No, your cat isn’t trying to immobilize you, although curling up around your feet definitely has that effect! Nor is your cat giving you the cold shoulder. Your cat sleeping at your feet is actually kind of an honor — and something they do for a variety of cool (or even smelly) reasons.
1. It Smells Good
The feline sense of smell isn’t nearly as celebrated as that of dogs, but cats have great noses, too. Your cat loves your smell, and let’s be real here: feet are one of the smelliest parts of a person’s body (thanks to all those eccrine sweat glands in the soles of our feet). Your foot smell might particularly comfort your feline friend and help them relax.
A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times more powerful than ours!
2. It's Warm
Cats absolutely love being warm, so one reason they love sleeping on us is because we’re like enormous hot water bottles to them. Why would a cat sleep on the room temperature sofa when they can sleep on your toasty 98-degree body?
3. You Won't Disturb Them
Most cats love their independence and don’t want to move every time you do. At the end of the bed, they can stretch out and take up as much space as they’d like. Plus, if they want to hop off and head somewhere else, they can easily do so without disturbing you. This isn’t always possible if your cat cuddles up by your head or on your chest.
4. You're There to Protect Them
Cats are both predators and prey, so they’re always alert and keeping an eye out for danger. If you have other pets in the house, your cat might sleep by your feet to stay safe. They know no one will pick on them while you’re around so they can snooze comfortably.
5. It's a Great Vantage Point
Placement at the foot of the bed gives them a great vantage point to see any approaching danger and defend you both. When you think about it, sleeping at your feet is really a compliment!
6. It's Your Cozy Spot
Maybe you keep a fuzzy blanket on the foot of your bed, or your nightly routine includes headbutts and scritches before bed. Whatever the reason, your cat enjoys a comfy spot and slowdown routine as much as you do — after all, you sleep in bed because it's comfortable, why wouldn't they?
7. It's Part of Your Routine
Does your cat meow for breakfast at the same time every day? Felines are creatures of habit, and sleeping at your feet might be one of your cats'. That location is comfy and familiar, which is why they just keep coming back to it.
Some Cats Just Prefer Sleeping at Your Feet
Every cat has their own preference. While some will cuddle right up in the crook of your neck, others prefer to hang out on your feet. Neither one is good or bad. Neither one is good or bad. Use your enrichment and playtime to love on your kitty. When nighttime rolls around, embrace the fact that they want to sleep on your feet because when it comes down to it, it really is a sweet gesture.
