My cat sleeps in my arms like a baby [Why and should you let her?] (2023)

If your cat sleeps like a baby in your arms, good luck! However, any kitten can feel very heavy after a while. You may be wondering why cats sleep like this. Is this normal sleeping behavior? Should you allow your cat to sleep in your arms? If yes, how can you support them? Here are the answers to all of these questions and more.

Why does my cat sleep like a baby in my arms?Cats often sleep like babies in their owner's arms because this position makes them feel comfortable, warm, secure and loved.

It's certainly good that your cat trusts you.

But it's actually a bit more than that, as we'll explore below.

Then we'll cover if it's something you should do, or if it has any downsides (hopefully not!)

Why do cats sleep like babies in my arms?

Your cat will choose to sleep in your arms because she loves you. Maybe she wants to express that love for you in her own way. Other times he sleeps there because he knows your arms are a safe and comfortable place.

Your cat feels loved and wants to love you back

studies showthat cats form a deep bond with their owners, just like dogs and babies. Your cat may be showing her love for you by sleeping in your arms.

He's letting you know he trusts his life with you, which is a big deal for a cat!

Your cat feels safe

Sleeping in your arms is a sure sign that your cat feels safe with you, especially since her vulnerable abdomen is exposed in this position.

Cats are prey animals in nature and seek to sleep in positions (and places) where they feel safe.

Your cat is literally trusting you with her safety, which is a sure sign that she loves and trusts you. Your bond with her is likely strong.

Your cat is comfortable

Cats seek comfortable places to sleep since they need a lot each day (usually 12-16 hours a day).

By sleeping in your arms like a baby, your cat is sending you a clear message that she is comfortable.

Cats love enclosed spaces that offer warmth and comfort, and your arms offer both.

Just as cats seek a spot under a heater or in the sun for a nap, your body heat provides the extra warmth most kitties love and appreciate.

Is it normal for cats to sleep like babies in human arms?

It's normal for cats to sleep in people's arms as babies when they feel comfortable and safe there. As long as your cat isn't ill or showing signs of separation anxiety, there's usually nothing to worry about.

Cats choose where to sleep

Cats are strong-willed creatures and will only sleep in your arms when they want to and enjoy it.

Above all, cats often choose places to sleep where they feel safe and secure.

Cats in the wild are prey to other animals, so they need to make sure they're safe when they need their numerous naps.

So it's normal for your cat to feel safe in your arms and want to sleep there, although not all cats do.

In fact, there are no hard and fast rules as to where a cat will sleep as long as it feels safe and comfortable, which are the main criteria.

Your cat could dial anywhere: in your arms, on your pillow, under a heater, or on (or in) your closet.

Many cats enjoy being held

Your cat may also choose to snuggle up in your arms for comfort.

Although there are no studies testing this for cats, humans and dogs release oxytocin (the bonding hormone) when babies are breastfed and when adults cuddle them.

Many cats express their pleasure at being cuddled or cuddled by purring or blinking slowly when they look into your eyes.

Should you let your cat sleep in your arms like a baby?

As long as your cat is comfortable and showing no signs of illness or separation anxiety, and you don't have any allergies, it's generally fine to let your cat sleep in your arms.

Benefits of Allowing Your Cat to Sleep in Your Arms

Allowing your cat to sleep in your arms, on your bed, or in other places close to you has been shown to strengthen the cat-human bond.

an interesting oneto learn took place at a Japanese university, where student Yuri Nakahashi slept in her sleeping bag next to her cat's sleeping bag for 24 consecutive nights.

Nakahashi concluded that by the end of the study, her cat showed more affectionate behavior towards her and showed an increased interest in her sleeping bag.

By letting your cat sleep in your arms, you are doing her a service that she will likely pay for with more pampering.

Of course there are other benefits for your cat, such as feeling comfortable and safe (see above).

when your cat is sick

If you suspect your cat is wanting to sleep in your arms because she is ill, you should have her checked out by your veterinarian.

Cats, like other animals, tend to hide any weakness.

Eventually, however, the cat will become lethargic and sleep more than usual, even in your arms.

If your cat shows any of the following signs, take her to the vet for a check-up:

• sudden mood swing
• More or less loud than usual
• vomiting or diarrhea
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• More lethargic than normal, does not want to play or exercise
• Sudden changes in drinking, appetite, or eating habits
• Increase weight loss
• Excessive grooming or neglect of grooming
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Not using the litter box properly
• Bad breath
• Hide (more than usual)
• wounds or swelling
• skin irritation
• hair loss
• lameness or other obvious injuries
• Head press (pressing the head against a hard surface, especially while awake)
• discharge from the nose or eyes

if you have allergies

If you have allergies, it may not be a good idea to let your cat sleep in your arms if it causes you to end up sneezing or wheezing.

Find other ways to cuddle and show him love, and make sure he has a warm, comfortable place to sleep.

If you suspect separation anxiety

If your cat is showing signs of separation anxiety, it's important to address them.

You can let her sleep in your arms for a while while you take care of the cause(s), but if she wants to sleep there all the time, you've got a problem with your hands (and your arms!)

Every cat's personality is different, but these are the most common signs in cats that could indicate separation anxiety:

• Crying, whining, or meowing more than usual
• destructive behavior
• Vomiting hairballs or food
• Delete outside the sandbox
• too much self care
• Either swallow the food or eat nothing
• try to escape

If you notice any of these signs in your cat, take them to the vet for a check-up.

In the meantime, do what you can to reduce potential sources of stress for your cat (see below).

This is how you support your cat while she sleeps in your arms

The way you hold your cat while she sleeps in your arms depends on the reasons she is doing it. Most of the time you don't have to do much (except find some support for your arms after a while!). Sometimes there are specific steps you need to take if your cat is having issues like separation anxiety.

When your cat is looking for comfort and security

How to Support a Comfortable Cat Sleeping in Your Arms:

Make sure you are comfortable

When your cat sleeps happily in your arms as a source of comfort and security, you want your arms to be supported first and foremost!

Try sitting in a comfortable chair or sofa with a pillow on your lap.

This way you can rest your arms while your cat sleeps well.

Hug your cat gently

Many cats appreciate being held while they sleep. If this applies to your cat, hug her while she sleeps, but do it gently.

A gentle hug will help your cat feel even more loved and protected.

However, do not overtighten them as this may startle them.

Let your cat move if he wants

Sometimes your cat will feel the need to readjust its position, so let it do its thing.

Otherwise, it might get scared and accidentally protest with those sharp claws!

Try speaking or singing softly

If you enjoy making soothing noises to your cat while she's sleeping, by all means do it.

Make sure your voice is low and gentle so you don't startle your cat.

If you don't know what to say, try telling them how cute they are or how much you love them.

Try petting the cepillare

You can stroke them with your arm (if you have a free one) in the direction of their fur.

A soft brush is another option that some cats love.

Avoid sudden movements

Cats are easily startled when they sleep, so avoid moving around as much as possible.

If you must move, do it very slowly.

Use:It's important that you never force your cat to sleep in your arms if she doesn't want to. Cats are masters at deciding what to do and when, and they're unlikely to take orders well from anyone, even their favorite human.

If your cat has separation anxiety

Once you know your cat has separation anxiety (see above), you need to take steps to correct the situation to make them feel more secure (and give their arms a rest!)

How you can help your cat:

Find the cause of the problem

Maybe you've changed things up a bit and she's not sure where she stands.

Maybe you've moved, introduced a new family member, or been away longer than usual.

In other cases, an external problem like street noise can cause anxiety.

Treat the cause to the best of your ability

There's not much you can do once you've moved, but the more you stick to a routine each day, the better for your cat.

Loud noises aren't always manageable when they come from construction sites or the like, but you might be able to play some relaxing music or change your cat's roosting spot.

If your cat lacks physical exercise, give her games and reasons to run.

Provide scratching posts, boxes, and comfortable cat beds. If you have an indoor cat, provide a window perch or a cat.

Positive behavior of cement with enrichment

Use toys and treats to encourage your cat's natural hunting behavior.

Include lots of hugs in ways other than sleeping in your arms.

Use:Some people want their indoor cats to wear a leash that allows them to go outside, but thisRSPCA does not recommend cat leashes for cats who are prone to stress or are afraid of strange noises.

Finally

In most cases, it's perfectly fine for your cat to sleep like a baby in your arms.

In fact, you can sit back and enjoy; if you want to hold your cat like this.

Otherwise you can break it; that's okay too.

Just rest assured that this is how your cat sleeps, usually nothing to worry about. In fact, it can be a good thing!

Other cat sleep guides you may want to read:

• Why is my cat sleeping on my pillow? [Should you stop them?]
• Why do cats wag their tails while sleeping?
• Do cats sleep with their eyes open? [What Homeowners Need to Know]