Why Does My Cat Sleep Outside My Bedroom Door? (Unlocking The Mystery)

cat sleep outisde bedroom

Does your cat prefer to sleep right outside your bedroom door? Understanding this behavior can help you learn more about your cat’s needs and habits.

In this article, we’ll delve into the various reasons why cats exhibit this behavior from seeking security to simply enjoying routine.

Join us as we uncover the mysteries behind your cat’s choice and provide tips to ensure they feel comfortable and content.

Your Cat Wants To Be Close To You

Cats are known for their independence but they also form strong bonds with their owners.

You might think that your cat hates you but many cats often seek the comfort and security of their human companions.

Sleeping near your bedroom door allows them to be close to you without intruding into your personal space. This spot gives them a sense of proximity and companionship, which can be reassuring.

Cats have a strong sense of smell and find comfort in familiar scents. Your bedroom door likely carries your scent, making it a cozy and secure place for your cat to rest.

A study has shown that cats are more sociable when humans pay attention to them1.

Your cat wants to be close to you but is not too keen on sleeping on the same bed.

Your Cat Doesn’t Like Sleeping On Your Bed

Cats are fussy creatures and can be very choosy about their sleeping place.

If your room is also too hot or too cold for your cat, it won’t be able to get a good night’s sleep.

The core temperature for cats is slightly higher than a human’s. Therefore what might be comfortable for you might not be for your cat.

Another valid reason why your cat prefers to sleep at your bedroom door instead of on your bed is due to you being a disruptive sleeper.

You toss and turn too many times at night and talk loudly in your sleep.

Cats are light sleepers and such disturbance can keep them up the whole night.

Such issues can cause your cat to not want to sleep with you anymore. As heartbreaking as that might be, your cat needs its beauty sleep too.

Your Cat Knows Your Routine

When it comes to cats, it is all about having a fixed routine. They are creatures of habit and are not too keen on changes.

Not only does your cat has a routine, but it is also very aware of yours too.

Your cat is aware of the time you usually go to the bathroom at night or when you wake up in the morning.

It could be conveniently positioning itself at your bedroom door just before you step out to get food or attention from you.

My cat knows my sleep patterns better than I do.

He knows what time I usually wake up and go to bed. I don’t even need an alarm clock these days as he will wake me up for his morning meal.

Your Cat Is Feeling Stressed

As mentioned above, cats are not very adaptable when it comes to change.

Big changes like moving to a new home, the arrival of a new pet or family member can cause undue stress to them.

When a cat a stressed it might start exhibiting strange feline behaviors.

If your cat has consistently slept on your bed or the couch and suddenly begins sleeping outside your bedroom door, it could indicate that something is amiss as this change deviates from their typical behavior.

A stressed-out cat can also start to be very clingy with its owner.

Try to ascertain what is stressing your cat out and resolve it. If it is due to a new pet or family member, get them properly socialized to reduce your cat’s stress levels.

It may take some time for your cat to adapt to a new home if you have recently moved house.

Try giving your cat more attention to help it settle in quicker.

Should I Leave My Bedroom Door Open For My Cat?

It depends very much on the kind of sleeper you are and how active your cat is at night.

If you are a light sleeper, sleeping with your bedroom door open can prevent you from sleeping well.

This problem can be made worse if your cat tends to jump on and off your bed during the night if given access to enter your bedroom.

Some cats won’t stop meowing if you sleep with a closed door at night. It gives them separation anxiety if they can’t see you.

If you have a slight pet allergy, having your cat access to your bedroom isn’t a good idea at all.

It is no fun waking up feeling sick due to an allergic reaction.

You will need to learn how to get rid of pet dander in your home to help manage your sensitivities. Pet dander is usually an allergen that can trigger an allergic reaction.

You will have to test it out with your cat and work out a compromise to see what works best.

Can I Get My Cat To Sleep In My Bedroom?

If you have been trying to get your cat to sleep in your bedroom but have not been successful, there are several things that you can do to change that.

Warmer Environment

Your cat loves a slightly warmer temperature due to its slightly higher body temperature.

You can try raising the temperature of the aircon by 1-2 degrees to see if that makes your cat more comfortable.

Get A Cat Bed

If you move a lot in your sleep, your cat will have a hard time getting a good night’s rest. A good solution to this would be to get your cat its own bed.

One thing to note is that every cat has its personal preferences when it comes to its sleeping spot. So make sure you know how to choose the right cat bed.

A cat bed will also help keep your cat warmer if your room is too cold.

Provide An Elevated Platform

There are some cat breeds like the Siberian and Bengal cat that loves higher ground.

Having a cat tree or a platform place in your bedroom can help entice your little kitty to sleep in your room instead of outside your bedroom door.

Place A Soft Blanket Or Towel On Your Bed

Cats have sensitive skin and prefer to lie on surfaces that are soft and smooth. If your bedsheets usually feel like the surface of the road, no cat would want to sleep on your bed.

If your cat likes sleeping with its head upside down, a soft pillow or blanket might entice it.

Get Your Cat Used To Your Bed

It could be that your cat isn’t too confident about being on your bed. Try putting your cat on your bed more often so that its scent is on it.

You can also feed your cat some treats and place some catnip on your bed to get your cat more relaxed.


References

1. Vitale, K. R., & Udell, M. A. R. The quality of being sociable: The influence of human attentional state, population, and human familiarity on domestic cat sociability.

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