Cats love the comfort and closeness of their owner, and sleeping on a human is one of the clearest demonstrations of trust. Owners often notice that a cat will settle on their chest, belly or legs and can sleep there for hours. For the animal itself, this is warmth, calmness, and a sense of security. But is it good for humans?
Why a cat chooses to sleep on its owner
First of all, this is an instinctive behavior. Cats in nature look for warm places to sleep, and the owner’s body is the perfect “heater”. They also respond to the rhythm of heartbeat and breathing, which creates a sense of calm. Affection also plays an important role: the cat shows that it considers the person its territory and at the same time its protector. This is an act of trust, because in her sleep she is most vulnerable, and therefore feels safe nearby.
Is it good for the owner
From an emotional point of view – yes. Many people note that sleeping next to a cat gives a feeling of coziness, reduces stress levels and even helps to fall asleep faster. It is a kind of therapy with warmth and purring. But physically it is not always so simple.
There are cases when people woke up with a feeling of shortness of breath due to the cat lying on the chest for a long time. If the animal is heavy, it can create pressure on the chest, making it difficult to breathe. Such moments do not pose a lethal threat, but can cause discomfort and panic. This is especially characteristic of large and massive cats, which weigh more than 5-6 kilograms and like to settle exactly on the chest.
How to make sleeping safe and comfortable for both of them
It is best to let your cat sleep close to you, but not on your chest or face. You can place a warm blanket near a pillow or at your cat’s feet. If the cat still insists on its favorite spot, it’s important to learn how to affectionately move it to the side as soon as you feel pressure or discomfort. This way you will maintain both closeness and a comfortable sleep.
Conclusion
When a cat sleeps on you – it is pleasant and can be beneficial for the psycho-emotional state of a person. However, if the cat is heavy and lies on your chest, it can sometimes create breathing problems. Therefore, it is best to find a compromise: let it be close to you, but take care of your own comfort and safety.