Introduction
It’s 3 AM and you’re sound asleep when suddenly you feel the soft paws of your cat walking across your body. A few moments later, the paws are back, this time accompanied by a sandpapery tongue giving your face a few licks. You crack open your eyes to see two glowing orbs staring back as your cat headbutts your face, purring loudly. As cute as it is, being woken up multiple times a night by a four-legged alarm clock gets old quickly.
If you’ve experienced this scenario, you’re not alone. Many cat owners find their feline friends to be most active at night. But why do cats walk all over us while we’re trying to sleep? As with most cat behaviors, there are several possible reasons.
Explaining the Behavior
Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk[1]. In the wild, this is when prey like mice and birds are also active, so it’s the ideal time for cats to hunt. This crepuscular behavior and internal clock doesn’t change just because a cat lives indoors[2]. So even though it’s the middle of the night for us, an indoor cat’s peak action hours can kick in and disturb our sleep.
[1] https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/catnap-connoisseurs-how-cats-sleep/
[2] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/animals-and-sleep/how-much-do-cats-sleep
Seeking Attention
One common reason cats walk on their sleeping owners is to get attention or request food. Cats are most active at dawn and dusk when their natural prey is also active. This means they often wake up ready to play and be fed long before their human owners get out of bed. If your cat wants attention, food, or playtime they know that walking on you while you sleep will prompt you to wake up and tend to their needs [1].
Cats may meow, purr, sniff your face, nibble your hair or skin, or walk back and forth over your body when they want attention. This stimulation inevitably wakes sleeping humans. If you give your cat attention or food when they wake you, they will repeat this behavior because it gets results. Make sure your cat has adequate playtime and enrichment during your waking hours so they are less demanding of attention while you sleep. It also helps to feed your cat right before bed so they are less likely to wake you for an early breakfast.
Kneading and Scenting
Kneading or treading with their paws releases soothing pheromones for cats. When cats knead or tread on their owners, they are marking them with their scent glands as a sign of affection and ownership. The rhythmic motion of kneading also serves as a self-soothing behavior for cats, similar to when human babies suck their thumbs. As the University of Tennessee points out, “When cats knead and purr, they are in a calm, peaceful state — exactly where every cat strives to be” (Why Do Cats Knead with Their Paws?, 2021). So kneading on an owner is a way for a cat to spread its scent, self-soothe, and show affection all at the same time.
Play Time
Cats are natural hunters with an instinct to stalk and pounce on moving objects. When owners are sleeping, their movements under the blankets or occasional twitches can trigger a cat’s prey drive. From the cat’s perspective, the movement may resemble a mouse or other small animal that they would normally hunt and play with. According to this source, cats see sleeping owners as an opportunity for playtime. Their instincts tell them to pounce and initiate a game. Kittens especially will treat sleeping owners as playmates to wrestle and run around with.
Cats are most active at dawn and dusk when their prey is also active. So when owners are sleeping at these times, cats have a strong instinct to stir and start playing. It’s normal for cats to attack feet and hands moving under blankets. They may also pat owners’ faces or nibble fingers looking for a reaction. From the cat’s perspective it’s all innocent fun and play fighting, even if their sharp claws and teeth interrupt the owner’s sleep.
Safety in Numbers
Cats often sleep near their owners because it makes them feel more secure and safe. In the wild, cats live in groups called prides for protection and shared resources. Domestic cats retain some of these instincts and can view their human family as their pride or colony. Sleeping together reinforces the social bond between cat and owner, allowing the cat to feel like part of the pride (source). Cats feel most vulnerable when sleeping, so they want to sleep somewhere they feel safe. Being near their trusted owner helps provide that feeling of safety.
Cats also feel more secure sleeping with others to protect against potential threats. With their owner nearby, cats may feel more safe from predators. This behavior can be especially apparent in multi-cat households, where cats that normally don’t get along may still choose to sleep near each other for added protection (source). By sleeping together, cats can alert each other to any potential danger.
Health Issues
As cats age, health problems like arthritis, dementia, and other medical conditions can disrupt their regular sleep cycles and cause them to wake more frequently during the night. According to Catster, common age-related conditions that may lead to nighttime waking include:
- Arthritis – Joint pain and stiffness can make it difficult for older cats to get comfortable and sleep through the night.
- Hyperthyroidism – This condition speeds up a cat’s metabolism, leading to restlessness and interrupted sleep.
- High blood pressure – Can cause agitation, vocalization, and waking during the night.
- Cognitive dysfunction – Similar to dementia in humans, this condition causes confusion and disrupted sleep-wake cycles in senior cats.
In addition to age-related issues, injury or illness may also result in a cat waking their owner at night. For example, a urinary tract infection or other condition causing litter box avoidance can lead to a cat crying to be let out of the bedroom at night. Determining and treating any underlying medical cause is key to resolving unwanted night waking.
Litter Box Avoidance
One common reason for a cat waking its owner at night is to avoid using a dirty or undesirable litter box. Cats are very fastidious creatures and can become stressed or anxious if their litter box is not kept clean. A dirty litter box can cause a cat to hold their urine and feces for longer periods, and they may wake up their owner to take them to a different location to relieve themselves.
According to experts, inappropriate urination is a common sign that a cat is dissatisfied with the state of its litter box (Source). The litter box may not be cleaned frequently enough, or the cat may not like the type of litter. Some cats prefer clumping vs non-clumping options, different litter depths, or litter that is unscented. If the litter box is not ideal for your cat, they may opt to wake you rather than use the unsatisfactory box.
To avoid this, be sure to scoop your cat’s litter box at least once a day, if not more. Completely change out the litter every 1-2 weeks. Pay attention to the type and depth of litter you use, and experiment to find the setup your cat prefers. Providing an acceptable, hygienic litter box for your cat can stop the behavior of waking you to avoid it.
Solutions
If your cat is waking you up by walking on you at night, there are some things you can try to discourage this behavior:
Play with your cat vigorously before bedtime to tire them out. Interactive play with toys that make your cat run and jump will help expend their excess energy so they are less likely to be active at night. Be sure to finish playtime at least an hour before you go to sleep so your cat has time to relax.
Keep your cat’s food bowls and litter box clean. Cats may walk on you at night if their needs are not being met. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh food, water, and a clean litter box, especially right before bed.
Provide cat trees, perches, or beds near your sleeping area. Having acceptable alternatives to walking on you will encourage your cat to sleep beside you instead of on you. Place cat furniture within easy access of your bed.
With consistency, these approaches can help discourage the unwanted behavior of your cat walking on you at night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many possible reasons why cats may walk on their owners while they sleep. The most common explanations include seeking attention, kneading and scenting, wanting to play, feeling safer in numbers, avoiding the litter box, and certain health issues. While this behavior can disrupt sleep, there are some solutions to try like keeping cats active during the day, providing calming toys at night, and scheduling vet checkups. At the end of the day, walking on sleeping owners demonstrates a cat’s natural instincts and their bond with humans. Though mildly disruptive for owners, it’s a sign that your cat is comfortable and content.