillow puts them in an advantageous position to observe everything happening around them. If you want to discourage your cats from using your pillow while still offering them a safe and elevated spot, consider setting up a 60-inch Lotus Branch Lounging Cat Shelf, which can provide them with the height they desire and keep them off the ground.
Trusting you
When your furry family members choose to sleep on your pillow, it’s a sign of trust. Cats are aware that sleeping leaves them vulnerable, so by selecting your pillow, they are indicating that they feel most comfortable and trust you completely to protect them from any potential threats. They recognize that you won’t harm or hurt them. Therefore, when your kitties curl up and sleep on your pillow, consider it a compliment and a reflection of the strong bond and trust they have in you.
Enjoying warmth
Cats temperature ranging from 101°F to 102.5°F higher than human is 98.6°F, so that’s the reason why they seek a place which is warmth, comfort, soft surfaces and your pillow is perfect. Seeking warmth is essential for their well-being and energy conservation.
By snuggling up on your pillow, they can benefit from your body heat without expending excessive energy. This allows them to conserve energy for daily activities like walking, playing, and jumping. If you wish to reclaim your pillow and bed while still providing a cozy spot for your feline friends, consider getting a self-warming cat bed. It offers comfort and a designated space for them while respecting your personal space.
Stress relief
Changes in the environment can cause stress and insecurity for cats pseccial in cats with diseases as Bipolar, Feline Leukemia, cat using Subcutaneous Fluids, Cats Get Headaches,…. In such instances, they may seek refuge on your pillow to find a sense of security and alleviate stress. Anxiety and stress can be exhibited in cats by a change as simple rearrangement of furniture to moving a new house.
Preference for pillows
Let’s not forget that cats simply enjoy pillows! Pillows offer a soft, warm, and comfortable surface to sleep on. Your cats may have discovered the pleasantness of pillows by chance and now find them more appealing than their usual resting places or beds. The allure of comfort could be a primary reason why they choose to sleep on your pillow.
Avoiding displacement from the bed
To avoid disturbed or displaced, they choose your pillow to have a perfect night sleep. Your pillow provides them with a secure spot where they won’t be kicked, touched, or startled as you toss and turn. Like us, cats can become annoyed if they are abruptly forced out of bed or startled by their owners’ movements. They simply seek a peaceful night’s sleep.
If you want to provide your furry friends with a serene and comfortable sleeping area, consider placing a plush snuggle cat bed next to your bed. This will offer them a dedicated and peaceful space while respecting your own sleeping arrangements.
Maintaining a watchful eye
Cats instinctively seek safety and protection from their owners. They recognize that during sleep, both they and their owners are vulnerable. Drawing from their wild instincts, where trusted cats watch out for one another, our feline friends feel the need to keep an eye on their human owners at night.
Sleeping on your pillow allows them to maintain a vigilant presence and ensure your safety while you sleep that are showing their care and protect you. Their choice of sleeping on your pillow may also stem from their ability to detect your warmth and presence, reassuring them that you are nearby and safe, even if they don’t always keep their eyes open to watch you.
Expressing jealousy or possessiveness
Do Cats have started sleeping on your pillow before you bring a new kitten home? This behavior indicates that your first cat is feeling jealous or possessive and wants to assert her dominance. Cats have a natural inclination towards matriarchal hierarchies and are selective about their preferred companions, even in indoor settings.
By sleeping on your pillow, they are signaling to the other cat that they are the one in charge. They perceive themselves as higher in the hierarchy and choose the highest position available—the pillow—to sleep on. Consequently, the new cat or kitten may assume a more submissive role and sleep near your feet.
Marking territory and asserting dominance
Cats from a kitten to a mature cat, a pregnant cat or Cats in heat, all possess scent glands on their paws, flanks, and cheeks. When they rub against the pillow, they are marking it with their scent and claiming it as their territory. This communicates to other cats in the household that they occupy the highest position and have been there before.
Cats will find ways to assert their dominance, and marking the pillow is one such method. Additionally, your first cat may rub her paws or cheeks against your hair or face when you’re lying on the pillow. This action serves to leave her scent on you and establish ownership, deterring other cats or kittens from approaching you.
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Should I Let My Cat Sleep On My Pillow?
Cat sleeping on your pillow can lead to tick and flea transfer, disrupt your sleep, trigger allergies, and expose you to litter box debris. Your comfort and health must be in list to decide if cats can sleep with you or not.
Get more comfortable and enjoyable experience by these listed below:
- Cleanliness: Wash your pillowcase and pillow regularly to clean and free any source or allergens or irritants for cat’s health or trigger allergies.
- Create a designated space: Set up a cozy and comfortable area near your pillow specifically for your cat. This can be a cat bed or a soft blanket where your cat can curl up and sleep beside you. By providing a designated space, you can establish boundaries and reduce the chances of your cat disturbing your sleep.
- Positive association: Make the designated sleeping area near your pillow appealing to your cat. Place some familiar bedding or an item with your scent in that spot to create a sense of familiarity and comfort. Encourage your cat to use that area by offering treats or toys nearby.
- Establish a routine: Cats are creatures of habit, so establishing a consistent routine can help them understand when it’s time to sleep on your pillow. Try to maintain a regular bedtime routine that involves cuddling and petting your cat on or near the pillow to signal that it’s a suitable sleeping spot.
- Respect personal space: While you want your cat to sleep on your pillow, it’s essential to respect their boundaries and personal space. Let them choose where they feel most comfortable to sleep.
- Nutrition help your cats less loss hair:Proper nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin and coat for cats, which can help reduce excessive hair loss.
- High-quality cat food: A balanced and nutritious diet is required for cats life stage. Omega-3 fatty acids and biotin are helpful in cats which skin and coat. Some fruits and vegetables you may try: Bell Peppers, Beets, Blackberries, Applesauce and Apple, homemade hummus from chickpeas, cooked black beans, Edamame,…
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These essential fatty acids found in fish oil or seed oil as Sunflower Seeds oil can help improve the condition of your cat’s coat and reduce shedding. Consult with your veterinarian for appropriate dosage and supplements.
- Protein-rich diet: Cats require a diet rich in high-quality protein. Adequate protein intake supports healthy hair growth. You can try: Chicken, Salmon, Crab, homemade Crab Rangoon,…
- Hydration: Water is needed for cats all the time. Sufficient hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration, which contributes to a healthy coat.
- Avoid excessive treats and table scraps: While occasional treats are fine, excessive consumption of treats or human food can lead to an unbalanced diet. Stick to a proper cat food diet to ensure your cat receives all the necessary nutrients. And also avoid treat with preservatives, salt, sugar, spices, colorants,…such as: pickles, sausage, marshmallows, Ranch Dressing… or high in carbohydrate as Cheerios, Pretzels,…
- Regular grooming: Regular brushing helps remove loose hair, preventing excessive shedding and matting. It also stimulates the skin and promotes circulation, supporting a healthy coat.
6 Reasons to Avoid Your Cat to Sleep on Your Pillow
A good night’s sleep to maintain your health is the most important, here are 6 reasons why you should let your cats sleep on your pillow:
Parasitic Infections
When your cat sleeps on your pillow, you risk exposing yourself to any parasites they may carry. These parasites can bite you, resulting in itchy welts and general discomfort. Moreover, hookworms and roundworms in cats can be on your pillow and potentially leading to infections in humans.
Personal Hygiene and Comfort
Allowing your cat to sleep on your pillow can compromise your personal hygiene and comfort. The pillow you rest your head on should ideally be free from pet hair, odor, and potential allergens. By keeping your cat away from your pillow, you can ensure a cleaner sleeping environment for yourself.
Potential Harm to Young Children
Unlike adults, young children may not have the ability to effectively communicate or handle a cat’s behavior. Accidental scratches from a cat can lead to infections, and there is also a risk of accidental smothering if the cat sits on a child’s face.
Sleep Disruptions
Cats have distinct sleep patterns, often differing from our own. Your sleep cycle can be disturbed by cats which are active at night. This disturbance becomes more pronounced when your cat chooses to sleep on your pillow or share your bed, potentially leading to restless nights.
Allergies and Respiratory Issues
For individuals with allergies or respiratory problems, allowing a cat to sleep on your pillow can trigger unpleasant symptoms. Cat dander, saliva, or even residual litter particles can be allergenic and worsen existing conditions, making it challenging to breathe comfortably throughout the night.
Bacterial Contamination
Not every cat from many types as Bengal, Tabby or Siamese are free from bacteria or infections, and an infected cat sharing your pillow can increase the risk of bacterial infections for you. They threaten to who with immune systems weaker as young children or the elderly. Example for Bartonellosis – one of diseased by cat-scratch can cause swelling of lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, muscle soreness, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Germs from the Litter Box
Despite cats’ fastidious self-cleaning habits, they may still carry germs or litter box debris on their paws. These contaminants can find their way onto your pillow if your cat sleeps on it. To avoid potential exposure to cat waste or litter particles, it’s best to provide your cat with a separate sleeping area.
Aggravation of Asthma and Allergies
30% of the population are affecting by cats which are twice of dogs allergies. To prevent allergic reactions, avoid letting your cat sleep on your pillow. Keep your cat in a separate area and use a HEPA filter in your room to reduce allergens like dust and pollen.
How to Prevent Your Cat from Sleeping on Your Pillow
Close your bedroom door
To discourage your cat from sleeping on your pillow, simply close your bedroom door. While your cat may protest initially by scratching or meowing, it’s important to ignore these pleas and remain consistent.
Consider getting a companion for your cat
If all else fails, getting another kitten or cat as a companion for your cat can provide a distraction and help alleviate any separation anxiety. A playful companion can keep your cat engaged and less focused on sleeping on your pillow.
Create an inviting cat bed
Make your cat’s bed more appealing than your pillow. Ensure their bed is comfortable, cozy, and enticing. Conversely, make your own bed less attractive by removing any enticing elements. Additionally, you can spray a citrus scent on your pillow, as cats generally dislike citrus smells, which may deter them from sleeping there.
Engage in playtime before bedtime
Spend quality time playing with your cat during the day to help exhaust its energy, reducing the desire to sleep on your pillow at night.
Provide a heating pad for your cat
Cats often seek out warmth when choosing a sleeping spot. To address this, consider providing a heating pad specifically for your cat’s sleeping area. This will help keep them warm and comfortable, reducing their inclination to sleep on your pillow. However, ensure that the heating pad is set to a safe and comfortable temperature for your cat.
Set firm boundaries
Teach your cat to respect your personal space by being firm and consistent. When your cat jumps onto your pillow, gently remove it and firmly instruct it to stay away. Reinforce this boundary consistently, and over time, your cat will learn to understand and obey.
Q&A about Why Does My Cat Sleep On My Pillow? Reveal The Truth!
If My Cat Sleeps On My Pillow, Is It Okay To Wake Him Up?
Generally wake your cat up is ok. However, cats need their sleep, so it’s important to do so in a considerate and gentle manner. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle your cat. Respect their need for rest and give them space if they choose to go back to sleep.
Why Does My Cat Sleep Above My Head?
Cats may choose to sleep above your head for various reasons. It could be a matter of personal preference, as some cats feel more secure being higher up. It may also be because they enjoy your scent or find it comforting. Cats are also attracted to warm areas, and the head region tends to be warmer due to body heat. Overall, it can vary from cat to cat, and their chosen sleeping spot may change over time.
Why Does Your Cat Sleeps with You?
When your cat sleeps with you, it typically indicates a bond and a sense of trust. Seeking closeness and companionship in owner is one of the habits of social animals. Sleeping together can provide a sense of security and strengthen the human-animal bond. It’s a way for your cat to show affection and seek comfort from your presence.
How to Help Your Cat Sleep Better?
Get your cats sleeo well by:
- Establish a consistent routine: Feeding, play, and sleep are in schedules can thrive on routines. This helps them understand when it’s time to sleep and promotes better sleep habits.
- Provide a comfortable sleeping environment: Ensure your cat has a cozy and quiet area with a comfortable bed or blanket where they can rest undisturbed. This can help create a conducive sleeping environment.
- Play and exercise: Engage your cat in interactive play sessions during the day to help them expend energy. Regular exercise can contribute to better sleep patterns for cats.
- Minimize stress and anxiety: Provide hiding spots, minimize loud noises, and ensure they have a secure and peaceful space.
- Regular grooming: Keeping your cat’s coat clean and free of mats can contribute to their overall comfort and relaxation, promoting better sleep.