Have you ever thought about why cats always choose pillows to sleep, even with so many countless spots around? Behaviorally speaking cats are charming creatures, especially in their cuteness and sleeping habits. They are quite famous for spending a significant portion of their day averaging 15 to 20 hours while sleeping. One interesting element of this behavior is their inclination to choose pillows as their preferred spot for sleeping. This leads us to two questions. Why do cats like pillows?
And why does my cat sleep or lay on my pillow? In this blog, we will consider these two queries, the psychology behind this habit, and the potential advantages for pet owners. Let’s dive!
Table of Contents
Understanding cat Behaviour
According to the Domestic Cat: The Biology of its Behaviour by Dennis C. Turner and Patrick Bateson and Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Cat Owner” by John Bradshaw Cats are quite popular for their love for sleep, often sleeping 16 to 20 hours a day. This quality or habit comes from their intuitive spirit or genetic makeup. As hunters, cats conserve energy for outdoor activities by sleeping. In this regard, when it comes to choosing sleeping spots, comfort, warmth, and security are key. Cats always prefer soft, warm, and safe places.
Generally, pillows are soft, warm, elevated, and close to their human companions—often becoming their preferred spot.
Reasons Why cats sleep on pillows
Due to multiple reasons cats like pillows and prefer to sleep or lay on your pillow. Let’s dive!
Sign of showing love and bond
Cats behaviorally prefer to sleep on human pillows as a way to reflect their affection, love, and bond with their owners. Staying close to their human friends gives cats a sense of security and pleasure, while also providing emotional relief. The vet suggests that this behavior stems from a cat’s desire for connection and friendship.
Seeking warmth and comfort
Pillows are the perfect spot for cats as they absorb heat, offering a cozy and warm place to refill their energies. Cats have a higher average body temperature (around 101-102°F or 38.3-38.9°C).
And are naturally inclined towards warm environments to help regulate their body heat. Pillows, especially those near humans, retain warmth from the body, making them even more appealing as a sleeping spot.
Cats show trust and security
Cats sleeping on their owner’s pillow is a sign of trust because it shows they feel safe and secure in your presence and love being around you. This behavior reflects their instinctual need for safety, as they seek out cozy, protected spots near someone they trust to lower their guard while resting.
Marking pillows as their Territory
Cats use scent marking to communicate and acquire territory, courtesy of special types of glands located in several parts of the body. Like submandibular glands (under the chin), perioral glands( around the mouth), and sebaceous glands (on their face, tail, and paws).
Additionally, when a cat rests or lays on your pillow, it may be a sign of demarcation of its terrority by scent glands. This behavior showcases trust, love, and comfort, as the cat feels safe in your presence and the things related to you.
This argument is supported by different works such as “Cat Sense” by John Bradshaw and “The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour” by Turner and Bateson, which dive into cat behavior and communication styles. For further exploration, do go through these books as they provide valuable insights into how cats interact with their environment and humans.
Cats want to reduce stress and anxiety
The thing which is worthy of importance is that, whenever cats feel stressed or anxious, they often seek comfort by staying close to their owners. This behavior provides them with a sense of security and reassurance. Cats are inclined to their owner’s scent and presence, so staying on pillows helps them negate the feelings of uncertainty and fear.
So sleeping on their owner’s pillow, allows them to feel calm and protected during challenging times.
Should you allow your cats to sleep on your pillows?
It is a debate of quality discussion that has both sides. Allowing your cats to sleep on your pillow can have both pros and cons.
Pros
Strengthening bond
Naping near you, especially on your pillow, reflects trust and affection. This can deepen the emotional connection and bond between you and your cat.
Stress Relief for the Cat
Cats are actually human-oriented species due to this they often seek comfort from their owner’s scent and presence, which assist them to feel secure, especially during stressful times and situations.
Joycond Company
For pet lovers or cat owners, having a pet nearby can provide a sense of comfort, love, and companionship.
Drawbacks
Hygiene problems
Cats may carry allergens, germs, parasites, or debris in their fur if not properly groomed, which can replicate on your pillow. This could introduce bacteria or irritants to your sleeping area resulting in health issues.
Allergies
The close connection of your cat with your pillow can increase symptoms and possibilities for individuals with cat allergies, making sleep a laborious task.
Behavioral problems
Cats sleeping on your pillow may be a way of asserting dominance, particularly in multi-pet houses. This behavior can ignite or flare up territorial disputes and competition or make it harder to discourage them from claiming other areas in the home.
Simply it can be a cozy and charming experience but allowing your cat to sleep on your pillow requires a careful approach regarding your health, hygiene, and your cat’s behavior. If you are thinking contrary to it, do provide alternative comfortable spaces for your cat that can redirect this habit without compromising or neglecting their comfort.
Tips to Encourage Alternative Sleeping Spots
In order to protect your bond with furry and your health from different issues it is essential to encourage behavior that is equally harmless and full of love. So, explore the professional tips!
Creating a Comfortable Cat Bed
One of the nicest ways to encourage the cats to alternate sleeping spots is to set up a cozy, soft, and warm bed or blanket that justifies your cat’s preferences.
Arrange it in a less buzzy, warm area and add elements like elevated surfaces or enclosed spaces to imitate their natural habits. Additionally, cat trees or perches can also serve as attractive alternatives.
If you want to buy a comfortable cat bed for your cat then do click.Furhaven ThermaNAP Self-Warming Cat Bed for Indoor Cats
Body scents
Another thing that is worthy of discussion is that you should place a blanket, or piece of cloth, or any sort of stuff that carries your scent away in a new sleeping area. Your scent makes them feel secure and safe.
Gently and softly disallow your cat from sleeping on your pillow by using deterrents like double-sided tape or aluminum foil on the surface. But Keep in mind consistency is key—redirect your cat to the alternative spot with treats, toys, or positive reinforcement to help them associate it with comfort and safety.
Providing multiple charming options can easily redirect your cat without hurting bond and comfort.
Read more.Are Treats Safe For Puppies?
Final Thought
In a nutshell, cats may prefer sleeping on human pillows for comfort, and security, marking their territory and strengthing their bond. They are naturally drawn to the soft surface, your scent, and the closeness it provides during stressful situations. Additionally, this behavior strengthens the bond between you and your cat, it’s essential to balance their love with separate space by understanding their needs and setting boundaries when necessary.
