Cats are rightfully considered the most mysterious of pets. Their behavior is sometimes very difficult to explain. This independent yet affectionate creature has many strange habits. One of them is a frequent need to sleep at the feet of its owner. Is this an attachment to its owner, a desire to remind them of its presence, or simply a fondness for a soft bed or sofa?
Peculiarities of cat sleep
In nature, cats are predators. They prefer to nap during the day and hunt at night. In an apartment, these pets often adapt to their owner's schedule and sleep with them. The sleep of these animals has its own characteristic features:
- Cats love to sleep, averaging about 16 hours a day. However, researchers note that this is typical for less active breeds.
- An animal's sleep can be either drowsy or deep. When a cat is dozing, it's ready to wake up at any minute, even second; during this type of sleep, its whiskers constantly twitch and its eyelids twitch;
- During deep sleep, an animal is relaxed and calm. This only happens in a safe place.
Why do they sleep at the feet?
From a scientific point of view, there are several theories:
- This is how they express their love for their owner. It's a romantic point of view, but cats value their independence very much, and this is hardly a demonstration of submission.
- Neutralize negative energy that accumulates in a person.
- They often treat sore legs. However, this also applies to other places on the human body; striped ones often settle on the owner’s chest or somewhere nearby.
Other places to sleep
If for some reason you don't like or can't sleep with your pet (allergies, sleepwalking, restless or nervous sleep), find another place for them. Find out where else your four-legged family member likes to sleep. It's likely somewhere elevated and warm, from which they can, in their minds, monitor the situation and quickly spot danger. This could be a windowsill next to a radiator, an ottoman, a low bedside table, or even a stool.
If this doesn't bother you, don't disturb your furry friend sleeping at your feet. After all, he's entitled to some of his wishes. And yet, he loves you, he just often hides it.
