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Should You Sleep with Your Cat? Pros and Cons Explored

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Table of Contents

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So, should you sleep with your cat? Every cat owner has pondered this question at some point. It sounds idyllic – drifting off to the soothing purrs of your feline friend. But is it truly a good idea? The decision to share your sleep sanctuary with your cat is a personal one with pros and cons. Let’s explore both sides so you can make an informed choice that suits your circumstances. This is more than just a simple question of snuggles; it’s about weighing the impact on your sleep, health, and your cat’s well-being.

The Allure of Cat Napping: Why We Share Our Beds

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 50% of pet owners in the United States let their furry friends sleep in bed with them. There’s something undeniably comforting about a furry, purring presence next to you at night.

A survey by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute showed that 85 percent of pet owners feel less lonely, thanks to their animal companions. An additional study indicated that more than half of the participants felt a sense of comfort and safety when sharing a bed with their cat or dog.

This isn’t just a sentimental feeling; science backs it up. Petting or cuddling your cat releases oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”. It also reduces cortisol levels, the culprit behind stress. This, in turn, can lower your blood pressure and even boost your resilience when facing challenges.

Should You Sleep With Your Cat? The Great Sleep Debate

While there’s a sense of security you get from a cuddly cat, this security can quickly disappear when those nighttime zoomies begin. Cats, by nature, are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk.

2021 study highlighted how cats sleeping in bed with their owners can disrupt their sleep patterns. If you’re a light sleeper, those 3 AM sprints across the bed might sound all too familiar.

The Pros of Sharing Your Sleep Haven

Sharing your bed can feel comforting, especially for those prone to anxiety at night. It’s no wonder then that Dr. Steve Weinberg, founder of 911 VETS, describes the experience as “nice and comfy”.

That feeling of your cat snuggled against you can feel like the best weighted blanket, providing similar benefits. These include reduced anxiety and increased melatonin production, a hormone crucial for sleep, as per a 2021 study.

Cats are often praised for their purring prowess, and there might be more to it than just cuteness. That soothing rumble can act as white noise, effectively masking disruptive sounds. This natural sound machine might be just what some people need to achieve a peaceful slumber.

The Potential Downsides

However, if you’re part of the 10-20 percent of adults who are allergic to cats, snuggling up with your feline companion is not recommended, according to research.

But allergies aside, even those without sensitivities might find their cat’s presence disruptive. A 2015 study found that individuals who shared their sleep space with pets experienced longer sleep-onset latency. This indicates they had a harder time falling asleep. They also experienced greater sleep disturbance attributed to noises from their furry companions. In addition, they were more likely to wake up feeling less rested compared to those who slept without pets. Cats might even interrupt your sleep because their need to use the bathroom at night disrupts your sleep, too.

Navigating the Health Considerations: Is It Safe to Sleep with Your Cat?

Before welcoming your cat into your bed, think about health implications. Indoor cats may appear low-risk but remember they use a litter box. Even with regular scooping, it can harbor microorganisms. Stepping on this can transfer those microorganisms onto bedding if they walk on the bed after using the litter box.

Outdoor cats carry even more risks as they are more likely to contract parasites, particularly if they haven’t been treated with preventatives. Consider how much time your cat spends time outdoors. Your cat night surprise you with a midnight case of the zoomies right after using the litter box, spreading bacteria or parasites to your sleep space. You should also be sure to understand your cat’s sleeping time and whether or not they’ll be waking you up throughout the night.

Parasites: Tiny Hitchhikers with Big Impacts

One common concern is roundworms. A startling 25 to 75 percent of cats experience these parasites at some point in their lives according to the Cornell Feline Health Center. Ringworm, a fungal infection often mistaken for a parasite because of its name, is another common ailment cats can transmit.

Outdoor cats are also more vulnerable to fleas, ticks, and even heartworm. The FDA stresses that all cats need consistent year-round heartworm, flea, and tick protection. This is true whether they’re indoor cats or they like to spend time outdoors.

Allergies and Respiratory Issues:

Studies show roughly 10-20% of adults experience cat allergies, and the numbers seem to be increasing. In fact, it’s believed that a sizable 20-30% of people dealing with any kind of respiratory allergy have sensitivities to cats.

The most straightforward advice from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology for managing these allergies or keeping asthma from worsening is to minimize or eliminate exposure to cats. This is tough advice for someone wanting to sleep with their cat, but understanding the potential for respiratory distress for a good night’s rest might be more important.

Zoonotic Diseases

Cats can sometimes act as vectors for zoonotic diseases. These are illnesses that can be spread between animals and humans. This risk is heightened if your cat is allowed outdoors and interacts with other animals. While relatively uncommon, being aware of the possibility is crucial in deciding if letting your cat share your sleep space is a good idea for you.

One of the more common zoonotic diseases cats can carry is Toxoplasmosis. This disease stems from a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, which can pose risks for young children, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system or compromised immune systems.

While a lot of these concerns seem scary, there’s good news according to the CDC. If you’ve been infected before pregnancy, your baby is unlikely to have problems, indicating that past infection offers protection against transmission during pregnancy. But if you have questions, consulting both your doctor and your veterinarian can give you a well-rounded perspective, helping you make informed decisions regarding this zoonotic disease.

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Should You Sleep With Your Cat: Practical Tips For Co-Sleeping Safely

If, after weighing the pros and cons, you’re leaning towards letting your feline friend sleep with you, you can do so while reducing potential risks. These simple precautions go a long way in keeping both you and your cat healthy and comfortable.

Maintaining Cleanliness: A Must

Regular grooming can be an effective weapon against parasites and reduce the amount of cat dander. This minimizes potential allergens ending up in your bed.

Frequent litter box maintenance, at least daily scooping, reduces exposure to microorganisms, while also ensuring your cat has a clean, appealing environment to do its business.

Prioritizing Your Cat's Wellness:

Sticking to your cat’s routine check-ups every six months, which vets at the Feline Medical Clinic recommend is vital to keep those little paws healthy and free from infectious diseases or parasites that can affect not just the cat, but the humans in the household too. Make sure they’re up to date on all their shots and preventatives.

Setting Boundaries for Peaceful Slumber

Sometimes, no matter how much you adore your cat, you might need your space, particularly if you wake to find a furry friend sleeping on your head. In such instances, don’t hesitate to close the bedroom door.

The experts at Vet West underscore the importance of clear boundaries when a cat starts interrupting sleep. Cats are creatures of habit, and they may test those boundaries, but remaining consistent and firm will convey the message eventually.

While a cat persistently scratching at the door throughout the night might not make you popular with house guests or light-sleeping partners, your well-rested self will appreciate a full night of uninterrupted sleep. Do you want to be kept up all night by your cat’s paws kneading your stomach? Maybe not.

Alternatives to Co-Sleeping

If you’re really unsure, remember co-sleeping isn’t an all-or-nothing situation. If you choose not to let your cat into your bed but enjoy their presence at night, there are alternatives. Many cats relish their own cozy sleeping spots. This allows your cat to enjoy their designated sleep space, while you rest undisturbed.

You can create a comfortable sleep haven with a soft bed placed close enough to your bed so you both still feel close. You can still maintain that bedtime closeness without sacrificing a good night’s rest. You can also find your cat’s favorite toy and leave that in their cat bed.

FAQs About Should You Sleep with Your Cat

A snoring cat could signify underlying health issues. Always best to consult your vet for advice and reassurance.

If it’s not medical, your cat’s snores might not be an issue. However, consider separate sleeping arrangements if they’re disrupting your sleep. Does your cat’s rhythmic breathing sound too much like a dog’s snoring? Maybe it’s time to give your cat their own sleep space.

Cats might like sleeping on your head because it’s warm. While adorable, it’s best to gently discourage it, particularly if it impacts your sleep quality or breathing. Make sure you’re finding a balance between letting them show you love and being comfortable in your own bed. Cats shouldn’t be laying on your face in the middle of the night.

Conclusion

So, should you sleep with your cat? Well, it depends. Factors include your personal health, sleep habits, and your feline friend’s tendencies.

Regular vet visits and good hygiene are crucial regardless of sleeping arrangements. Prioritize open communication with your doctor about any health concerns. Weighing the pros and cons helps you create a loving and safe sleep haven – whether you wake up to a purring cat or a peaceful sunrise.

Title: Should You Sleep With Your Cat? Weighing the Pros & Cons

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