Cats are naturally active at night
Cats are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. According to an article from Animal Humane Society, cats’ natural rhythms make them most active during the twilight hours (source). This is likely an evolutionary adaptation related to their hunting instincts. Since many of their prey animals, like mice or rabbits, are also crepuscular, cats evolved to be most alert and energetic when their prey is active.
Cats also have excellent night vision compared to humans. As Purina notes, cats have a reflective layer in their eyes that allows them to see well in low light. Their natural ability to see and hunt in the dark makes them prone to being more active at night. When owners go to sleep, cats may perceive this as the beginning of their daily “hunting time” when they can play, explore, and burn pent up energy from resting all day.
Cats want attention and playtime
For many cats, humans going to bed is like an invitation to play and interact. According to The Spruce Pets, cats are natural nocturnal hunters and their peak activity time is dusk to dawn. https://www.thesprucepets.com/avoid-cat-related-sleep-deprivation-555650 So while you’re winding down and getting sleepy, your cat may be getting energized and ready to engage with you. When you lay down to sleep, your cat may see it as playtime and their chance to get some interactive attention from you.
Cats often show they want attention and interaction by headbutting, nuzzling, purring loudly, gently batting or pawing at you, bringing toys to you, or trying to entice you to play. They know you’re right there in bed and to them, your sleeping body language can look like an invitation to engage. Quora notes that cats want your attention when you sleep because they miss you and crave that bonding time. https://www.quora.com/Why-do-cats-bother-you-when-you-sleep So getting pets, playtime, and snacks from you at night when things are quiet can be very rewarding for them.
Your breathing or snoring intrigues them
Cats are naturally curious creatures, so the strange sounds of breathing and snoring from their sleeping humans can be fascinating. When you’re asleep, you’re exhaling loudly on a regular basis, which is not something cats are used to hearing during the quieter daylight hours. The sound and motion of this breathing pattern interests them and compels them to investigate its source up close. They may poke or prod you gently as they determine where these odd noises are coming from and why.
In addition, cats have a powerful sense of smell, so they can pick up on the changes in your scent as you sleep and dream. Your breathing and heartbeat patterns alter during different sleep cycles, which cats can detect. So your sleeping smells and sounds are intriguing puzzles that cats feel compelled to examine right at the source – your face!
It’s their prime bonding time
Cats often become more active and playful at night when their humans are sleeping. This is because cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during twilight hours at dawn and dusk (1). Nighttime provides a calm environment for cats to engage in affectionate behavior and bonding with their preferred humans.
According to veterinarians, when you are sleeping or lying down, your cat sees you as available for some quality time and affection (2). Cats prefer to cuddle and play when things are quiet, peaceful, and free from disruptions. The night allows for one-on-one interaction and attention from their human companion.
Your cat head-butting, kneading, purring, or climbing onto you while you sleep is their way of showing affection. It’s an ideal opportunity for cats to strengthen their bond and relay that you are an important member of their social group.
(1) https://www.akcreunite.org/why-your-cat-likes-to-sleep-with-you/
Your bed is warm and cozy
Cats love warm, soft places to sleep, and your bed provides the ideal environment for a cozy cat nap ( Cats.org.uk). The soft blankets and mattress are much more appealing than the cold, hard floor. Your body heat warms up the bed, making it the perfect temperature for a snoozing feline. And having you there makes it even better – cats enjoy curling up next to or on top of their beloved humans. The bed is an ideal napping spot, especially with you in it. Your scent and presence help your cat feel safe, secure, and relaxed enough to enjoy a deep, restful sleep. For cats, there’s no better place to spend the night than snuggled up in bed with their favorite person.
They want to protect you
Cats have strong instincts to defend their territory and protect their family. Being near you at night can make them feel you’re safe. Cats see their humans as part of their family and will act to protect them from any perceived threat.
According to an article on Hill’s Pet Nutrition, cats are very protective of their owners and will even put themselves in harm’s way to keep them safe (source). Cats may sit near their owners and watch strangers intently to make sure they don’t pose a danger.
At night when you’re sleeping, your cat likely feels protective and wants to be close by to guard you and ensure your safety. By sleeping next to you or on top of you, your cat is keeping watch and showing you they care. Their protective presence can provide comfort and security.
Your breath may concern them
Irregular breathing patterns from allergies or illness can worry cats. They rely heavily on scent signals and not being able to detect you takes away an important sense. According to The Spruce Pets, cats may check on you to ensure you’re okay if your breathing seems off[1]. Cats have a strong protective instinct, so if you are wheezing, snoring, or breathing irregularly, it sparks their concern. They will stare intently to determine if you are in distress or need assistance.
They want food
Some cats associate your bedtime with being fed. They learn that when you go to sleep, it’s time for them to eat as well. This can lead to pestering behavior as they try to wake you up for a late night snack. As pointed out on The Cat Site, cats may beg for food throughout the night, disrupting their owner’s sleep (source).
To discourage this behavior, it’s best to feed cats at the same times every day, regardless of your own sleep schedule. As explained on Quora, having a consistent feeding routine prevents cats from begging all night long (source). Give your cat a meal before bedtime so they aren’t hungry. Then don’t give in if they wake you up expecting food. With time, they will learn that your slumber does not cue their next feeding.
They’re marking you with scent
Cats have scent glands in their faces, lips, tail area, and feet. When they rub against you, they’re depositing pheromones from these glands onto you. This deposits their scent and marks you as a trusted companion to your cat (PetMD, 2022).
Facial rubbing, called bunting, is a very positive sign of affection. When cats bunt against others, they’re mingling their scents to show that they belong to the same social group. Bunting helps form bonds between cats and their caretakers. So if your cat headbutts you or rubs her cheeks and chin on your face, especially around the mouth, she’s doing it as a sign of trust and love (Southern Living, 2020).
How to discourage the behavior
There are some simple strategies you can try to discourage your cat from waking you up at night and getting in your face while you sleep.
One of the most effective methods is to play with your cat intensely before bedtime to tire them out. Try getting in a 30-45 minute play session using interactive toys like wand toys before bed. You want to really work the play hard to get your cat panting and tuckered out. This will help satisfy their nocturnal instincts to hunt and play at night
Another suggestion is to feed your cat earlier in the evening rather than right before you go to bed. That way, they won’t wake you up because they are hungry. Try scheduling your cat’s dinner at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
You can also try keeping your cat out of the bedroom while you sleep by closing the door. This will prevent them from jumping on the bed and waking you up. Some cats will meow and scratch at the door, but try to ignore it – they will eventually learn that they can’t go in the room at night.
Finally, there are cat deterrent sprays available that can help keep cats away from areas you don’t want them. Try spraying some on or around your bed. Just make sure any deterrent sprays are safe for cats. The scents are unpleasant to them, but won’t harm them. With consistency, this can teach them to avoid the bed at night.