Have you ever drifted off to sleep, only to be woken up by a face full of cat fur? You kindly remove your cat, only to find her sleeping directly on your head moments later. In this situation, it’s only natural to wonder: why does my cat sleep on my head?
Feline experts are not totally sure as to why cats sleep on their owner’s heads, but they do have some theories:
Your Head Is Warm
It’s no secret that cats love to seek out warm places in the house. That is why we often find our cats basking in the sun or curled up in a fresh batch of laundry. With your warm head popping out of your covers, your cat may see your head as a cozy place to sleep on a cold night.
You Provide a Feeling of Safety
Just like people, animals need to feel safe, including cats. Your cat may look to you for protection and think of your head as an early warning system. If you are startled by a noise in the night, your head will jolt up, waking your cat so she can get away from possible danger.
The scent of your hair and the soothing sound of your breath can all be relaxing to your cat. She associates these smells or sounds with companionship, care and peace. Snuggled under the covers, your head may just be your cat’s happy place.
Your Cat Loves You
Contrary to popular belief, cats do bond with their people. If you’re away during the day, your cat may want to spend every minute your home with you, including at bedtime. Those purrs, head rubs and kitty kisses your cat’s way of saying she loves you. Jumping into bed and snuggling up next to you is just another way of showing her affection, so wear your cat hat with pride.