Lack of attention
Felinologists are not yet able to give a definite answer why murchiks choose a person as a sleeping place.
Let's consider all possible reasons for this behavior. One of the reasons is lack of attention. The cat may tag along, purr, trying to be in contact. Fluffy decides to claim his rights to the person, trying to point out that he and the owner are from the same pack. When a cat climbs on his head, he doesn’t just lie there, but rubs, leaving his scent on him and demanding attention.
Location of the mammary glands, appearance and number
Due to the fact that cats' nipples remain in a rudimentary state throughout their lives, their size is extremely small and their color is slightly pinkish.
They are located on the stomach, usually in pairs. There are cases when the symmetry of the location is disturbed, but this is not a critical pathology and does not in any way affect the functionality of the mammary glands and the health of the animal, since blood circulation and lymphatic drainage occur not in perpendicular, but in vertical rows of nipples. Accordingly, if we are talking about any pathology of the glands, then, most likely, either the left or the right row of nipples will be affected.
Veterinarians classify the arrangement of pairs of nipples as follows::
- inguinal (located in the groin bone area, near the hind limbs);
- abdominal (located in the middle part of the abdomen. As a rule, there are most abdominal nipples);
- pectorals (located closer to the front legs).
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How many mammary glands should an animal have? The number of nipples in a cat, as a rule, varies from 4 to 8. However, this does not mean that there should be exactly that many of them. Not only asymmetry of the nipples, but also an odd number of them is considered normal. Also, nipples can be of different sizes.
Co-sleeping theories
There are several theories explaining why a cat lies down next to a person. The first of them states: these pets sense that their owner or members of his family have a disease in one or another organ and thus try to alleviate his condition. At the same time, adherents of alternative medicine claim that cats have strong energy, which allows them to identify foci of disease and destroy them in a timely manner.
Cats very often lie down on the spot that hurts a person.
This theory is partly confirmed by long-term observations, in which it was noticed that:
- Cats very often lie down in the very place that a person is currently hurting. They do this completely voluntarily and, if a particular disease is cured, they can move to the site of another diseased organ.
- People who keep cats at home have repeatedly noticed that these animals can really seriously alleviate the condition of one or another organ, for example, relieve stomach, headache, heart pain, as well as conditions such as arthritis.
The second explanation for the love of cats for lying on humans is the animal’s desire to constantly control the situation in its territory. In this regard, you can find out why a cat lies between people by observing it. This is how she usually does it when a stranger stays overnight in the room where she lives, when a man brings a new woman to his home for the first time.
The cat lies down on the person, demonstrating its love and devotion.
In this case, the cat simply shows its qualities as a leader in the team, thus protecting its territory and the right to leadership. Therefore, those animals that are considered dominant in the family rarely sleep with their owners. By the way, a roughly similar explanation is offered by the third theory, explaining why a cat lies on a person. She claims that in this way animals demonstrate their devotion and love for their owner.
These theories, especially the second and third, are quite seriously criticized by both doctors and specialists in the field of animal psychology. This is due to the fact that cats are very selfish creatures and the manifestation of some kind of tender feelings without benefit for them is not typical for them. Therefore, they “suck up” only to those people who feed them, while they are completely indifferent to the rest, even members of their families.
A cat climbs on a person to keep warm
Extra warmth
This reason is one of the main ones. Cats sleep on humans, and thus additionally warm themselves, and do not care about the owner at all. Domestic purrs are rather selfish creatures, directing their actions to increase their own comfort and create better conditions. It's just how nature designed them.
Purrs can lie down with their owner, climbing under the blanket and warming themselves against his body. Cats often sleep on a person's head. This is also due to the fact that they are looking for additional warmth. The fact is that a person sleeps with his head open and the body directs energy to warm the brain. The blood flow increases, and the owner’s head becomes an excellent “heater”. For the same reason, purrs can nest comfortably on their owner’s belly. This is a soft and comfortable place for the cat to rest.
There is an opinion that cats heal because they can easily find the place where the owner or mistress is in pain. In reality, everything is more prosaic: the temperature of the diseased organ is higher, so the sore spot is the warmest, for this reason cats lie there.
As for the healing abilities of furry cats, there is no scientific evidence for this phenomenon, but many cat lovers claim that if the cat sits on the disturbing place, the pain subsides and the spasms go away.
Most biologists and cat breeders are currently inclined towards this explanation. According to it, the temperature of the human body is higher than the temperature of the objects around it. Since a cat lives in a confined space of a room, it naturally chooses the warmest place in it - the human body.
Practice fully confirms this theory:
- A cat's body temperature is always higher than a human's body temperature, making it difficult for her to stay warm. As a result, she always looks for the warmest place in her habitat.
- Cats happily sleep on any warm object. They can be other animals, for example, cows and horses, batteries, stoves and even personal computer units.
- Diseased organs usually have an increased temperature, which attracts cats to them. After the person recovers and his body temperature drops, the animal can move to another place.
Diseased organs usually have an elevated temperature, which attracts cats to them.
By the way, this theory also explains why a cat lies on a person and purrs. The whole point is that in this way she demonstrates her satisfaction. Usually, translated from the conventional language of animals, rumbling means that the cat is currently full, calm and warm. If the animal is moved to a cool place, it will instantly stop purring.
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Despite the fact that there is even a whole theory of treating various diseases with the help of so-called cat therapy, it is still worth limiting your communication with the animal. So, if a cat prevents you from lying comfortably, jumps on you, or interferes with sleep with its purring, you should carefully move it to another place. This will not offend her at all, but will create comfortable conditions for yourself.
If your cat prevents you from lying comfortably, you should carefully move it to another place.
Often this can only apply to one person in the family and this behavior is reinforced from a very early age. Therefore, if an animal tramples you or scratches you with its claws, know that in this way it demonstrates the highest degree of affection for you.
But what explanation of the fact why a cat lies on a person should not be carried away is mysticism. Indeed, cats have always been associated with otherworldly forces in the history of mankind, but in real life, confirmation of the presence of any supernatural powers in them has not yet been obtained. Therefore, one should not attribute something mystical in behavior to these animals - it is quite understandable from the standpoint of materialism.
For all the millennia that cats have lived next to people, the human race has never learned to understand these mysterious creatures. Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly why they prefer to sleep on their owners, choosing different parts of their bodies (head, legs, stomach, chest, etc.). Only the cats themselves know this, but, alas, they cannot tell about it and we can only speculate.
Cats love to sleep on their owners.
Since ancient times, cats have been credited with psychic qualities and the ability to heal people. It is believed that the cat lies down exactly where it hurts (or doesn’t hurt yet, but will get sick in the near future). Allegedly, having its own powerful energy, the pet senses an area with a changed energy field and, by moving there, neutralizes its negative impact, and also relieves pain.
When an animal stubbornly tries to lie down on its legs, this may indicate some problems in the limbs with joints (arthritis, arthrosis) or veins (varicose veins). If nothing bothers the owner in this area for now, then the little healer will work for the future and relieve joint tension, as well as fatigue accumulated over a long day of work.
Many cats like to sleep on their feet
However, most often, furry healers sit comfortably on a person’s stomach, which is easily explained by the presence of a large number of internal organs in this part of the human body. Felines are distinguished by their ability to sensitively respond to the psychological state of household members. Having settled down in the solar plexus area, the cat will help improve your mood, relieve tension and stress, and also relieve the blues and depression.
A good friend of mine who suffers from heart failure always places his cat on the left side of his chest. At first he stomps around a little, then he carefully lies down, curled up into a ball. The man claims that this brings noticeable relief.
A cat systematically trying to lie on its owner's head thus relieves his mental stress. Experienced cat owners say that these animals are extremely sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure. They are trying to help weather-dependent people, alleviate their condition caused by cerebral vasospasm, and relieve migraines. At the same time, they can hug the host’s skull with their entire body.
Some cats prefer to lie next to a person’s face and even on top of a person’s head.
Cat's favorite places
For cats who don’t like to be petted or touched, sleeping in their owners’ bed has a selfish meaning, with the help of which the animals assert themselves. Most of all they love to lie down:
- on the chest;
- on the back;
- on a person's head.
The cat lies down on the chest in a ball when it wants to, and can pretend to be asleep, although it lies with its eyes open. A person, seeing how much pleasure such a position gives his pet, does not dare to drive him away from himself and is ready to endure these small temporary inconveniences.
Climbing on top of the sleeping owner, the narcissistic animal tries to show that it is the main thing here. And he doesn’t care at all whether a person is sleeping or not. The cat sits on it as if on his trophy, pleased with himself and his position in the house. The same can be said if the cat is sleeping or sitting on a pillow.
But those cats who prefer to sleep on their feet have a softer and more peaceful character. Cats feel tired and heavy legs and try to lie nearby. If a cat sits on a pillow, it feels the increased temperature and warms itself, while calming the owner.
When choosing a comfortable place to sleep, the animal tries to both warm up and feel safe. Such places are a closet, a chest of drawers, a nightstand and a bed. A human sofa and a cat bed are places where he feels like the owner of a house or apartment.
Convenience
One reason is the search for convenience. Cat owners constantly find their pets in the most interesting places: in the wardrobe, a basket with dirty laundry, nestled in carelessly discarded clothes. And all this has to do with soft surfaces. Then why don’t they sit on a soft belly or perch comfortably on the neck of a sleeping person.
No one doubts that fluffies love comfort. And if there is a choice - to sit or lie down, then the little cats choose to lie down, preferably in the softest and most comfortable place.
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Treatment of humans with the help of... cats
The search for an answer to the question of why a cat lies on a person’s sore spot has led humanity to the creation of such a method of treating diseases as feline therapy or cat therapy. From a scientific point of view, the therapeutic effect of such therapy is explained by several factors:
- During the process of purring, a cat generates sound waves of a certain range, usually ranging from 16 to 44 Hz. As a result of irradiation with them, protective mechanisms in the human body are activated, and its immune status increases.
- Cats have a higher body temperature compared to humans, which averages 38-39 C. As a result, lying on a person, the animal can warm him up well, which has both a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. And despite the fact that science still cannot accurately answer the question of why a cat lies, for example, on a person’s stomach, the therapeutic effect of this can be undeniable - precisely because the cat is able to warm diseased organs.
- Cats have a strong electrostatic field that is generated when the cat's fur rubs against various objects. As a result, upon contact with them, weak electrical currents are initiated in the tissues of the human body. Thanks to this, the processes of inhibition and excitation of the nervous system are normalized, pain goes away, and blood pressure decreases.
Lying on a person, an animal can warm him up well
The therapeutic effect that a cat has on a sick person usually consists of all the points listed above. At the same time, the animal acts instinctively, warming the owner with its body, purring to him and performing a kind of “massage” for him with his claws. This happens naturally, which creates an additional effect when treating the patient.
Sessions of such therapy are best taken from three to five in the morning. If you want to treat cardiovascular diseases, communicate with your pet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. As for the frequency of sessions, they should be carried out for the purpose of prevention once or twice a week.
With the help of feline therapy, significant progress can be made in the treatment of many diseases
Of course, feline therapy is not a panacea, but a certain improvement in the patient’s condition can be achieved with its help. The main thing to remember is that communication with cats is strictly contraindicated for allergy sufferers. Unfortunately, allergy sufferers will have to look for other ways to treat their ailments.
Is it acceptable to sleep with a cat?
For a full and quality sleep, you need the maximum level of comfort. A cat trying to snuggle here and there clearly does not contribute to this. And a pet, brazenly lying on its owner, sometimes definitely gets in the way. In addition, cats, although they are extremely clean, carry some infectious diseases (toxoplasmosis) and simply drag dirt on their paws.
Therefore, at least for hygiene reasons, it is better to provide your pet with its own sleeping place. This could be a basket with a soft mattress, a house, a bed, etc. On sale you can even find special heated mats for particularly cold felines.
To prevent the cat from sleeping on its owner, you can purchase a heated mat for it.
If such a tandem is convenient and comfortable for everyone, then there is nothing dangerous in sleeping next to a cat. But you must adhere to some rules:
- The cat needs to be vaccinated promptly.
- Treat against fleas (shampoos, sprays, collars, etc.).
- The animal must be dewormed:
- cats walking outside - once every 3-4 months;
- domestic cats - 1-2 times a year.
How to organize a holiday for a cat
After we have found out why a cat lies on a person and decided to practice this method of communication with the animal, it is worth thinking about how to properly organize rest for it. Cats typically sleep approximately 13-16 hours a day.
When setting up a cat corner, keep in mind that it should be safe and comfortable. In addition, the cat's den should be warm in winter and cool in summer. Be sure to place a special bedding or a small mattress on the bottom of the house. In this case, the animal will sleep in its place, and not on your bed.
Cats have a strong electrostatic field
If you allow your pet to use it, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Cats usually rarely sleep all night, so get ready at about five in the morning for an increase in their activity, since when they wake up, the fluffies first go to eat, and then it’s time to play. As a result, you will experience an unexpected and abrupt awakening.
Don't forget about such an important thing as hygiene. The fact is that, despite their innate cleanliness, cats can get dirty when they go about their business in the litter box. So if you decide to let your cat into the bed, you will have to wash her paws after every trip to the toilet.
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If you don't want to get up at the first meow, you will need to follow a few rules:
- Try to darken the room, as this will allow cats to sleep longer. To do this, you need to use thick curtains or blinds. If you don't pay much attention to this, you will have to get up with the first rays of the sun.
- There is no need to train your cat to eat immediately after you get up. The fact is that if you periodically repeat such a ritual, the animal will get used to it and will demand food from you even when you are sleeping. To prevent this from happening, teach her to eat on a schedule.
- Don't follow your cat's lead and don't react to her persistent desire to wake you up early in the morning. If you give in, the cat “alarm clock” for five in the morning will be set for you forever. In the same case, when a cat resists such a rhythm of life, do not let her sleep during the day, then she will do this at night, which is what you need.
Cats are very selfish creatures and the manifestation of some kind of tender feelings without benefit for them is not typical for them.
By adhering to the listed rules, you will not only be able to get a portion of health from your pet, but also will not disturb your sleep and life routine. Over time, the cat will get used to it, and then you will be able to somewhat soften the strict daily routine established for it. As a result, you and your cat will have a harmonious relationship, which will have a positive effect on your health.
We are looking for an answer to the question: why does a cat lie on a person was last modified: September 12th, 2021 by Ekaterina Efimova
Causes
It has been noticed that, regardless of their character (and cats have radically different temperaments), almost all pets try to climb higher under the cover of darkness - onto the owner’s back. Even the most grumbling and clawed representatives of the purring world prefer to spend the dark time of the day next to a person. Why?
Warm reason
Cats love everything warm.
The simplest explanation for a cat's choice: it's warm to sleep on a person.
The earliest rays of the dawn sun always go to the cats. In winter, at home, animals take captive everything that warms: ironed linen, heating radiators and laptop keyboards.
And it is not surprising that pets do not miss the opportunity to bask on a person. And when can this person, always running around, be caught in a calm state? Of course, at night. Covered with a blanket, the living heater not only does not drive away, but also does not pay undue attention. What else do independent cats need?
Living heater
This reason may be somewhat selfish, but you must agree that we are also warmer if we cover ourselves with a cat?
Convenient reason
All owners notice: the cat goes to sleep on something soft. What could be softer than a human belly? It's also warm. Cats are far from stupid, so even the proudest representatives of the mustachioed species forget about pride at the sight of their master's belly.
If your pet constantly climbs on top of you to sleep, don’t flatter yourself. You might just have the most comfortable furniture in the house.
Reason is sociable
If you have already become angry with the cat after exposing its cunning, take a closer look. Perhaps she lies down next to you not to warm herself, but to communicate? If you spend days missing at work and your pet greets you with a joyful “purr,” take a few minutes to rub his belly. Otherwise he will come at night to crush it for you.
Attention will be received in any way
Some cats cannot imagine life without their person. Remember that you have a whole world to yourself. And for a cat, you are its world. You can’t deprive the purring cats closed in your apartment of attention. Because of this, they fall into real depression.
Another plus for animals: a cat sleeping on its owner is a compliment for a person. Murka will never lie down where it is unsafe. Therefore, know that your pet trusts you completely.
Cats weaned early are often artificially fed. What sets off their reflex: a person is “mother.” Therefore, for the rest of its life, falling asleep next to its owner, the pet will feel in the safest place in the world. And the smell of the owner will inspire the animal with endless security.
The reason is confidential
Another reason for safety. Wildlife experts know why a cat lays on a person. For a “predatory” pet, the home is its pride, the inhabitants are its pack. If the cat entrusted you with her dream, know that perhaps you are a strong animal in her eyes. Even if you do not plan to participate in the cat hierarchy and earn the respect of the tailed one, you cannot avoid this. This is how animal logic works.
To finally make sure of your “place” in the house, take a closer look at your pet’s behavior. If he strives to protect you and rushes at strangers, then most likely the cat considers himself the strongest in the pack. And the owner is weak, he needs to be protected.
The weak in the “pack” must be protected
Another feature of the “striped leader” is evening inspections of the territory. If your pet doesn’t go to bed until everyone in the household has calmed down, you have a real leader living in your house. After making sure that everyone was asleep, did the “indoor lion” take a high position on your back? Your dream will be protected by the bravest creature in the apartment.
The reason is educational
Separately, you should pay attention to naughty pets.
If you notice that a cat is regularly mischievous and mischievous to you in every possible way, and at night climbs into your bed to sleep, congratulations, it is not the cat who lives with you, but you with the cat.
In fact, mischievous cats often “educate” their owner using such inventive methods. The furry world is filled with information that they get from smells. A harmful cat works all day to cover up your scent with his scent: sometimes he wears his shoes, sometimes he sleeps on a sweater, and at night he lies down where the owner smells the most - on the pillow.
“Master, sleep on the floor today”
Take a closer look at your relationship with your cat. If you don't get along, allowing an animal to sleep on your bed is admitting defeat in the struggle for leadership.
Feeling of protection
Cats are predators by nature, and they try to protect themselves while sleeping. Perched on the owner's chest, the cat feels completely safe. In this position they can completely relax. Of course, one should not exclude the tender feelings of animals. They get bored when their owners leave for a long time, and when they meet, they want to show how much they love them. The fluffies are located on the chest and begin to purr loudly with pleasure.
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This behavior makes cat people soft and unable to refuse their pet. Kittens especially love to sleep on humans. They are used to sleeping in a large company. Now they are owned by both their mother and brothers and sisters. They sleep better near their owner, lying comfortably on the chest.
In addition, fluffies know very well how their owners smell. This is the smell of stability for them. Some people like the owner's perfume, the smell of shampoo or deodorant. Therefore, sleeping on a person is comfortable, warm, safe, and even “aromatherapy” to boot.
Video about why cats lie on sore spots
A year ago, a small black kitten appeared in our family. Everyone loved him, but for some reason he became most attached to me. When I went to bed, the kitten climbed onto my bed, lay down on my chest, and we slept peacefully. Now this miracle has turned into a large cat, but the habit of sleeping on my chest has not changed. But it is quite heavy! No matter how much I throw him off me, he still waits for me to fall asleep and lies down in his place. Why does he do this, because he, too, is not comfortable sleeping in this position?