The world’s largest cat genetic registry (TICA) identifies 58 cat breeds, while the International Canine Federation officially recognises about 400 varieties of canine species. The first online video featuring a cat appeared in 2008, and by 2015, there were about 2 million of them.
Without dog-like loyalty and a desire to please, cats are excellent psychologists, subtly sensing the owner’s mood: they can suck up at the right time and not impose their society if the owner is in a bad mood.
Because of their nature, cats are very fond of warmth and comfort. And what could be more comfortable in the house than the master’s bed?
6 reasons why cats like to sleep in bed with people
- A cat’s body temperature is 1-2 degrees higher than a human’s, which is why they always seem so warm to us. But it is also more difficult for them to keep warm, even though they have fluffy fur. Therefore, if the room is ventilated, the air conditioner is on, or the room is cool because of the weather, you can be sure that the cat will come to you to sleep at night.
- Due to the structure of the skeleton, the cat’s body is very mobile. Thus, the almost “hinged” neck joint allows the head to turn sideways at an angle of about 180 degrees, the waving ribs allow it to turn around in any confined space, the restless tail controls the position of the body during a jump, and, of course, conveys the mood to the owner. On holiday, you want to relax all this wealth as much as possible, and a soft bed (master bed) is the perfect option.
- What is peace without a sense of security? The native smell of the owner will calm you down, give you confidence that no one will hurt you, there is nothing to be afraid of, and you can safely gain strength.
- By nature, a cat is a hunter, which means that it must be constantly on the alert, ready to attack game or defend itself from attack at any time. And where is the best place to watch the rest of the house at night? That’s right, right next to them.
- Despite their apparent independence, cats experience a wide range of emotions. They are sad, sympathetic, and happy to be in the company of their owners. They want to show love in return, because it is not for nothing that they say: “A kind word makes a cat happy”. And what can stop them from purring their favourite song to their owner at night?
- Due to its hunting nature, the cat constantly monitors humans, showing miraculous diagnostic skills:
- a piercing gaze will notice the slightest grimace of pain;
- a sensitive nose will detect new smells caused by hormonal changes;
- fine hearing will detect changes in breathing depth and heart rate;
- the slightest change in body temperature or a separate part of the body will not go unnoticed.
Now the furry doctor can use his entire therapeutic arsenal:
- Warming compress – with a warm tummy;
- relaxing massage – with paws and claws;
- sound therapy – with harmonious purring in the soothing range of 25-45 Hz;
- electrotherapy – with static electricity, discharges of which occur when stroking the fluffy fur with sensitive skin areas located on the palms of the hands.
So, perhaps, the cat’s lack of desire to sleep next to a person is an indication of the owner’s excellent health.
Why you shouldn’t sleep with your cat in the same bed
Carrier of various diseases
Every living organism on Earth is a carrier of a huge number of microorganisms. Cats are no exception, and many feline parasites can be transmitted to humans, negatively affecting their vital internal organs.
See also
Dirt from the cat’s litter box
No matter how neat a cat is, it is a living creature. Therefore, after spending the night cuddling with your pet, you should not be surprised to find fur, saliva, litter box particles and other waste products on the sheets: “What’s natural is not ugly”. It is up to the owner to decide how hygienic and safe it is.
Danger to young children
Babies and cats are a very cute combination. A baby that smells like mother’s milk is very interesting to a cat, and a warm, fluffy, playful animal will not leave any child indifferent. However, safety requirements cannot be neglected. In addition to the risk of catching a disease, there is a possibility that the cat may scratch or even bite the child during the game.
It is also possible that a toddler may accidentally injure the animal in the process. Therefore, both members of this cute tandem need protection and supervision.
How to wean a cat to sleep on the bed
There is a certain category of people for whom co-sleeping with a cat is strictly contraindicated. These are pregnant women, small children, the elderly, and patients suffering from asthma or allergies. No matter how much you want to cuddle up with your furry friend before going to bed, you need to find your cat its own place for a good night’s rest.
A soft mattress of the appropriate size, an old knitted item, or a special bed from a pet store in a quiet, warm place protected from drafts and outside sounds is an ideal substitute for the owner’s bed. A shy cat that watches the world around it from ambush will be perfectly suited to a small house that hides it from prying eyes. An ideal observation post for a cat that is used to being in the thick of things is a soft open basket, perhaps even located on a hill.
A favourite toy carefully placed in the “nest” will help to attract a four-legged friend to his home. And if you lightly sprinkle the bedding with mint, the pet will definitely appreciate the care shown. And if the new bed is comfortable enough, the need to visit the owner’s bed will disappear by itself.
Read also
It is best to give a small kitten the opportunity to choose its own place to rest at night from the very first day. Then you can equip it in accordance with the above recommendations.
With an adult cat, the situation will be much more complicated. A closed door to the bedroom or isolation in a separate room with a bed and toys does not always help. Not understanding the reason for the changes, the cat can drive the owner crazy overnight with its angry scratching and mournful meowing. And if you assume the option of insult, revenge will be inevitable.
You can try to place the equipped sleeping area next to your bed, soothing your pet with a gentle stroke. Gradually moving the basket away, you should wait until the pet gets used to the new “bedroom”.
Little “tricks”:
- Cats love peace and quiet – a rustling bag on a sheet will make a feline interrupt its visit to the owner’s bed;
- the sense of smell is one of the main means of orientation in space for felines – a bed sprinkled with, for example, a citrus scent will not be of any interest to most cats, rather the opposite;
- you can try using double-sided tape – for those who like their paws to stick to the surface for some reason.
The main thing is to be consistent and persistent, and your patience will be rewarded.
Safe sleep with your cat
And if the urge to spend the night cuddling with your furry friend is irresistible, you should remember and follow a few simple safety rules.
If your cat walks outside, you should wash its paws after returning home. Also, in this case, preventive treatment of the animal with special flea and worming products is mandatory.
A cat is a nocturnal hunter, and if it hears a sudden rustle or smell at night, even inaccessible to humans, it may go to find out the cause, not caring about the owner’s peace of mind. You will have to accept this.
And, of course, the shared bed itself, as well as the room, will require more careful maintenance. You should be prepared for the appearance of fur particles, litter residues from the litter box, and traces of natural excretions on the sheets.
