Should I let my cat sleep in my bed?

That gentle purr, the soft weight at the foot of the bed — there’s something uniquely comforting about your cat choosing to sleep with you. But can snuggling up with your cat cause health or hygiene problems? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons  to help you decide what’s best for you and your feline pal.

The benefits of cat co-sleeping

Sharing your bed with your cat isn’t just a sweet habit; it can be good for both of you. For many pet parents, the presence of a cat offers a deep sense of security and companionship, which can reduce feelings of loneliness. That physical closeness can also trigger the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” strengthening your bond and lowering stress. Even the sound of their purr has been shown to have a calming effect that can help lower blood pressure. 

For your cat, the upsides are just as significant. Sleeping with you provides warmth, which helps them conserve energy. Your steady breathing and heartbeat are also deeply comforting, reminding them of the safety they felt with their mother and littermates. By mingling their scent with yours on the blankets, they’re marking you as part of their trusted inner circle.

Potential downsides of sharing your bed with your cat

Of course, there are a few reasons why you might want to keep your bedroom a cat-free zone. The most common issue is sleep disruption. Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk — which often translates to 5AM zoomies across your pillows. Their sleep patterns are also different from ours. They sleep in short bursts, so they’re more likely to wake up, groom or reposition throughout the night. Even if these small movements don’t fully wake you, they can cause micro-awakenings that pull you out of deep sleep, leaving you feeling tired the next day. 

Then there are the hygiene considerations. Even if you aren’t allergic to cats, their dander can build up in your bedding over time. And while indoor cats are generally clean, they can still track litter box particles or harbor parasites. “Co-sleeping with your cat means sharing more than just space — you're also sharing their microbiome,” Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, says. “Consistent, year-round parasite prevention and regular vet check-ups are non-negotiable to keep both you and your cat safe and healthy.”

Can my kitten sleep with me?

While sleeping with an adult cat is a matter of preference, letting a tiny kitten share your bed is a safety issue. Kittens, especially those under 4 or 5 months old, are very small and fragile. A sleeping person can easily roll over and accidentally injure or suffocate them. They aren’t yet strong or agile enough to get out of the way. There’s also a risk of them becoming disoriented and suffocating under heavy blankets or falling off a high bed, which could cause serious injury. It's safest to provide your new kitten with a secure, cozy bed on the floor of your bedroom until they’re older and more resilient.

Tips for sleeping with your cat

If you decide the cuddles are worth it, a few ground rules can make the experience better for everyone. First, create a strict hygiene routine. Wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week in hot water to kill bacteria and reduce allergens. A waterproof mattress protector is also a great idea. Second, stay on top of your cat’s health with vet-approved parasite preventives. Finally, set some gentle boundaries. If you don’t want your cat sleeping on your face, consistently move them toward the foot of the bed. To prevent late-night antics, schedule a 15-minute play session with a wand toy right before bed to tucker them out.

Where should my cat sleep at night?

If co-sleeping isn’t for you, you can still keep your cat close without sharing your mattress. The best alternative might be a dedicated cat bed placed in your bedroom. This allows your cat to be near you — hearing your breathing and smelling your scent — which provides security without disrupting your sleep. Look for beds with raised sides or cave-style beds, as these enclosed spaces make cats feel safe. A plush bed on the top tier of a tall cat tree can also be a big hit, as it gives them a secure vantage point. 

Ultimately, deciding whether to let your cat sleep with you comes down to what works for you, your lifestyle and your cat’s personality. For some, the emotional benefits outweigh the risk of a few disruptions. For others, particularly light sleepers or people with allergies, a separate sleeping space might be the healthier choice. Whether your cat is curled up by your side or snoozing in their own bed nearby, what matters most is that they feel safe, loved and part of the family.