Anyone who owns cats knows they love their beauty rest. Cats can sleep an average of 15 hours daily, which is a lot of sleeping!1 Additionally, some cats adjust their sleeping patterns to their humans so they can receive attention and cuddles.
Cats certainly have their favorite spots where they like to sleep. Maybe the windowsill in the living room is your cat’s favorite spot, or perhaps on top of the cat tree is where your cat feels safe to sleep. But what if your cat suddenly starts sleeping in odd places? Should you worry? If you’ve ever wondered why the changes in sleeping places occur, you’ll find the reasons here. We’ll examine five possible reasons why your cat is suddenly sleeping in odd places.
The 5 Reasons Why Your Cat is Sleeping in Odd Places
1. Temperature
Weather plays a role in where your cat wants to sleep. In the winter months, your cat may seek a warm spot to relax and sleep, such as on the windowsill or a spot where the sun shines on the floor. In the summertime, your cat will want a cool place to cuddle up and nap. It depends on the temperature, so if you’ve suddenly noticed your cat sleeping in an unusual spot, take note of the weather. Odds are, you’ll find this scenario to be true.
2. Change in Routine/Environment
Your cat may find other sleeping arrangements if there has been a change in their routine or environment. For example, if you’ve just moved into a new home, your cat must acclimate to the new surroundings and seek a comfy spot to sleep. It may take a while, leading to your cat sleeping in odd places.
The environment could change, such as if you’ve added a new pet to the household. Your cat may want to sleep away from the new pet to feel safe and protected. Wild cats move around to keep predators and fleas at bay, and domesticated cats still carry this instinct.
3. Safety
A cat feeling safe in their environment is essential to their health and well-being. Your cat may suddenly stop sleeping on the windowsill if something scares them, such as a bird hitting the window.
Increased foot traffic or distracting noises may also prompt your cat to seek other sleeping accommodations. For example, when your kids are out of school for the summer, that spot in the once quiet hallway may be filled with kids running around. Cats like peace and quiet while sleeping, which makes them feel safe.
4. Stress/Anxiety
Several issues can cause your cat stress and anxiety and convince them to find other places to sleep. Has construction started up nearby? Is there constant banging and other loud noises? If so, your cat will sleep in odd places to escape the noise. A new, crying baby may cause stress and anxiety for your cat, especially if your cat has never heard such a noise.
A new scent, such as a new fragrance plug-in or incense, can cause stress. Cats feel safe and secure when they can smell their own scent. They have scent glands on their paws and cheeks, and they can become stressed if all they smell is the new fragrance wafting throughout the home.
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5. Physical Discomfort/Pain
Cats are masters of disguising when they are in pain. That one chair in the sun may now cause discomfort, causing your cat to sleep elsewhere. If your cat is aging and has developed arthritis, they may sleep in a more cushioned spot for comfort. If your cat is sick, they may retreat to an area that’s hard for you to access, such as high up in a closet or underneath your bed. Keep an eye out for an abnormal posture, aggressiveness, over-grooming, excessive vocalization, and changes in daily habits. Most importantly, if you suspect your cat is sick, you should speak to a vet and possibly go for a visit.
Conclusion
As you can see, your cat may start sleeping in odd places for several reasons. If your cat is not in pain or distress, there’s no cause for alarm, but your veterinarian should rule that out first. If your cat is healthy, take note of the weather or a change in the environment because they can cause your cat to sleep in odd places. In the end, if it’s an acceptable place for your cat to snooze, let them enjoy the peace and quiet.
Featured Image Credit: YvonneHuijbens, Pixabay
