Lying next to you, but not on you, doesn't mean your cat is not bonded to you. In fact, sleeping next to you means your cat trusts you enough to be in a vulnerable position while sleeping. Some cats are not comfortable sleeping on their cat parent because they prefer the security of a small buffer zone.
Your cat's sleeping choices may just be personal. Some cats just don't feel the need to share our sleeping space, like Cuddles, who belongs to a woman I know. “Cuddles is too good to sleep with humans,” she says.
Your Cat Is Looking for Security
Because of their position in the middle of the food chain, they may feel vulnerable while they're sleeping. Sleeping next to you helps them feel more secure in their ability to sleep because they know they have an extra layer of defense if a predator comes their way.
Your cat loves you, he just might not be comfortable with regular petting or being held. Don't worry though, there are things you can do to entice your kitty to want more love, he just needs to get to know you better. The way to do this is do what he wants, not what you want.
In the wild, cats are predators, but they are also potential prey for larger animals. When they sleep facing away from you, they are showing that they trust you. They are also showing that they plan to keep an eye on the surrounding environment for both of you.
You are the center of your cat's world and the keeper of all their resources, so it makes sense that your cat follows you around. In addition, your cat shares a strong bond with you, may be curious to what you are doing, may have insecurity, may want your attention, or may think that you will feed or play with them.
Your cat might follow you into the bathroom simply because they love you and want to be with you all the time. Although independent animals, felines still form close bonds with their humans and your cat even misses you when you're not around.
While some cats can be exuberant and crave affection, others can be timid and appear aloof. Most of the time, this comes down to individual personality differences. However, some cats might be less affectionate because they didn't have enough socialisation with humans when they were young.
They crave warm and cozy spots, so if your bed is something they find comfortable, they'll likely choose you to snuggle with. The one who makes them feel safe. Cats are particular about where they sleep, ensuring it's safe and secure.
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.
They Want to Show that You Belong to Them
And because your smell is familiar, it's comforting and secure. By sleeping on you, she might be marking you as belonging to her. If your cat doesn't like laps or lying on you, don't be discouraged or take it personally.
This means they often prefer to communicate at a distance and is the reason why some cats may be content just to be in the same room as their human, rather than being constantly stroked and cuddled.”
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.
Cats are often quite independent creatures but if they have a strong bond with you, they may simply follow you around because they want to be near to you and see what you're up to. Or perhaps they're waiting for you to sit down so they can jump on your lap for a snooze.
It is a very important and sensitive part of their body. However, if your cat lets you touch its paws, it means that they love and trust you. This small action truly demonstrates that you have created a great bond with your cat as they trust you enough to let you touch one of the most sensitive areas of their body.
While every cat has a different personality, the general signs of separation anxiety in felines are: Excessive meowing, crying or moaning. Eating too fast or not eating at all. Excessive self-grooming.
Either way, there's evidence that cats comfort humans when sad. "When pet parents are depressed, cats rub against them more often. It's likely your cat is responding to your emotional state by trying to comfort you or draw your attention," McGowan says.
Studies have shown that cats can recognise their owners, even after they've been apart from them for an extended period of time, but they don't rely on sight to identify us.
Your cat is following you because they want your attention
Perhaps they're afraid of something or they may be feeling ill and this has caused a change in their behaviour. Sometimes cats experiencing distress will also want to keep as close to their owner as possible.
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 can show affection by bunting. When they rub their scent glands against your ankles and hands, it's a surefire way to indicate that they like you. Purring and other vocalizations also show that they trust you and your presence. Cats vocalize to communicate with you.
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.