Cats can exhibit some surprising behaviors, such as climbing onto your bed and getting close to your face. Have you ever wondered why cats do this? Do they check if you’re breathing? Understanding your cat’s actions is crucial for pet owners. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind a cat checking your breath. Let’s dive in!
Do Cats Check If You’re Breathing?
Yes, cats do check if you’re breathing, especially while you sleep. Have you ever woken up to find your cat’s nose near yours? There are several reasons why cats engage in this behavior.
Confirmation
When you sleep, you remain still, with your mouth and eyes closed. Cats may mistake this stillness for death. Just like you would do in the same situation, cats approach you, climb onto your chest, and put their noses close to yours to feel your breathing. Cats are intelligent creatures, so if they detect any signs of apnea or cessation of breathing, they may gently nudge your face or chest to wake you up.
Hunger
Your furry friend cares about your well-being, but sometimes they may simply check your breathing because they’re hungry. Cats often meow to get your attention, but if you’re fast asleep, they need to find another way to wake you up. Checking your breath by getting close to your face is a common tactic. To avoid any sleep disruption, it’s a good idea to ensure their bowls are filled with food and water before you go to bed.
Attention
As mentioned earlier, cats can use the action of checking your breathing to get your attention. If you’re fast asleep and your feline friend is touching your face and checking your breath, it may mean they’re feeling bored. If you’ve had enough rest, it’s time to wake up and spend some quality time with them. However, if you need some more sleep, give them a gentle hug and continue dozing off.
Trouble
Cats’ intelligence can be surprising at times. Some cat owners have shared stories of their pets alerting them to dangers such as seizures, fires, or illnesses. When your cat checks on your breathing, they might be trying to signal potential risks or alert you to something unusual. Keep an eye out for any abrupt changes in your cat’s behavior.
Warmth
Cats have their own warm and fuzzy coats, but they still seek additional warmth, particularly on cold winter days. Cats love human body temperature, and if they find themselves in an environment that isn’t warm enough, they’ll naturally seek warmth. Your breath offers that warmth, and after checking your body for potential heat sources, they may choose to rest near your mouth.
Curiosity
Cats are famously known for their curiosity. They like to explore new places with their mouths, tails, and paws to adapt to their surroundings. Although it might not seem like your mouth offers much intrigue to cats, understanding how your body functions helps them adapt more effectively to their environment.
Why Do Cats Walk On You While You Sleep?
Cats may walk on you while you’re asleep for similar reasons as checking your breathing. Here are a few possibilities:
- Attention seeking: Cats are social animals and crave your love and attention. If they feel lonely or want comfort, they might come close to you, even while you sleep.
- Comfort: Your body provides warmth, and your blanket acts as an additional source of coziness. When cats feel cold, they seek warmth, and your body, along with your bed, becomes their chosen spot.
- Hunger: Cats may become hungry even during your bedtime. If they’ve been working too hard (playing, exploring, or hunting), they might wake you up to feed them.
- Stress reliever: Your scent can make cats feel secure and relieve their stress. Sleeping close to you helps them find comfort and a sense of familiarity.
Do Cats Like the Feeling from Your Breathing?
If you often share your bed with cats, you may have noticed that they prefer to snuggle up beside your head. Of course, this offers them more warmth, but there’s another reason behind it. Cats have a strong sense of smell and often interact with their environment using their noses. By sleeping close to you, they can smell you and become more familiar with your scent. Additionally, cats find comfort in the rhythmic pattern of your breathing, which makes them feel safe and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do cats walk on you while you sleep?
Cats may walk on you while you sleep to seek attention, warmth, or to relieve stress. They may also wake you up if they’re feeling hungry.
Q: Do cats check if you’re breathing?
Yes, cats do check if you’re breathing, particularly while you sleep. They may climb on your chest and put their noses close to yours to feel your breath.
Q: Do cats like the feeling from your breathing?
Cats find comfort in the rhythmic pattern of your breathing, which makes them feel secure. They also use their sense of smell to become more familiar with your scent.
Conclusion
Cats have various reasons for checking if their owners are breathing. They may do it out of concern, for attention, or because they seek warmth. In some cases, they simply want to wake you up to fulfill their needs. Hopefully, this article has shed light on your cat’s behavior and provided you with valuable insights. If you know someone who owns a cat and has pondered the same question, feel free to share this article with them.
Thank you for reading!