Sleeping with pets, especially cats, is a common habit for many pet owners. On one hand, it can provide comfort and companionship at night. However, there are also potential downsides to consider in terms of health, sleep quality, and safety for both owner and pet. This article will examine the pros and cons of sleeping near cats, ideal arrangements to try, managing cat behavior at night, dealing with allergies, separation anxiety alternatives, improving cats’ sleep, when to see a vet, and provide an overall verdict on whether sleeping with cats is recommended.
The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis of this topic to help readers make an informed decision about their own sleeping situation with cats.
Pros of Sleeping Near Cats
One of the main pros of sleeping near cats is the companionship and affection it provides. Having a purring cat curled up next to you in bed can make you feel comforted, less lonely, and give you a sense of security.
Studies have shown that owning a cat reduces stress and anxiety in their human companions. This is likely due to the relaxing presence of a cat, as well as from petting the cat which releases oxytocin (the love hormone). Sleeping near a cat continues this stress and anxiety relief into the night. One study found that people get a better night’s sleep when their cat sleeps in bed with them.
Cats can help with depression and mood disorders. Simply petting a cat can boost serotonin and dopamine levels which lift your mood. The companionship of a cat while you sleep can ease depression.
Having a cat sleep near you can also help fight insomnia. The sound and motion of a cat’s purring and breathing beside you can be soothing and help lull you to sleep. Their warmth beside you in bed is also comforting.
Additionally, cats can provide a sense of safety and security at night. Their alertness makes them adept nighttime guardians, and they will hiss or growl at any intruders.
Overall, having a cat sleep beside you promotes better mental and physical wellbeing. The companionship staves off loneliness and anxiety, while the soothing purrs help you fall asleep faster and get a more restful sleep.
Cons of Sleeping Near Cats
While there are benefits to allowing your cat to sleep near you, there are also some potential downsides to consider. One of the biggest cons is disrupted sleep. Cats tend to be more active at night, and may walk across you, knead you with their paws, or meow to wake you up. This can disrupt your sleep cycles and lead to fatigue. According to one study by the Mayo Clinic, sleeping with a cat leads to poorer quality sleep for many owners.
Another potential downside is allergies. If you are allergic to cats, then direct and prolonged exposure at night can worsen allergic reactions. Symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes will be more prevalent. Sleeping near a cat exposes you to more of the Fel d 1 protein found in cat saliva, skin and urine which triggers allergies. Keeping your cat out of the bedroom can help reduce allergy symptoms.
Ideal Sleeping Arrangements
When it comes to the ideal sleeping arrangement for you and your cat, experts generally recommend keeping separate beds with the door open between you. This allows your cat the option to come and go from your bedroom freely while still having their own designated sleeping space.
According to Hartville Pet Insurance, having separate beds gives you and your cat the space you each need to get a good night’s sleep. While cats may enjoy snuggling up close, having them sleep in your bed all night can disrupt your sleep patterns. Providing a cat bed, cat tree, or other cozy spot for your cat in or near your bedroom allows them to remain close while reducing disturbances.
Keeping your bedroom door open is also ideal so your cat can freely enter and exit. As crepuscular animals who are active at dawn and dusk, cats often wake up periodically during the night to patrol, play, or grab a snack. With the door closed, this can lead to them pestering you to let them in or out. Having the open door allows your cat to follow their natural instincts without waking you.
Separate, nearby beds with an open door gives you and your cat the proximity you both enjoy while optimizing your actual sleeping arrangements. It provides the best of both worlds for satisfying, restful sleep for all.
Managing Cat Behavior at Night
Establishing a proper bedtime routine can help manage your cat’s behavior at night. Try to stick to a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and sleep. Feed your cat the last meal of the day at least a few hours before bed – this gives them time to digest their food before settling down to sleep (Animal Humane Society).
Make sure your cat gets plenty of playtime and activity during the day and evening hours. Try playing with interactive toys like feather wands and laser pointers to help tire them out before bed. According to the VCA Hospitals, scheduling vigorous play sessions right before bedtime can help curb late night activity and destructive behavior.
Consider confining your cat to a comfortable room overnight, equipped with food, water, litter box and toys. This allows them to be active without disturbing your sleep. Place comfortable beds around the room so they have places to sleep and perch. The WebMD notes that it’s important not to isolate the cat as punishment.
Dealing with Allergies
Allergies are one of the main drawbacks of sleeping near cats. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the major allergen in cats is produced primarily in the cat’s saliva, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. When a cat cleans itself by licking its fur, the allergen then dries and becomes airborne. These allergens can cause reactions when inhaled.
To help manage allergies when sleeping near cats:
- Consider hypoallergenic cat breeds like the Siberian cat, Devon Rex or Cornish Rex which produce lower levels of Fel d1, the allergy-causing protein.
- Use HEPA air filters in the bedroom to remove allergens from the air. According to the Humane Society, HEPA filters can remove up to 99% of cat allergens from the air when properly sized and maintained.
- Vacuum frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
- Wash bedding regularly in hot water to remove allergens.
- Bathe your cat weekly to reduce dander.
Medications can also help manage allergic reactions. Talk to an allergist about treatment options like antihistamines, immunotherapy, and allergy shots. With proper management, those with allergies can often still sleep near their feline companions.
Alternatives for Separation Anxiety
If your cat exhibits signs of separation anxiety when you leave them alone, such as meowing, scratching, or urinating around the home, there are some alternatives to try before resorting to medication.
Special toys, like puzzle feeders or catnip-filled toys, can keep your cat distracted and comforted when you’re away. Rotate the toys so they remain novel and appealing. Providing scratching posts, cat trees, and perches can also give them positive outlets for stress.
Synthetic pheromones, like Feliway, can help relax anxious cats when sprayed around the home. These pheromones mimic cats’ natural facial pheromones and signal safety and contentment. Diffusers, sprays, and collars utilizing pheromones are available. One study found Feliway helped significantly reduce stress behaviors in cats left home alone [1].
While no replacement for treatment from a vet in serious cases, these alternatives may help ease mild separation anxiety in cats.
Improving Cats’ Sleep
Cats are naturally nocturnal animals and can be active at night if their normal sleep routine gets disrupted. There are some steps you can take to help encourage your cat to sleep better at night:
Maintain a consistent feeding schedule, with the last meal no later than a few hours before bedtime. Feeding cats right before bed can stimulate their digestive system and keep them awake. Spread meals out during the earlier part of the day instead (Rover).
Make sure the litter box is clean before bedtime. Cats don’t like using dirty litter boxes and may wake you up to be let out if their box is not appealing. Scoop daily and completely change the litter regularly.
Provide enrichment during the evening hours like toys and playtime. Get your cat moving and expending energy a few hours before bed so they are tired when it’s time to sleep. Interactive toys and play with a feather wand are great options.
Consider using synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway to help relax your cat at bedtime. Pheromones can reduce stress and encourage restful sleep.
Give your cat access to high perches and cat trees. Cats feel secure when they can perch up high to survey their territory before sleeping.
Make sure your cat has a comfortable, warm sleeping space in a quiet, peaceful area of your home. Provide beds, blankets and access to windowsills or cat shelves for snoozing.
When to Consult a Vet
If you’ve tried various solutions to improve your cat’s sleep near you to no avail, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Certain persistent sleep issues or medical concerns may require a vet’s expertise.
According to PetMD, you should contact your vet if your cat experiences loud snoring or stops breathing during sleep, which could indicate sleep apnea. Chronic insomnia or regularly disrupted sleep patterns may also warrant a vet visit to check for potential underlying health issues.
Additionally, a vet consultation is recommended if your cat displays abnormal REM sleep behaviors like twitching, whimpering, or aggressive actions. Per Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, REM sleep disorders may stem from neurological conditions in cats.
Finally, a vet can assess whether your cat’s sleep troubles are connected to pain or discomfort from conditions like arthritis. If that’s the determining cause, your vet can provide targeted treatment to improve your cat’s ability to sleep soundly.
Conclusion
In summary, there are pros and cons to sleeping near your cat that need to be weighed. The benefits include companionship, bonding, and easing separation anxiety. However, risks include interrupted sleep, allergies, and acquiring diseases from your cat. Ideal arrangements keep your cat close but not directly on the bed. Manage unwanted cat behavior at night by keeping them active and fed, providing appealing beds, and shutting them out of the bedroom as needed.
With some planning, you can enjoy your cat’s company at night while minimizing disruptions. Focus on meeting both your needs through compromise. Seek veterinary advice if issues persist. Overall, a little trial and error will likely uncover the best setup to get you and your cat the high-quality sleep you both deserve.