Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Feet?

It is rare for an adult person to weigh less than 40 kg (90 lb). Assuming that the average weight of an adult cat is between 3 and 4 kg (7 to 8 lb) - excluding Maine Coons, Savannah cats and other larger breeds - this means that cats choose sleep with someone that weighs at least 10 to 13 times more than them.

Therefore, if the cat is sensible and aims to survive this experience without being rolled on in the middle of the night, it will naturally choose to sleep in a safer place: the feet. Here, there is less weight and the odds for escape are easier and greater.

In fact, cats develop the habit of moving towards the either end of the body (head or feet) when they become adults, while generally, kittens sleep on the chest of their preferred sleeping partner. Kittens like to sleep on their carer’s chest, as they can feel a heartbeat and in turn feel protected, reminding them of their mother and period of lactation.

However, after learning that humans move and roll over in their sleep, cats learn and adapt . This explains one of the main reasons why your cat likes to sleep with you.

When a cat sleeps, it is aware that its guard is lowered. Therefore, your cat likes to lay with you in the case of any danger or threat, where they won't hesitate to wake you up to protect you and warn you of danger.

You might also notice that sometimes, your cat will lay with their back against something. In this way, they feel that they are in a better position to react and are more protected.

Did you know that cats love routine? best believe, if your alarm hasn’t woken you: your cat will. When a cat sleep at your feet, they will realize that the habitual wake up time has based, move to your face, and begin to rub against you and meow. For more, take a look at our article where we discuss the reasons why your cat wakes you up every morning.

Cats like routine, absent of unpleasant surprises. This means, if you usually wake up at 8 am every morning, they will recognize this action and try to abide by it. You might notice that if you’re ill in bed, your cat will likely stay with you and keep you company.

Cats are territorial, possessive and sociable animals.

Every square inch of their home is their territory. As such, from kittens they will dedicate themselves to patrolling and exploring every nook and cranny of their new respective household. It’s a cat’s instinct, like any other animal, to understand their territory and habitat. Cats want to be aware of everything around them, in order to feel both safe and secure.

Cats are pack animals, and will therefore be affectionate with all member of the family. Cats will play, ask for attention and often force all member of the family to pet it. However, it is normal that there is one person they prefer more than others: the person the cat will most likely choose to sleep with.

If your cat likes to sleep on the feet of a specific person in your family: it’s because that person is their favorite^[1].

Naturally, you may think the only reason your cat sleeps by your feet is because they love you and want your company. This may be somewhat true, but not always. In your cat’s mind, it is often you who is sleeping by it’s feet, not the other way around. Since you live in their territory and it recognizes you, it lets you sleep at its side.

Besides the fact that your cat likes to sleeping on you, or lay next to you: a cat will show you affection or trust by licking you. Cats are very hygienic and meticulously preen and wash themselves with their own tongue. If your cat licks you, it is because they are trying to clean you, treating you as one of their own.

If you bring a new cat home, especially if it's another cat, your cat will most likely be unhappy for a while. This unhappiness may fester through aggressiveness, isolation and disregard. Some cats might even choose to sleep away from you for a while. In this case, make sure that you give both cats equal attention and socialize them properly with each other. With time, your original cat with familiarize itself with the new cat, and all should settle and go back to normal. To help you, take a look at out article; How to introduce a new cat to another cat.

For more about cat sleeping patterns, take a look at our Youtube video below!

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