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If your “dogs are barking”, what better than to have a soft warm cat to soothe them? In a lucky and quirky twist of fate, cats seem to be drawn to their owner’s feet… indeed one of the quirks many cat owners often question is why their cats sleep on their feet.
Cats are peculiar in many aspects of their habits, as kitty parents know all too well. Sleeping habits are no exception to this rule.
In today’s post I’m going to explore why your cat loves sleeping on your feet. I’ll discuss some of the reasons why they seem to really enjoy a “foot snooze”. Perhaps this will help you identify what your own cat is thinking when it snuggles up to your “dogs” at the end of the day.
I’ll focus on the following topics:
Table of Contents
- Why Does My Cat Sleep on my Feet?
- Seeking Warmth
- Ready to Run
- Guard Duty
- Picking Favorites
- Space to Settle In
- Marking Territory
- Displaying Trust and Affection
- Summary
- Related Posts
Why Does My Cat Sleep on my Feet?
We might imagine there are far more comfortable places to take a nap, but cats all over the world seem to enjoy sleeping on feet.
Why on earth would they do that?
Well… here are some of the reasons why your cat probably sleeps on your tootsies!
Your Cat Sleeps On Your Feet to Seek Warmth
If your feline friend snuggles up on your feet, she may be soaking in your body heat to stay warm. Whether the room temperature is a little chilly or your cat simply prefers to sleep on a heat source, she’s no doubt finding comfort in this sleeping position.
Cats are less sensitive to heat than humans, and their body temperature naturally rests around a toasty 102 degrees Fahrenheit. They enjoy warmth even more than we do, and their faces are especially sensitive to heat. As a result, you may find them burying their heads in between your feet.
Just don’t be surprised or offended if your cat opts for a heating pad or another hot spot if your feet aren’t toasty enough!
Ready to Run
If you’re laying on your bed and your cat is on your feet, she may feel more secure than she would feel nestled in your arms or acting as the little spoon. Cats with shy or skittish personalities may only ever sleep near or on your feet. From this position, they have a safe way to hop off of you or sprint away if they feel startled.
Don’t take offense to your cat’s quick getaway strategy. It’s a natural instinct for many cats, even if the person they’re sleeping with generally makes them feel comfortable. They’re wired to prioritize safety above comfort, especially when selecting the perfect sleeping spot.
Guard Duty
At the foot of the bed, cats typically have a solid vantage point of both their owners and the surrounding room. Therefore, it’s an ideal spot to play vigilante. If they detect a threat, they can quickly sound the alarm to save both of you.
Despite their independent nature, cats form deep attachments with their caregivers, similar to the way dogs or babies do. These furry friends find comfort and security in their pet parents. Free food isn’t the only reason they like us!
They watch out for us and use their instincts to keep us safe. Owners have reported their cats detecting incoming storms, defending their owners against threatening people or dogs, and even sensing hidden diseases.
Picking Favorites
If there are multiple humans in your household, you may wonder why the family kitty is sleeping on your feet and not someone else’s. The answer has to do with your cat’s personality, preferences, and other factors.
Cats consider who they’ve bonded with most, who smells and sounds most comforting, who gives them the best scratches, who dishes out their wet food, and who makes them feel the safest.
Cats may not enjoy the sleeping company of one household member due to excessive movement, snoring, or frequent midnight bathroom trips.
Just like us, cats want their bedtime to be fully relaxing. If you’re the one who sleeps like a log every night, the family cat might choose your feet to sleep on for that reason.
Space to Settle In
When you tuck yourself in for bed, and your furry friend hops up with you, she may circle around and knead her paws where she intends to sleep. She has her pick of precisely where to curl up at your feet. Even if she has a cozy little cat bed, she might feel more in control when sharing your bed.
Soon enough, you’ll feel her kneading the covers and morphing into the space between or right on your feet!
During the course of the night, she may opt to scoot over to one side or the other. That’s the beauty of the foot of the bed. It’s spacious enough to give your kitty the options she deserves for a good night’s rest.
Your Cat Sleeps On Your Feet To Mark Territory
Cats are territorial. Their home – your home – is their territory. Instinctively, they investigate every nook and cranny, so they understand the depths of their home.
You may notice that your cat has several napping locations around the home. Each has been carefully chosen as a special, safe place within their territory.
So, when your cat snuggles up to your feet in your bed, in her mind, she’s enjoying that portion of her territory and keeping her habitat well-occupied.
You may think it’s your bed, but your cat knows better!
Displaying Trust and Affection
If your cat relaxes and snoozes on your feet, she shows her trust and affection. Felines seek comfort and safety instinctively, so you can bet that your kitty has found those qualities in you if she’s sleeping on your feet.
A few other key behaviors indicate that your cat trusts you while they settle in for the night on your feet. If they rub their face against your feet, slowly blink at you from their little foot nest, knead your feet, or roll onto their backs, there’s no doubt they adore you.
When your cat sleeps on your feet, it’s a sign that it loves and trusts you.
Why Do Cats Lay On Their Backs?
Summary: Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Feet?
Your cat probably sleeps on your feet for a number of reasons from seeking warmth to showing you how much it trusts you. So the next time your kitty wiggles on top of your toes, you can appreciate the unique bond you have.
Whether your furry friend is simply seeking warmth and comfort or she’s protecting you and displaying affection, know that you’re doing your duty as a pet parent by providing your cat with a secure place to sleep and rest its paws!
Does your cat sleep on your feet? I’d lover to hear about it. Please leave a comment or ask a question in the section at the bottom of this page.
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