Cat owners often wonder if cats that sleep together are truly friends. This is a common question, as observing cats sleeping in close proximity or even snuggling may indicate a bond. However, just because two cats sleep near each other does not necessarily mean they have formed a friendship. There are other behaviors and signs to look for when determining the nature of a relationship between cats that share sleeping spaces. We will explore whether cat friends do indeed tend to sleep together and what else to look for beyond co-sleeping habits.
Normal Cat Social Behavior
Cats are often considered solitary creatures that don’t necessarily seek out social bonds like dogs and humans do. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, cats are still somewhat asocial even after domestication, and they do not have complex social relationships like some other domesticated animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/social-behavior-of-cats).
In the wild, feral cats generally live solitary lives and hunt alone. They have ranges that may overlap with other cats, but they still mostly avoid direct interaction outside of mating season. Kittens will stay with their mother until around 8-10 weeks old before dispersing. So overall, cats are not pack animals like dogs and don’t have the same social needs (https://www.dutch.com/blogs/cats/how-social-are-cats).
With humans, cats can form social bonds, but their relationships are different than those with dogs. They tend to choose when to interact on their own terms. Cats are more independent and not constantly seeking attention or engagement from people. So while domestic cats are certainly capable of friendship and affection with humans, their social needs are not the same as more highly social animals like dogs.
Benefits of Co-Sleeping for Cats
There are several benefits for cats when they sleep together or with their human companions. One of the main benefits is an increased sense of security. When cats sleep pressed up against each other or cuddled up with their owner, they feel protected and safe. This allows them to fully relax and get better quality sleep. According to one expert, “Cats are always on alert when alone, so when they sleep with you it means they feel secure in your presence” (source).
Sleeping together also provides warmth and comfort for cats. Cats naturally enjoy cuddling up with other cats or their human for added warmth while they sleep. The soft tactile sensation and companionship leads to a greater sense of comfort and contentment for sleeping cats. As social creatures, most cats relax more fully when snuggled closely with a companion.
Finally, co-sleeping has been shown to help lower stress levels in cats. Petting, cuddling, and sleeping near cats while in bed can cause the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” This helps relieve tension and anxiety in cats so they feel more relaxed and less stressed. One study found that stroking and snuggling cats releases oxytocin in both the cat and human, leading to reduced anxiety for both (source). Sleeping together provides that close comforting contact.
Signs of Cat Friendship
There are several behaviors that indicate friendship between cats. Some of the most notable signs of feline companionship include grooming each other, playing together, and sharing resources or spaces.
Mutual grooming is a clear sign cats have bonded and developed affection for one another. As cats groom each other, they spread their scents, reinforcing social bonds. Cats that frequently lick and gently nibble on each other are exhibiting bonding behaviors (source).
Seeing cats play together is another indicator of friendship. This includes chasing, wrestling, pouncing, and other playful antics. The willingness to engage in social play shows the cats trust each other and enjoy spending time together (source).
Cats that share resources like food, water, toys, and sleeping spaces view each other as companions rather than competitors. When cats become friends, they are comfortable eating, drinking, and resting side-by-side (source).
Dangers of Co-Sleeping
While there are some benefits to cats sleeping together, there are also some potential dangers to be aware of. One concern is the increased risk of spreading diseases between cats who sleep in close proximity. Respiratory infections, fleas, worms, and viral diseases can be easily passed between co-sleeping cats (https://www.healthline.com/health-news/should-you-let-your-cat-sleep-in-bed-with-you). Close contact allows these diseases to spread through sneezing, grooming, flea bites, or sharing litter boxes. It’s important to monitor all cats in a multi-cat household for any signs of illness and keep up with preventative treatments.
Another potential downside is the risk of conflict or fighting between cats sleeping together, especially new cat pairs or cats that don’t normally get along. Cats are very territorial, so sharing a sleeping space could lead to hissing, swatting, or full-on fights during vulnerable sleep times. Cats that appear friendly when awake may become aggressive at night when sleeping in close quarters. It’s best to introduce co-sleeping gradually and provide multiple beds or perches so each cat has their own space to retreat to if needed (https://www.thewildest.com/cat-behavior/should-i-let-my-cat-sleep-with-me).
Examples of Cat Friends Sleeping Together
Many cat owners have observed their feline companions regularly sleeping curled up together. This behavior demonstrates a close bond between the cats.
For example, Susan described how her two cats, Lily and Oliver, always nap side-by-side (Source). When Susan adopted Oliver as a kitten, Lily immediately took to caring for him. Now that they are adults, they maintain their close friendship by sleeping next to each other every day.
Another pair of cat friends, Gus and Mr. Meowgi, were adopted together from a shelter according to their owner Amy. She states that the two cats are inseparable and frequently nap cuddled up with paws touching (Source). They even sleep curled up in the same cat bed at night.
These examples demonstrate how commonly sleeping together occurs between feline friends. The behavior reflects their comfort, companionship, and bond.
Expert Opinions
Veterinarians and animal behaviorists have weighed in on whether cats sleeping together is a sign of friendship. According to Dr. Katy Nelson, an emergency veterinarian at the Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Virginia, “Cats are very social creatures. In fact, they need the companionship of other cats” (Country Living, https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g29464014/cat-quotes/). She explains that when cats sleep together, it shows they have bonded and become friends. Similarly, animal behaviorist Jackson Galaxy states “cats who choose to share space are engaging in social behavior and bonding” (Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419468152793384008/). The experts agree that when cats sleep pressed up against each other, it is a strong sign they have formed a friendship.
Owner Observations
Many cat owners observe their cats sleeping together and wonder if it’s a sign of friendship. Anecdotal reports from owners suggest that it’s relatively common for cats who get along to sleep curled up together or touching each other in some way.
“I have two cats, brothers from the same litter who are now 5 years old. They have slept together ever since they were kittens.” says one owner interviewed in this YouTube video. “Even though they play fight sometimes during the day, they always end up cuddled up sleeping side by side at night.”
Other owners note that while their cats are friends, sleeping together doesn’t necessarily happen every night. “My two cats Pip and Rosie will often sleep close together, but not always,” reports a cat owner on Reddit. “I’d say maybe half the nights they sleep curled up with each other. The other times they sleep in their own beds or spaces.”
So while it’s not uncommon for friendly cats to sleep together, it doesn’t appear to happen 100% of the time, even among cats with bonded relationships. But when cats do choose to sleep curled up together, it can be seen as a sign that they take comfort in each other’s presence and companionship.
The Verdict
The answer to whether cats that sleep together are friends is complex. On one hand, the act of co-sleeping in cats can signify a close social bond, comfort and companionship between felines. Cats who choose to sleep in close physical contact are displaying signs of affiliation and tolerance that is akin to friendship in the human sense. Additionally, the mutual grooming, play and affection often exhibited by co-sleeping cats further indicates the presence of an amicable relationship.
However, cat friendship should not be defined solely based on sleeping arrangements. While co-sleeping can suggest friendship, some cats sleep together out of necessity due to limited space, while others do so to preserve body heat. Cats are also opportunistic sleepers and will nap next to each other temporarily based on convenience rather than preference. Additionally, competition over sleeping spots can cause conflict between cats who are not friends.
In conclusion, while co-sleeping can indicate feline friendship, it does not guarantee a close social bond. To determine if cats are friends, owners should look for other signs of affiliation like grooming, play and tolerance of close proximity in awake states. The context of the sleeping arrangement and individual cat personalities should also be considered. While two cats choosing to sleep curled up together likely reflects a mutual social connection, two cats simply tolerating sleeping side-by-side does not necessarily make them friends.
Conclusion
To summarize the key points, cats who choose to sleep together often exhibit signs of friendship like grooming, playing, and sharing resources. Though not all co-sleeping cats are friends, it can facilitate social bonding through positive experiences like warmth, comfort, and companionship. Cat owners should monitor co-sleepers for signs of anxiety or aggression and provide enough resources to prevent conflicts. The takeaway is that while sleeping together doesn’t guarantee friendship, it can strengthen social bonds between cats when done willingly in a low-stress environment with plenty of resources.