Why do cats sleep on your chest

Know all the facts: Why do cats sleep on your chest?

The reason why cats sleep on your chest is that they like to seek warmth from their owner. Mainly, when it is cold, this helps them keep their ideal body temperature. Moreover, it reinforces the bond they have with their owner.

Most pet owners, especially of dogs and cats, invest in litter boxes, feeders, and beds for their pets. 

However, the bed could be the most futile purchase because your cat most likely prefers to sleep with you. 

Why else do cats sleep on your chest anyway?

Warmth

When a feline wants to rest or maybe prepare to sleep, it tends to look for a warm spot in the room.

This is why it’s typical to find your cat napping by the window. You might also notice it quickly snatching your place on the couch once you get up. 

Therefore, felines would prefer to sleep on your bed than on the floor. And what's warmer than that? It's your body that gives off heat. 

Bodily Rhythms

When they’re young, kittens are next to their mothers, most of the time.

Similar to humans, it’s a mother’s heartbeat and warmth that becomes an indication of security and comfort.

So, even as felines mature, they still subconsciously seek for such warmth and rhythm that they felt when they’re younger.

Felines would usually sleep next to each other. Or, if there’s no other cat around, then the best option is you.

Soothing Sounds and Scents

Aside from your rhythm, your sound is also an instant lullaby to your pet.

Meanwhile, your scent signifies companionship and safety so it can sleep when it's next to you.

Safety and Security

Even while they rest, cats’ ears and noses are still on high alert to any signs of danger.

A small sound or scent of a newcomer quickly wakes them up. Being wary of their environment while they sleep, they usually seek the safest spot around the house.

If it chooses to sleep with you, especially on your chest, it means that it considers you safe. 

Cat sleeping in bed

Why should you let your cat sleep on you?

Affection

Most felines are naturally affectionate. When they choose to sleep on you, it’s more than just because of comfort.

It is also its expression of affection for you.
 
Noting that it’s picky when it comes to sleeping spots, your cat sleeping on you means it likes you.

It signifies that your scent is calming to it and that you've proven to be a good owner.

And, as mentioned above, it means excellent trust.

Sleeping on your chest then also means that it is reciprocating the love and care that you’ve shown.

So, if you try to bug it off as you sleep, your relationship with it will be significantly affected.

Beneficial purr

As your pet purrs itself to sleep while lying on your chest, its frequencies travel to your body.

Usually, at 18 to 20Hz, such rate was found to have healing properties for humans.

One obvious benefit is that its sound is therapeutic in helping humans relax, and also helps lower blood pressure.

In line with this, it was found that feline owners are 40% less prone to developing heart problems.

Also, it's purring also mimics inward and outward breathing that could aid you from dyspnea.

 Next, although not visibly observable, it was found that your cat’s purr also promotes bone strength and healing.

How so? The best frequency to bone strength is 25 to 50 Hz. A cat’s purr is almost at 20 Hz, which is pretty close.

In addition to bones, your pet’s purr also soothes your muscles and creaky joints. 

Where else can your cat sleep?

Seeing that your snuggling feline's also beneficial for you, you might as well welcome its nap time with you.

Here are other spots where your pet enjoys sleeping.

Lap
It's one of the most usual spots for them, especially if you are not lying down.

It may not be as comfortable as your chest, but its warmth is pretty good for them.

Also, it gives them the opportunity to receive some petting before they nap.

As an owner, however, it may be inconvenient as it's quite challenging to move without waking up your pet.

Head
Another sleeping spot for your feline is none other than your head.

It is particularly appealing, especially if you are not the type who tosses and turns while sleeping.

Again, this area provides warmth and scent from your body.

Cat sleeping on my arm

What should you do if your cat sleeping on your chest?

We’ve also laid down some tips for you if sleeping on your chest has become a habit of your pet.

•If your feline is not too heavy to disturb your breathing and sleeping, you might as well let it lay on your chest.

•Establish a stronger relationship with your pet by playing with it and petting it more.

•Sleep sideways. With this strategy, your pet won't be able to position itself on you and would, later on, adjust to your pattern.

•If you're suddenly woken up because your feline lays on your chest, DO NOT treat it rudely. Such a response would drive your pet away from you.

•Establish the right balance and pattern when your pet may or may not sleep on your chest. Doing this will create a healthy owner-pet relationship. 

Should you decide to stop your feline from sleeping on your chest, remember to do it very gently.

You need to provide other opportunities where it can show its love and affection for you. 

Leave a Comment: