Is your cat suddenly sleeping in odd places around your home – or even outside?
Cats are curious creatures, sometimes it feels like they do the oddest things without any rhyme or reason.
The truth is, however, that there is almost always a reason why cats do things – and this is typically true of why they choose certain places to sleep.
Reasons Why Cats Suddenly Start Sleeping in Different Places
If you’ve noticed your cat has swapped their favorite sleeping spots for places that look a lot less comfortable, and even just odd, you’re right to investigate why.
There are a few different reasons why cats might suddenly start sleeping in odd places.
Some of the most common reasons include:
- A change in their environment or routine – for example, if you’ve just moved to a new home or have started working long hours and your cat is now spending more time alone;
- Anxiety or stress – caused, for example, by a change in the family dynamic (a new baby or pet in the home, for example), construction going on near their home, or a traumatic experience;
- Physical discomfort or pain – due to an illness, injury, or age-related health problem, a cat might choose somewhere that feels more comfortable;
- Temperature – if a cat feels too hot or cold, they might seek out a new place to sleep that is more comfortable.
- Safety – a cat might choose to sleep in a new place if they feel unsafe in their current environment. For example, if there is a lot of traffic disturbing them or a loud noise spooked them.
As you can see, most of the reasons why cats suddenly choose a new spot to sleep revolve around something bothering them.
It might be something obvious, such as you having changed the layout of a room, or it might be more subtle such as something disturbing them once and putting them off that spot.
There is also the possibility that they’ve just happened across a new spot or two, decided to try it out, and liked it.
Related – Here is a look at cats’ sleeping positions when they’re sick.
Why Do Cats Keep Choosing Different Sleeping Places?
Whether your cat has always been a fickle sleeper or has only recently started sleeping in odd places, it can be frustrating if you think they aren’t comfortable.
The good news is that, with a bit of detective work, you can usually figure out why they’re choosing the new spots and do something to provide them with a nice cozy spot they prefer.
Sometimes cats need a little encouragement to sleep in certain spots.
You can try putting some soft blankets in a certain area and putting some treats there – cats always respond well to treats.
You could also spend some time there petting and fussing them, that’s probably the second-best way to persuade a cat to do something behind feeding them treats.
The bottom line, however, as any cat owner will tell you is that sometimes (most of the time?) cats sleep where they want – which is anywhere you don’t want them to!
Why Do Cats Sleep in Odd and Weird Places?
If your cat is sleeping in odd or weird places, such as behind your sofa, on top of your PC, laying on your shoes – whatever it may be – there will be a reason.
Before you assume your cat is going crazy, look for solutions to the problems I covered that make cats move where they choose to sleep.
To use the above examples, I have a cat that likes to sleep on top of my PC and I’m pretty sure it’s because it’s warm.
I really need to stop him though, I have one of those seethrough sides and I can literally see cat fur getting into my PC!
If your cat is sleeping behind your sofa, it’s likely they’re looking for some place where they are not going to be disturbed.
If your cat is sleeping laying on top of your shoes, it might be because they like and are familiar with your odor (even if you think it’s gross) and want to be close to it.
Related – A look at why cats sleep curled up or with their faces buried down.
Why Older Cats Sleep in Different Spots
As cats age, they can develop health problems that make it difficult for them to get around.
This is why you might start seeing your cat sleeping in different spots – because they’re no longer able to jump up on the bed or couch like they used to.
If your cat is older and sleeping in odd places, be sure to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Your vet can help you determine if your cat is uncomfortable or in pain and give you tips on how to make them more comfortable.
Sometimes all your cat needs is a place where they feel safe and can nap undisturbed.
If this is the case, try setting up a special bed or sleeping area for your cat that is just for them.
You can put a nice soft blanket or bed in there and maybe some treats to entice them and spend time there fussing them.
In Summary
There are many reasons why cats might start sleeping in odd places, but the most common ones are usually due to them feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.
If your cat is sleeping in a new spot, take some time to try and figure out why they might be doing it and see if you can provide them with an alternative that makes them more comfortable and meets their needs.
However, the most important thing is to be sure that your cat is not suffering from any health issues – so always rule that out first.
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Image credits – Photo by Elisa Kennemer on Unsplash
