Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Chest? Read on to find the best answer!
If you are a cat owner or ever owned one, I’m sure you know that cats love sleeping on your chest.
They can also sleep on your lap, climb on your shoulders, or even your head.
Cats are loving and playful pets, and anytime they see you around, they will want to invite you to a part of their game.
Animal behavioral psychologists have tried to explain this phenomenon of cats enjoying laying on humans but have a valid answer.
First of all, a cat sleeping or wanting to sleep on your chest is expected behavior. Cats can display other behaviors, too, for example, hiding household items such as pieces of clothes, toys, etc., and this is normal as well.
Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Chest?
Since all cats are not the same, that’s why we cannot give a clear answer as to ‘why my cat sleeps on my chest’.
What we can offer are theories made by scientists, which are the following.
1. Comfort
Cats are social animals and feel comfortable where their owners are. Just as you would enjoy sleeping on a nice comfy bed, a similar concept applies to your cat. For example, if you’re wearing clothes made of fine linen or cotton, chances of your cat longing to sleep on your chest or belly are very high.
At your chest, they find peace, warmth, and company as well. Who doesn’t enjoy feeling comfortable during sleep?
2. Sense Of Security
One of the most common things cats expect from their owners is security. As babies look forward to their parents for safety, cats also expect this. When you adopt a cat as a pet and get used to it, it takes you as a parent.
Due to this reason, when it comes to sleep, cats will forever choose to be around you because they know where the parent is; there is no harm, right? Your cat can sleep on your chest even when you have provided it with a bed.
It’s not that it doesn’t like the bed, no. It’s because cats feel primarily vulnerable when they’re asleep. For your cat to overcome this feeling, it will crawl to your chest.
3. In Search of Warmth
Cats are warm-blooded animals. We can also say they are homeotherms and maintain a constant temperature of around 38.1-39.2 degrees centigrade. It clearly shows how much cats love being in a warm environment.
Unlike humans, whose body temperature revolves around 37 degrees centigrade, cats require a more hospitable place to keep up with their internal body temperature.
Cats love basking on the windows or doors, especially in the morning when there is the sun. Do you know why? It’s because their body mechanisms don’t do well in cold places.
Since cats understand that their keepers can provide warmth to them, why not land on your chest?
4. To Mark Their Territories
Most animals like marking their territories as a way of informing other animals that, “Hey, this is my area.” Cats are no exception when it comes to this. They do this by rubbing their bodies against your body, and in return, they leave a scent and fur behind.
This scent can be sensed by other animals, and know the place is another animal’s territory. Cats can also lick your chest, clothes, face, or anywhere they find appropriate. It is a way of saying you belong to them as well.
5. Soothing Heartbeat
Just as you would love to hear soothing, gentle music as you sleep, cats also love it. When a cat sleeps on your chest, as your heart keeps on pounding while pumping blood, this is usually very relaxing and soothing to the cat. I am sure you may have noticed that kittens like sleeping around their mothers so much.
Why? Because they get a heartbeat that calms them down. When a cat gets so much used to this, even when it’s full-grown won’t stop leaning on your chest. Your heartbeat acts as music in your cat’s ears, and so, they keep on coming for more.
Summary
We can conclude that cats lay on your chest because they love you; it’s warm, comfortable, and clean. Also, through this, they bond with you, and you love it, don’t you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Chest?
As we have seen above, cats love to cuddle and be around their owners. Your cat feels relaxed, loved, and secure when it sleeps there. It can also be a way for your cat to show some love to you.
Should I Allow My Cat to Sleep on My Bed?
Guess which one? Cats will always enjoy sleeping on your bed because it’s warm, comfortable, clean, and most importantly, it has a familiar scent. The owner’s smell and the cats love it. But it would help if you were careful not to inhale fur, which can trigger allergic reactions.
Why Does My Cat Snore A Lot When Sleeping?
Your cat snores because it feels relaxed and safe. This happens when their soft palate relaxes, and air passes through it. It’s a sign of deep sleep and relaxation.
Why Is My Cat So Alert Even When Sleeping?
Cats are animals that are made to respond to external stimuli quickly. Any little noise or movement made, your cat will be alert no matter how small it is. How smart is that?
