Why Does My Cat Sleep on My Feet?

It's rare for an adult human to weigh less than 40 kg (90 lbs). Assuming that the average weight of an adult cat is between 3 to 4 kg (7 to 8 lb) - excluding Maine Coons, Savannah cats and other larger breeds - this means that cats that sleep at the feet of their companions choose to sleep with someone that weighs at least 10 to 13 times more than them.

Therefore, if the cat is sensible and aims to survive this experience without being rolled over in the middle of the night, it will naturally choose to sleep in the safest place: the feet. Here, there is less weight and the odds for escaping are greater since it would be easier to escape a human's legs rather than their torso.

When cats are kittens, they tend to sleep on the chest of their preferred companion as they can feel a heartbeat and feel protected, reminding them of their mother and period of lactation. However, after learning that humans move and roll over in their sleep, cats learn and adapt. Adult cats develop the habit of moving towards either ends of the body (head or feet). This explains one of the main reasons why your cat likes to sleep with you and especially at your feet.

When a cat sleeps, they are aware that their guard is lowered. Therefore, your cat likes to lay with you in the case of any danger or threat may present itself. They won't hesitate to wake you up to protect you and warn you of danger. They trust you and know that you will also protect them when in danger.

You might also notice that sometimes, your cat will lay with their back against something. This helps them feel that they are in a better position to react.

Did you know that cats love routine? Best believe, if your alarm hasn’t woken you, your cat will. When a cat sleeps at your feet, they will create a daily morning routine of waking you up. They will choose the hour you usually wake up at and then move to your face, begin to rub against you and meow. For more, take a look at our article where we discuss the reasons why your cat wakes you up every morning.

Cats like routine, absent of unpleasant surprises. This means, if you usually wake up at 8 am every morning, they will recognize this action and try to abide by it. You might also notice that if you’re ill in bed, your cat will likely stay with you and keep you company.

Cats are territorial, possessive and sociable animals. Every square inch of their home is their territory. As such, from kittens they will dedicate themselves to patrolling and exploring every nook and cranny of their new respective household. It’s a cat’s instinct, like any other animal, to understand their territory and habitat. Cats want to be aware of everything around them, in order to feel safe and at home.

Cats are pack animals too, and will therefore be affectionate with all members of the family. Cats will play, ask for attention and often force all members of the family to pet them. However, it is normal that there is one person they prefer more than the others. This is the person the cat will most likely choose to sleep with.

If your cat likes to sleep on the feet of a specific person in your family, it’s because that person is their favorite.

Naturally, you may think the only reason your cat sleeps by your feet is because they love you and want your company. This may be somewhat true, but not always. In your cat’s mind, it is often you who is sleeping by their feet, not the other way around. Since you live in their territory and it recognizes you, it lets you sleep at their side.

Besides the fact that your cat likes to sleep with you, a cat can show you their affection and trust by licking you. Cats are very hygienic and meticulously preen and wash themselves with their own tongue. If your cat licks you, it is because they are trying to clean you, treating you as one of their own.

If you bring a new pet home, especially if it's another cat, your cat will most likely be unhappy for a while. This unhappiness may fester through aggressiveness, isolation and disregard. Some cats might even choose to sleep away from you for a while. In this case, make sure that you give both cats equal attention and socialize them properly with each other. With time, your first cat with familiarize itself with the new cat, and all should settle down and go back to normal. Take a look at our article on how to introduce a new cat to another cat for more information.

For more about cat sleeping patterns, take a look at our Youtube video below!

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