Reduces stress – Petting a sleeping cat has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Strengthens the bond – Cats who sleep with their humans are closer to them. This comfortable snuggle helps them feel more trust and safety with their owners.
Cats who are deprived of these stages of sleep can become lethargic or irritable. If your cat is in REM stage, you probably want to let them sleep to allow them to restore their body's immunity. Kittens especially need sleep to allow them to build their bones and muscles – so avoid waking them at all if possible.
They're looking for security
“You may give your cat an extra level of security during sleep, a time when they're most vulnerable.” If your cat sleeps near you it means that they trust you and they feel secure with you by their side.
If your cat is busy doing something else, like eating, sleeping or playing they are unlikely to appreciate being touched, or fussed. The same goes for if they're hiding, or in one of their quiet places. If your cat appears scared, or in pain you should generally try and avoid touching them.
Allowing your cat to cuddle up with you at night can help reduce stress and may help you fall asleep more quickly. However, they can also interrupt your sleep throughout the night and bring a number of health risks to your bed.
Sleeping near you
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
Companionship
Finally, your cat may like sleeping with you simply because they like and trust you. Your cats know you take good care of them and they consider you to be a good sleeping companion! Contrary to stereotypes, cats enjoy companionship (on their terms).
You've Hit the Spot
Although elevator butt may seem rather insulting to us, it's actually the cat's very positive response to the fact that you've hit just the right spot when petting her. Typically, that spot is at the base of her tail.
The “sweet spot” is usually at the end of the back... yes, what is basically the top of the cat's butt! Be sure to stop before you hit the tail - the tail is often off-limits! Base of the Ears: Cats have a lot of scent glands concentrated here, which means it's a good spot for petting.
Your cat puts her paws on you to transfer scent
Depositing scent on an object or person is not really about marking territory, claiming possession, or dominating, as some people think. To the cat, it's about making his world smell like him – a smell that is familiar, comforting, and safe.
According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite. People who communicate with their cat by getting to know their cues and motives are more attractive to their cat companions.
Cats know that we don't respond as quickly and they'll also notice the physiological changes that occur during sleep which makes it clear to them that something is different. But whether or not they care will be up to the individual feline and how you respond!
Cats can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick, even when they appear clean and healthy. Visit your veterinarian for routine care to keep your cat healthy and to prevent infectious diseases.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
In addition to being petted, do cats like to be held? Sometimes. Most cats love to snuggle, and they're typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up.
However, sensitivity is not the only reason why your cat doesn't like their paws to be touched. In a way, when you hold your cat's paw, you're neutralizing their defence mechanism: the claws, which makes your cat feel vulnerable and trapped, and that's why they bite.
The ears - Some cats like their ears scratched, rubbed, or gently twisted. A few even go for having a knuckle rubbed against their ears' exteriors. If your cat appears to have very itchy ears, ask the vet to take a look at them. Itchiness could signal mites or allergies.
A cat's vision is similar to a human who is color blind. They can see shades of blue and green, but reds and pinks can be confusing. These may appear more green, while purple can look like another shade of blue. Cats also don't see the same richness of hues and saturation of colors that we can.
Chin pheromones in cats are thought to be "happy" pheromones. If you regularly scratch your cat's chin you will probably make him or her very happy. You can also make some practical use of chin scratching by extending the area you scratch.
Your cat is showing you how much they care by giving affectionate licks and bites. This could be an attempt at cuddling, or it may just want to play rough. You can still show and accept plenty of affection from your cat, just not the love bites.
Here's the important part, though: Cats think you're just a a slightly big, dumb non-hostile cat. Quite specifically, he says that they treat humans as if they were their Mama Cat.
No, your cat doesn't actually think you're the mama cat that birthed it. But cats show us a level of affection and respect that is very similar to the way they treat their mama cat. And this sweet fact flies in the face of anyone who thinks cats' “aloof” personality means they don't care about us.