Snuggles and Sleep? The Pros and Cons of Sleeping With Your Cat

While a cat’s independent nature may make it seem like it will do whatever it wants, many of our furry family members do like a cuddle. However, there are a few things to consider before we do that. The first, again is the relatively low risk of disease transmission. One way to help mitigate that is to talk with your human doctors, including pediatricians. “Adults and children with a compromised immune system due to certain human diseases may be at a higher risk for contracting diseases from animals". But, no matter your health status, there are some surefire signs that the cat should be left alone because it may be having its own health issues. “Do not snuggle up to your furry friend if they are showing any signs of illness such as hair loss, skin rashes, sneezing, coughing, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, to name a few,” she said.

While some cats are perfectly content with never going outside and reigning supreme over their indoor kingdoms, other cats live duel indoor-outdoor lives. This can pose different threats. Outdoor cats are exposed to more disease carriers. This includes other outdoor cats, feral cats, prey, worms, fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and a plethora of other insects. “All of these carriers have the potential to transmit diseases such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and many other infections,". “Also important to note is that the litter box of indoor cats can also present a risk of disease for humans in the household.” What kinds of diseases? Gastrointestinal worms, giardiasis, ringworm, toxoplasmosis, plague — yes, that plague — and hantavirus infection. This is on top of typical allergens pet dander can create. During the summer months, when ticks and other parasites are more active, pet professionals recommend regularly checking your cat’s fur and skin for potentially disease-spreading piggy-backers. This is good for both feline and human health.



Let’s start things off on a positive note, shall we? Here are the main reasons why so many of us choose to let our pets share our bed at night on a regular basis.
There’s something incredibly comforting about having your pet curled up next to you. Studies suggest that sleeping with pets can lower stress and anxiety levels, thanks to the release of oxytocin (the “love hormone”). Their presence can be reassuring, making it easier to relax and drift off.
Sharing your sleeping space can help to build and improve the bond between you and your pet. Dogs and cats are naturally social animals, and sleeping together mimics the closeness they’d experience in a pack or with their littermates. It’s a great way to make them feel safe, loved, and part of the family.
Pets are like little (or not-so-little) hot water bottles! On cold nights, snuggling up with a furry friend can keep you warm and cozy without cranking up the heating. Plus, their rhythmic breathing can be incredibly soothing.
For some people, the gentle presence of a pet can actually improve sleep quality. Their slow, steady breathing can act like white noise, helping you drift off faster. Plus, knowing your pet is safe and nearby can give you peace of mind.



While some pets sleep like angels, others? Not so much. Cats can be restless, cats tend to prowl at night, and let’s not even talk about those early-morning wake-up calls. If your pet tosses, turns, snores, or sprawls out like a starfish, you might find yourself losing sleep.
If you have allergies, sleeping with your pet might make things worse. Pet dander, fur, and dust can trigger sneezing, congestion, and even asthma symptoms. And there’s also the issue of dirt, bacteria, and fleas to think about especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors. Regular baths, clean bedding, and keeping up with bed hygiene in general can help, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Also sharing the bed can reinforce dominant behavior, making them feel like they’re in charge. If your cat starts guarding the bed or growling when you try to move them, it might be time to set some boundaries. On the other hand, are just naturally entitled so good luck with keeping them off your bed!
If you have a small pet, this might not be an issue. But if you’re sharing your bed with a Great Dane, a Labrador, or even multiple pets, suddenly your king-size bed starts to feel like a cramped single. If you wake up hanging off the edge while your pet sprawls comfortably in the middle, you might need to rethink your sleeping arrangements.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe sleep with your cat ?
   Yes, it is generally safe for healthy adults if the cat is vaccinated, dewormed, and kept clean. However, people with allergies, asthma, or weak immunity should be cautious.
2. What are the benefits of sleeping with your cat ?
   Sleeping with your cat can reduce stress, provide emotional comfort, improve bonding, and help some people feel more secure and relaxed at night.
3. Can sleeping with a cat disturb your sleep ?
   Yes, cats are naturally nocturnal and may move, purr loudly, or wake you during the night, which can disturb sleep quality.
4. Should children sleep with cats ?
   Children can sleep with cats under supervision, but it is better to ensure the cat is gentle, healthy, and clean. Extra care is needed to prevent scratches or allergies.