We all know that cats love to sleep, and they sleep for over 16 hours a day. But have you seen that the cats love sleeping at your feet or by your feet? Ever wondered why do cats sleep at your feet? Well, there are reasons associated with this cute and sweet feline behaviour. Let us try unearthing the secret of the unique cat behaviour.
Catts typically sleep at your feet because they feel safe when they are near you. This is the primary reason that cats prefer sleeping next to your feet. However, they may also do it for warmth, protection, safety and protection. It can also indicate affection.
Why Do Cats Sleep at Your Feet?
Cats are quite mysterious animals. They love you, but they have a few “privacy concerns”, and thus, understanding their behaviour may not be that easy. They love you but do not want you to be too close to them. That is one of the reasons they sleep at your feet. That way, they can be close to you, yet you will not be invading their privacy.
Still wondering, “Why does my cat sleep at my feet?” Let us list out and understand the reasons. Let us decode a cat sleeping at your feet.
It simply feels safe beside you!
If your cat sleeps by your feet, you should feel honoured. That’s because your cat trusts you and believes that it will be safe when it is near you. Every animal is vulnerable when it is sleeping. That is, it prefers sleeping close to you so that it is always safe from any predators.
Even when your home may be free from predators, your cat may feel insecure while sleeping by instinct. That is why it prefers sleeping at your feet.
They want to be with you but need privacy
Cats can be highly affectionate, but at the same time, they also want their personal space to be protected. Sleeping at the end of the bed will ensure that they are close to their human partners, yet they are not likely to be disturbed.
Cats do not want to be disturbed when sleeping, but they want to be with their humans. Your cat may prefer independence and yet stay with you. If they sleep with you at your shoulder height or at the head, your movements in the sleep may disturb it.
Your feet are adequately hot
Another reason your cat may prefer your feet to sleep can be that your feet are hot. Feet typically emit heat, and your cat feels comfortable while it sleeps. Human feet typically emit heat, and your cat will find it soothing and comforting.
Your cat will sometimes sleep close to your feet but not on your feet. This is to ensure that your cat gets enough body temperature that it adequately wants to maintain. Cats are cold-blooded animals. Thus, they need to stay warm. When they are near your feet, they can feel warm and comfortable.
It protects them from human movements in sleep
Humans tend to make a lot of movement when sleeping. Most of us tend to make at least 40 to 50 moves in our sleep. This can severely affect the cat and disturb your sleep. That is why your cat prefers sleeping at such a location that will help it stay safe and away.
Humans are known to be extremely active during the light stages of their sleep. That is precisely why cats prefer sleeping close to you yet stay unaffected by any sort of sleep disturbance.
It gives them a faster escape route
Wondering why do cats sleep at the foot of the bed? Well, cats tend to be most active during the dusk and in the evenings. If you have been a cat owner for several years, you must be aware that cats begin rummaging through your home in the middle of the night. Sleeping at your feet gives your cat a better opportunity to escape without disturbing you or waking you up.
Cats tend to think strategically. That is why being close to your feet will let the cat slip away without affecting you in any way. It can also be the best way for your cat to visit the litter box without disturbing you late into the night.
They want to protect you
Yes, you heard that right. Your cat wants to protect you. Your cat understands that you are vulnerable when you are asleep. They choose to stay close to you so that they will be able to save and protect you in case of emergencies.
Cats sleeping at your feet or sitting there will let the cat have a 360-degree view of your surroundings. Apart from that, it also gives your cat an option to react to something immediately. Imagine someone opening the can of its favourite snack or mouse moving around. Sleeping at the feet will help the cat to move towards its target right away.
Your cat is being territorial
It is a common behaviour for your cat to mark and guard its territory. Perhaps your cat sees your bed as its own territory and wants to safeguard it. By sleeping on your feet, the cat is marking you as its own. It can be a warning to the other cats that you belong to her.
Your cat may decide to sleep on your feet to ensure that and inform you that it owns the area – that part of the bed and your feet!
Why do Cats Sleep With Their Paws On You?
Cats are animals that love solitude. They want to be independent in everything that they do. If they feel so, they will come running to you to cuddle. If they don’t feel like it, they will try staying away. You might have found your cats and kittens sleeping, touching each other. It is a form of warmth they show to one another.
They replicate this behaviour with humans as well. If you find your cat sleeping with its paw on you, it should clearly indicate that they treat you their own. It can also indicate trust, love, security and warmth.
What If I Don’t Want My Cat To Sleep On My Legs?
Most cat lovers are comfortable with their cats sleeping with them. However, what if you are not comfortable with your cat purring and wiggling beside you?
Here are a few things that you can try –
- Set them a separate bed – Cats always do not fancy areas. Even cardboard boxes may be fine for them. Try out the different options before you can finalise the alternate bed. Also, ensure that the bed is close to you or in the same room.
- Use something that smells of you – Your cat needs something that smells like you to sleep on. Make sure that the alternative bed is made of items that have your smell on it.
- Use pheromone sprays if needed – This can make the bed more comfortable and soothing for your cat.
If your cat joins you on the bed, make sure to transfer it to the new bed. Be consistent and persistent to take them to the new bed.
In Conclusion
Living with a cat does come with a huge range of experiences. In fact, you will keep learning new with every movement and behaviour of your cat. Cats prefer sleeping in places where they feel safe. So, if your cat prefers you to be close when sleeping, feel proud that they consider you to be trusted.
So, next time your cat crawls up beside you, you should be proud of yourself. Your cat trusts you as her own.
How do cats choose who to sleep with?
Your cat will decide to sleep with a person whom it trusts. Until it does not trust you, it will not sleep with you.
Can cats sense a good person?
Felines can judge a person. They can easily distinguish a good person from a bad person. If your cat likes being with you, it is a clear indicator that it trusts you.
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