It is believed that cats have lived with humans for around 12,000 years. In Ancient Egypt, cats were revered and treasured. Today, cats are still the most popular pets on Earth, outnumbering dogs by a factor of three to one.
25% of US homes have a cat as a pet according to the American Veterinary Association and why not? Cats are easy to take care of. They self-groom and they smell better than dogs. Cats are quieter than dogs and you don’t have to take them for walks.
Nearly two-thirds of cat owners sleep with their pet. Yet, the jury is out on whether you should sleep with your cat or not. Sleeping with a cat can offer both cat and human a sense of security. The rhythmic breathing may help to reduce stress and the warmth is comforting. Petting an animal increases levels of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. At the same time, it reduces the stress hormone cortisol which may lower blood pressure.
There is one small problem with sleeping with a cat. Cats are nocturnal so they may disturb your sleep at night. Though cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, their favourite playtime is in the dead of night. This infographic offers some useful hints on how to have a peaceful night sleeping with your cat.
If you have decided that your cat will make a good bedfellow, take good care of it and make sure that it visits the vet on a regular basis. Cats can carry parasites and fungal infections and you don’t want them bringing that into your bed.
If you don’t have allergies and your cat brings you comfort at night, there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the shared warmth and comfort of nighttime kitty cuddle.
Keeping Your Furry Friend Healthy
Making the choice to share your bed with your feline friend is a big one. Once you’ve made that decision, it’s essential to remember that maintaining your cat’s health is of utmost importance. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 25% of US homes have a cat, which means many of us are sharing our living, and possibly sleeping, spaces with these adorable creatures.
However, it’s important to remember that cats can carry parasites and fungal infections that may affect your health, especially if you’re sharing a bed with them. Regular vet visits are crucial to ensure your cat stays healthy and doesn’t bring any unwanted guests into your bed.
A Nighttime Routine for You and Your Feline
But what about those midnight kitty antics? Yes, it’s true. Cats are nocturnal creatures who sleep up to 16 hours a day, often choosing the quiet of the night as their favorite playtime. This could potentially disturb your sleep. But don’t worry, there are ways you can ensure a peaceful night, even with a playful kitty around.
One solution is to establish a nighttime routine which includes playtime before bed. Get your cat’s energy out with some fun, interactive toys and then provide a small meal. This mimics their natural hunt-eat-sleep cycle and can help them sleep better at night.
The Comfort of a Cat’s Company
Despite these challenges, many cat owners find the benefits of sleeping with their furry friend outweigh the downsides. Nearly two-thirds of cat owners sleep with their pets, according to recent statistics. The bond between humans and cats can provide a sense of security and comfort for both parties.
The rhythmic breathing of your cat can help reduce stress, while their warmth can be quite comforting. In fact, petting an animal has been found to increase levels of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone, and reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lower blood pressure. So, if you don’t have allergies and your cat brings you comfort at night, why not enjoy the shared warmth and comfort of a nighttime kitty cuddle?
