Cats are known for being independent creatures who enjoy sleeping alone. Yet some cats prefer to sleep on their owners’ heads or shoulders. This behavior is called ‘sleeping on command’.
There are several reasons why cats might choose to sleep on us. Some cats simply enjoy the warmth of our bodies. Others may be feeling stressed out or sick.
If your cat sleeps on you, try changing his bedding or adding some toys to his cage.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons why your cat may have started to sleep on your head.
Cats Enjoy Warmth
Cats are creatures who love warmth. They’re attracted to warm places. Laundry baskets full of clean, warm clothes are irresistible to them.
Some cats are known to burrow themselves under blankets as it is so warm. When you go to bed, you get under your covers as that is a warm place for you.
Yet, your cat is looking for their own warm place where they can go to sleep as well. They will naturally follow you to bed as well.
People will lose a certain percentage of heat through their heads at night. This is what makes your pillow so warm and soft, which is also very inviting for your feline friend.
Grooming
When cats are first born, they sleep over each other and huddle together for comfort and warmth. Some cats will continue to do this through adulthood as well.
They don’t only curl up together to sleep, they also do it to groom each other as well. They will lick each other’s heads, ears, and faces as a sign of love for one another.
It is also known that cats like the smell of each other and see each other as a safe family member. Your cat may have found your head, and they are on your head to groom you, to bond you two together.
They are doing this to show you that they trust you and that you are someone they love and trust.
Smell
It may sound strange, but your cat may be on your head because they like the smell. They may enjoy the smell of the shampoo or conditioner that you are using.
If you notice your cat rubbing their mouth on your head, they are claiming you as their own. The better your head smells, the more attracted your cat may be to it.
Affection
Your cat could be lying on your head, just because they love you. They want to be as close to you as possible and this is the most comfortable place that they choose.
When you are in bed, you are covered up, thus your head is the only exposed part.
As a result, this is the part they decide to get close to. If your cat is affectionate, then they will want to be as close to you as they physically can be.
What If It Is None Of These Reasons?
If your cat has only started sleeping on your head, and doesn’t usually. Then it is completely understandable if you are concerned.
If you have ruled out all the possibilities we have mentioned above, then a trip to your local vet may be in order.
Also consider if you have noticed any other symptoms or changes in behavior as well. Have they had a reduced appetite, lack of interest in playing, lethargy etc.
Any abnormal behavior should be mentioned to your vet, so that you can rule out any serious health concerns.
Remember that cats will hide when they are feeling unwell. So if you notice a difference in your cat, there is no harm in seeing a vet for a check-up.
How To Stop Your Cat Sleeping On Your Head
Use A Pillow
The easiest way to stop your cat from laying on your head is by simply using a pillow. You can buy a large fluffy pillow that your cat will find comfortable with.
Or, you can make your own pillow by taking a small towel and putting it inside a larger towel.
Simply cut off both ends of the smaller towel and leave the middle open. Now fold the top half down and secure it with tape. Place your cat’s favorite toy inside the pillow and an old shirt that smells like you, and voilà!
A perfect pillow for your cat. The pillow will smell like you, and if that is the reason they like sleeping on your head, then this shirt will give them the same comfort that sleeping on your head did.
Put Them In Their Own Bed
This method works great if your cat has already been trained to sleep in its own bed. Simply put them in their own bed and let them know that this is where they belong.
Make sure that you remove any toys from the room before you put them in their bed. Cats will not play with anything that isn’t theirs, so removing the toys will prevent them from getting into trouble.
Close The Bedroom Door
This could cause your cat to make a lot of fuss, however, you should make sure they have a warm bed of their own in another room they can go to.
Shutting the door can cause your cat to start scratching at the door or meowing, but you need to ignore them. This is because the moment you open the door, they know they have won, and will do it every time.
After a while, if you keep the door shut, they will become used to the new routine and stop making a fuss and go and sleep in their own bed and not yours on your head.
Final Thoughts
You may have noticed that your cat has started to sleep on your head. This could be due to a couple of reasons such as they feel safe, they like the smell, or it is comfortable.
Whatever the reason, there are ways to stop your cat from sleeping on your head.
Hopefully, the tips we have mentioned above have given you an insight why your cat may have started doing this behavior and how you can stop it if you don’t like it.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
- Can Cats Be Mute - March 24, 2022
- How To Find A Missing Cat - March 24, 2022
- Can Cats Be Emotional Support Animals - March 24, 2022
Related Posts:
