Top 10 Cat Nap Locations
Merlin graciously agreed to share his Mondays With Merlin podium today.
After all, we share a bed every night. He’s my furry hot water bottle and as he’s getting older, our relationship is changing. As our cats age, it’s up to us to make adjustments for their well being and comfort. Like geriatric humans, old cats can be cranky, fearful and behave out of the ordinary. I’ll be sharing more of my experience with geriatric cats in the weeks ahead.
Merlin and me are spending less time together as he spends more time napping. It’s normal for geriatric cats (cat age 12 and over) to sleep up to 75% of their day. That can be a whopping 18 hours or more a day! When the metabolism of older cats slows down, they are less able to regulate their body temperature and feel the cold more. Older cats tend to get bonier especially along their spine. It’s no wonder they want a cozy, soft warm place to nap. Make sure your cat has at least one soft, hot spot to nap on. We keep a heating pad on a big windowsill cushion but Merlin is happiest under a down duvet. He doesn’t like sitting on my lap or near me while spend long hours at my computer (he never did), and only sits with my husband while reading or watching TV.
Our quality time is in bed. To make the best of it, I do most of my reading and meditating in bed. I brush and groom him in bed and we spend more time snuggling in the morning under the covers. He sleeps all night with me, curled or draped in every conceivable location from under my chin, on my belly, over my neck or across my toes. It’s heavenly until he decides to change position or crawl outside the covers, get a snack, drink from my water glass, crawl over my face, get back under the covers, rinse lather repeat, all night. Did I mention I’m a light sleeper? Would I trade one good night’s sleep for it? Never.
The Cat Wisdom101 team came up with our favorite locations ranked by preference. What is your cat’s favorite napping location?
TOP 10 Cat Nap Locations
1. Human’s bed
2. Human’s lap
3. Outdoors or porch in the sun
4. Armchair/sofa
5. Sunny window sill or stairs
6. Cat bed/basket/cushion
7. Near any heat source (fireplace, radiator etc.)
8. Linen or other closet
9. Cat tree/bookshelf/counter top/fridge top
10. Any box or odd location
12 Comments
Abby
OH yes lots of good napping spots. Abby turned 12 this past July and she definitely spends most of her day napping. In fact she is napping right now.
purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥
Katnip Lounge
My old gal Kona loves to lie outside on the warm concrete when it’s 110 outside (!!) and she also loves her heaty pad box, and under the covers with me.
boomermuse
Thanks for reminding me. My guys love hot concrete or asphalt and it should be on the list.
@Deb, sadness yes and let’s hope good will come of the tragedy.
Cheysuli
Those are all great napping spots. Mine is always on the Woman, the Woman’s bed or perhaps in my bed.
Kathryn
Ah, such good advice. Merlin is adorable, as always. Cheddar waits for me. And Mao, too. They are 9, so they’re getting up there.
Milo and Alfie
I like mom and dad’s bed best!
Love Alfie xx
caren gittleman
My Angel Bobo ALWAYS slept with me, right up until he passed away at age 18. His favorite place to sleep was my bed (whether I was in it or not)
Cody’s fave napping place is the Linen closet. He NEVER sleeps on the bed, ever. Have no clue why. He will come into the bed at night when I am going to sleep. I pet him and talk to him. When he has had enough he is gone.
Ingrid King
There’s just nothing better than having cats in bed with you. Allegra and Ruby usually sleep on either side of me, often wedged up against me so I can hardly move, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.The photo of Merlin is wonderful!
Pam Kimmell
Sam prefers my legs for his naps. He hops on my recliner and calls me or finds me in the house and “herds” me downstairs to sit when he’s ready for a nap. If I’m unable to submit to his demands (!!) he’ll find a sun puddle. He’s almost 12 now so sleep is almost a full-time job! It’s OK with me – it’s our “special” time together.
Pam
Max the Quilt Cat
Next to leaning against a warm human body, I love sun puddles for napping.
pawhugs, Max
Carolyn
Having just lost Austin for 13 hours over a very cold night, I am happy that he is now back sleeping peacefully on my bed where he usually spends his time first thing in the morning. His favourite sleeping place varies depending on the time of day! But it’s usually on or near me first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
boomermuse
Carolyn, yes, Jack escaped from his carrier on his way to the cargo hold. You must be very relieved about Austin being back.
@Max, oh yes to warms bodies and sunpuddles.
@Pam, I’m not surprised Sam is a herding cat for his full time job of napping!
@ Ingrid, the recent photos of Jack sadly said it all. You are blessed to have kitty sleeping bookends!