Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Unlike many owners, I don’t wake up in the middle of the night because my cat is screaming for food or scratching at the door. Olga can be annoying, stubborn, and aggressive but rarely disturbs my sleep. He likes to take naps in various locations in my house, including a rocking chair in the spare bedroom, an ancient Lazy Boy recliner in the living room, and under the couch and bed.
He doesn’t have a cat bed or preferred sleeping place, which is okay because he’s an unmistakable cat. Most of the pet equipment I bought was collecting dust in storage because Olga wasn’t interested in cat trees, cat beds, or scratching posts.
Where Should Cats Sleep?
I’ve read several articles about the benefits of cat beds and why it’s dangerous for pets to sleep on yours, and I agree with most of their conclusions. However, I let Olga sleep at the foot of my bed. He doesn’t sleep there every night but usually sleeps somewhere in the bedroom.
While it would make my life easier if she slept in a cat bed and napped in the same spot every day, I didn’t want to force or train her to use the bed if she was happy with her unusual routine. Being a kitten, she always had a hard time making decisions.
Why Doesn’t He Decide?
He paces for a few minutes when he wants to jump on my lap, and he does the same when he’s breathing to sleep. He doesn’t eat all his food in one sitting; he eats a few bites, walks over to the window to see what’s going on in the neighborhood, and returns to his food bowl. He would do that several times before finishing.
Skepticism is part of his personality, and while some cat owners may be irritated or disturbed when their pets circle around them, it amuses me. Sometimes, I want to scream, “Stop and make a decision,” but I hold back and accept his lack of confidence.
Is Sleeping in the Same Bed as Your Pets Unhygienic?
Sleeping in the same bed as your cat or dog is unsanitary, but you can reduce the risk of getting sick by washing your bed at least once a week, keeping it tidy, and keeping them from sleep on your face.
If Olga runs to the litter box before jumping on my bed or lap, I say, “No,” and gently push her away. He probably uses the bathroom when I’m sleeping and jumps on the bed, but he stays near my feet, and as far as I know, I’ve never gotten sick from my cat’s sleeping habits.
Olga doesn’t rub my face or bother me until I’m fast asleep, and because she doesn’t shed much, my sheets aren’t covered in cat hair. Allowing a cat to sleep on the bed isn’t for everyone, but if you keep your bed and pet clean, it’s probably safer than sleeping in an airline cabin.
