Do Cats Like To Be Pet While Sleeping?

Cats are known for being independent and aloof, often sleeping for 16 hours or more per day. But when they are sleeping, do cats enjoy being petted and shown affection by their owners? In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the evidence and research around cats’ preferences for being pet while sleeping.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Most cats tolerate or even enjoy gentle petting while sleeping, as it mimics the grooming behavior of their mothers. However, every cat has unique preferences, so it’s important to watch their reaction and avoid overstimulating them.

The Importance of Sleep for Cats

Sleep Requirements and Patterns

Cats need a lot of sleep, with adult felines spending an average of 15-20 hours per day napping or in light dozing (source: ASPCA). Kittens and older cats may sleep even longer. This extended nap time allows cats time to fully recharge, promoting mood balance, tissue repair, and processing sensory information.

Unlike humans who prefer to sleep at night, cats tend to take short naps spread throughout both night and day in repeating cycles.

A cat’s sleep needs vary by factors like age, environment, and personality but almost all cats require multiple rest periods daily. Their natural inclination is to sleep often, generally more than most other domestic animals. With such frequent napping, cats constantly replenish their energy.

In the home, sleep gives felines respite from household activities and downtime to self-soothe from stresses through rhythmic purring.

Deep Sleep versus Light Sleep

While napping, cats quickly shift between light dozing and phases of deep rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. Light sleep allows them to stay somewhat alert to danger with their eyes moving under barely closed lids.

During deep REM sleep, bodily systems like breathing and heart rate slow while cats experience vivid dreams.

Kittens devote more nap time to deep REM sleep to facilitate healthy neurological development. Adult cats tend to have shorter yet more frequent sleep-wake transitions throughout the day. When sick, scared or stressed, cats struggle to reach the deep sleep their mind and body craves.

An unusually long or difficult period falling into REM sleep may signal underlying physical, mental or environmental troubles for a cat.

Why Cats May Enjoy Being Pet While Sleeping

Social Grooming Behavior

Cats enjoy being pet while sleeping due to their social grooming behaviors. In the wild, cats groom each other to bond and show affection. When you pet a sleeping cat, it likely reminds them of this social grooming, bringing feelings of comfort and contentment.

Grooming releases endorphins, making cats feel calm and peaceful. So petting a napping kitty mimics natural social behaviors that make them happy.

Signs of Contentment

There are clear signs that demonstrate cats enjoy gentle petting while snoozing. As you stroke a dozing cat, watch for these cues of feline bliss:

• Soft purring sounds
• Kneading paws on a soft surface
• Slowly opening and closing eyes
• Gently waving tail
• Subtly leaning into your hand as you pet

These behaviors suggest the cat feels safe, relaxed and comfortable thanks to your soothing touch. Who wouldn’t love being petted while catching some zzz’s?

Comfort of Human Touch

For domesticated cats accustomed to human companionship, the comfort of human touch likely outweighs the instinct to sleep undisturbed. Petting releases oxytocin in cats similarly to grooming behaviors. This hormone stimulates positive emotions like trust and bonding.

So when a familiar human gently strokes a sleeping cat, it probably feels reassuring. Overall, most cats form close social bonds with their owners and seem to enjoy the intimacy of touch while napping.

Unless showing signs of agitation, it’s perfectly fine to give slumbering kitties some gentle affection.

Signs Your Cat Likes Being Pet While Asleep

Purring

One of the clearest signs that a cat enjoys being stroked while snoozing is when it starts to purr. This rumbling sound indicates contentment and pleasure. If your cat begins purring when you pet it during its catnap, that’s a good indication it’s enjoying the attention.

The vibrations from purring may even lull your cat into an even deeper, more restful sleep. Just be sure not to startle it awake suddenly!

Kneading

Some cats retain their instinctive kneading behavior from kittenhood, which involves alternately pushing in and out with their front paws. If you notice your cat kneading while you’re petting it in its sleep, that demonstrates it’s feeling exceptionally cozy and comfortable thanks to your gentle strokes.

This kneading movement may involve pushing against a soft blanket or even your hand or arm as you pet your feline friend.

Rolling Over to Expose Belly

When a cat rolls over in its sleep to expose its belly, that signals a high level of relaxation and trust. Your cat likely expects and wants belly rubs when it flips onto its back while snoozing. This vulnerable position indicates your cat feels safe letting down its guard to get maximum enjoyment from your soothing pets.

Just be sure to rub the belly gently to avoid waking kitty from its blissful slumber.

Leaning Into Your Hand

As you pet a napping cat, notice whether it leans into your stroking hand or shifts its body to increase contact. This instinctive move to press against your hand shows your affectionate touches are welcome.

The subtle change in position to gain more petting attention in its sleep is a sure sign your cat adores the pampering. Respond by focusing your petting on the areas it moves toward for extra obsession over its preferred scratch zones.

When to Avoid Petting a Sleeping Cat

If They Show Signs of Agitation

Cats can sometimes react negatively if startled awake from a deep sleep. Signs that a sleeping kitty is feeling agitated and shouldn’t be pet include swishing tails, flattened ears, tense body language, and facial expressions showing anger or annoyance.

Cats may hiss, growl, or even bite and scratch if they feel threatened when suddenly awoken.

It’s best not to pet sleeping cats who are exhibiting distressed body language or emotions. Let sleeping felines lie if they appear bothered. Gently waking a cat first before touching can help avoid surprising kitty.

Calling their name, making eye contact, and letting them wake more naturally can prevent scary awakenings.

When in Deep REM Sleep

Cats can enter deep REM sleep cycles where they dream vividly. Their paws may twitch, and eyes move behind closed lids during REM sleep. Waking a cat abruptly during intense dreaming can confuse and upset them. It may take them a few moments to re-orient to their surroundings after being jolted awake.

REM sleep is crucial for cats to feel well-rested. Constant disturbances during REM cycles can prevent cats from slipping into deep, restorative sleep. An overtired, sleep-deprived kitty may become irritable or lethargic. Allowing cats undisturbed REM sleep ensures they wake up happy and healthy.

Signs of REM sleep include eyes moving beneath eyelids, whiskers or ears twitching, making noises or changing facial expressions while asleep. It’s wise not to pet cats displaying REM sleep signs to let them enjoy uninterrupted zzz’s.

The key is observing cats carefully before reaching to pet sleeping kitties. Letting sleeping cats lie when they are in distress or deep REM sleep prevents scary surprises. Gently waking a cat before petting allows them to transition from sleep safely.

With attention to feline feelings, cat owners can snuggle sleeping kitties without upsetting them. Understanding cat sleep cycles and respecting when cats shouldn’t be disturbed ensures restful cat naps and happy human-feline bonds. ☺

References:

• ASPCA – Aggression in Cats
• The Spruce Pets – Reading Cat Body Language
• PetMD – The Guide to Cat Naps: Everything You Need to Know About Cat Sleep

Tips for Petting Your Cat While Asleep

Start Slowly and Gently

When your cat is sleeping, it’s in a vulnerable state. So you want to be careful not to startle it. Gently place your hand on your cat’s head or back without applying too much pressure. See how it reacts – does it stir slightly or continue sleeping?

If it seems fine, you can try longer, slower pets down its back and sides. Moving slowly gives your cat time to wake up and understand what’s happening before being handled more. Quick, sudden movements are more likely to scare a sleeping kitty.

Take cues from your cat and adjust your petting pace and pressure accordingly.

Focus on Their Head and Cheeks

Most cats love having the sides of their face and cheeks scratched and pet. The areas around their heads, jaws, and necks tend to be easiest to access when they are curled up. Using gentle circular motions with your fingers, pet these areas around their heads that they can’t easily groom themselves.

Many cats even lift their heads, push back against your hand, or start purring once you hit just the right spot! But again, go slowly at first before increasing pressure or speed to ensure your sleeping friend enjoys the attention.

Keep it Brief

While a nice petting session can be relaxing for your cat, try not to overdo it if they are sleeping. Aim to keep the pets brief, under a minute or two. Sleep is important for cats as obligate carnivores that need a lot of rest to conserve energy between hunts.

If your cat was in a deep sleep before you started petting, it may get grumpy if disturbed for too long. Watch for signs it’s had enough, like swishing tail, ears folding back, or skin twitching. Then promptly remove your hand and let kitty go back to sleep.

Watch Their Body Language

Along with going slowly when first making contact, pay close attention to your cat’s body language the whole time you’re petting them. Relaxed sleeping cats may roll over to expose their bellies, spread their front legs, or put their tails up when enjoying the attention. But if you notice their skin or tail start to twitch, ears turn back, or eyes open to give you an irritated stare, take your hand away promptly.

Cats have subtle yet clear ways of saying “that’s enough” before resorting to bites or scratches if you ignore their communication. Respect their space if they indicate they no longer want to be pet while napping.

Conclusion

While all cats have unique preferences and moods, most cats do enjoy being gently stroked and petted while sleeping. It seems to remind them of their kitten days being groomed by their mother. However, it’s important to start slowly, focus on gently petting their head and cheeks, and be attentive to any signs they may not want to be disturbed.

With some care and observation, petting your sleeping kitty can be a soothing experience for both of you.