New Cat Owner's Sleep Disturbed by Feline's Pillow Obsession
A woman who recently introduced a Selkirk Rex breed kitten into her household has turned to the online community for guidance after her new pet's nocturnal activities left her severely sleep deprived. The owner, who shared her experience on Reddit, posted two photographs of her small brown feline comfortably settled on her bed pillows, illustrating the core of her dilemma.
The Nighttime Nuisance
In her detailed post, the frustrated cat owner explained that every night, her kitten seeks affection and cuddles but inevitably climbs onto her pillow, forcing her to repeatedly move him off throughout the night. "How can I train this dude not to get on my pillows?" she inquired. "I’m losing hours of sleep to moving him off my pillow several times every night! He can literally go anywhere else in the entire house that he wants, except my pillow!"
She further elaborated on her concerns in a follow-up comment, noting that hygiene issues compound the problem. "I get acne so I always try to keep my pillows super clean," she stated. "But he gets litter stuck in his fluffy paws etc. I can accept a certain amount of that but I’d prefer not on my pillow." The owner emphasized that her Selkirk Rex seems determined to claim that specific spot as his own sleeping area.
Community Responses and Suggestions
Reddit users quickly offered a mix of sympathy and practical advice. One respondent shared a personal anecdote, recalling, "I hated having my cat sleep above my head on my pillow. Until I got used to it. And then looked forward to it. And missed it terribly when he was gone. Your kitty is looking for comfort. Are you sure you can't learn to share?"
Another user echoed similar sentiments, explaining, "I used to be driven crazy by stuff like this. However, I quickly realised how lucky I am that these tiny creatures love me so much that they want to be as close to me as possible. Also, with time I just got used to it and now they literally walk all over me while I sleep and I no longer notice."
A third commenter proposed a simple solution, asking, "Is there a second pillow he can use?" The owner replied that although a second pillow is available, her kitten exclusively prefers hers, likely due to a desire for closeness.
A Positive Development
Following the advice received, the woman provided an optimistic update. She decided to allow the cat on her pillow while she was using it, resulting in a brief sweet moment before the kitten slipped off due to the silk material. "Problem might solve itself!" she humorously noted, suggesting that the slippery surface could naturally deter the behavior.
Expert Insights on Feline Behavior
According to specialists at Cats.com, there are five primary reasons why cats are drawn to sleeping on pillows:
- Warmth and Body Heat: Cats seek out warm spots, and pillows often retain heat from their owners.
- Love and Affection: This behavior can be a sign of bonding and attachment.
- Trust and Protection: Sleeping near their owner provides a sense of security.
- Fright or Stress: In some cases, it may indicate anxiety or a need for reassurance.
- Asserting Dominance: Cats might claim the pillow to establish territory.
The experts add, "Cats are very intelligent and sensitive creatures. A lot of the things they do can confuse us and leave us wondering what in the world is going on. One of these things is them taking pride of place on the spot we put our face at night, claiming this as their favourite sleeping position." This insight helps explain the kitten's persistent pillow preference, highlighting the complex nature of feline habits that often puzzle their human companions.
