Cats are playful and social animals that are kept in homes as pets. Human beings and cats have bonded since time immemorial. However, cats may show some unique behaviors that may leave you worried. You might ask, Why do cats cover their noses when they sleep?

Felines, or kitties, always slumber with their noses hidden by their hands. The following are eight reasons why they do so:

1. Keeping Warm

Cats are subject to temperature variations in their environment. They prefer warm habitats to cold ones. Usually, kitties block their noses because it is a very vital organ.

In addition, they close their faces with their forelimbs to keep them warm, as this helps trap heat.

2. Getting Away from Sunlight

Felines tend to cover their faces when there is a lot of sunlight. If your cat naps in a place where sun rays hit it directly, then it will close its face using its hands to keep itself comfortable and relaxed.

3. Weather Variations

Cats are very sensitive animals. They can detect the tiniest change in the environment that humans and other animals cannot.

When it is about to rain, you will notice your feline covering its nose to protect itself against the cold weather.

4. Keeping Safe

Cats are very solitary in their surroundings, but this does not guarantee their safety. When they are asleep, they are susceptible to many dangers, so as a form of staying secure in their slumber, they tend to cover their noses.

5. Prolonged Sleep

Mostly, when a cat is in deep slumber, it spreads its hind limbs and sits in a position as if it wants to jump on prey.

This position makes the cat so relaxed and comfortable. Thus, they fall into a deep sleep.

Furthermore, a long nap is good for your feline, as this allows the body to rest and relax its brain.

6. Avoiding Distractions

Cats are subject to environmental stimulation. So for them to distance themselves from the stimulus during their slumber, they close their nose using their hands because it is easier for it to be interfered with during sleep. 

7. Lethargy

Cats spend most of their time cleaning their fur and hair since the fur keeps them warm. At times, they fall asleep due to tiredness and might leave their hands covering their noses due to the grooming.

Therefore, you should not disturb your feline during its slumber because it might be due to weariness.

8. Marking Boundaries

Kitties have different ways of dominating their territories. They release their hormones, which are pheromones, whose glands are located around the nose.

This explains why your cat may prefer only one spot on the bed or couch where it spends most of the time; however, it mainly happens in homes with two or more cats.

Cat Covering Eyes With Paw While Sleeping

Usually, cats hide their faces with their paws for four main reasons:

1. Feeling Secure

Felines always cover their faces with their paws during slumber to ensure their safety during this period. This explains why cats cover their faces with their feet.

2. Maintaining Body Heat

Cats need to always be warm so that they can be active. Covering the face ensures that no heat escapes and more warmth is trapped. A cat covering its face with paws while sleeping helps reduce the amount of heat lost.

3. Keeping Off Natural Light

Sun rays can be a nuisance to the cat while it is asleep. So to avoid this, it tends to cover its eyes using its paws. This elaborates on why cats cover their eyes with their paws.

4. Deep Slumber

You might have wondered what it means when cats sleep with their paws over their faces. When felines are so worked out, they tend to fall into a deep sleep, and to make sure they are not disturbed, they close their faces using their paws.

Cat Sleeping Positions: What Do They Mean?

Cats have various styles in which they take their naps. Each type may have a reason as to why the cat made it. The following are ten positions and their meanings when the cat sleeps:

1. Curved Up In A Circle

Kitties like to curl up in a ball because this shape helps them retain much of the heat, thus maintaining the warmth in their bodies.

The shape also helps protect some important body organs in the stomach of the feline by covering them with tough muscles.

2. Sleeping On Its Side

This is a very important position for cats when sleeping because it keeps the cat alert, and by doing so, it can move very fast when it senses danger.

Furthermore, if it sleeps sideways, it means your kitty is feeling cozier and happier.

3. Sleeping On Chair And Other Household Gadgets

You might have seen your cat perched on a chair arm or even on a cupboard. This position gives the cat a clear view of what is happening in case it senses danger.

It will notice very quickly the direction from which the threat is coming. Additionally, this position helps it have a great view of its prey before attacking.

4. Sleeping While Upright

When the cat sleeps as if it is sitting, it means that it is feeling safe and secure. Sitting upright while in a nap exposes the belly, and this often happens when the cat is feeling secure.

In addition, cats sleep this way to provide them with an easy time to make their fur in between sleeps.

5. Sleeping In a Loaf-Like Shape

When your cat slumbers in a position that resembles a loaf of bread with its forelimbs curved towards its chest, it shows that it is feeling comfortable and relaxed. This position also assists in keeping the cat warm.

6. Sleeping On Each Other

Kittens always slumber with each other in a pile. They do this to keep off the cold, as they share the heat they produce, which does not escape easily.

Furthermore, it shows that the cats have bonded well and feel safe with each other.

7. Sleeping On the Stomach and Stretching Out Its Hind Limbs Backwards

This position is also known as Superman. It shows that your cat is relaxed and comfortable, and in this position, it can fall into a deep nap.

8. Partially Closed Eyes

Cats are aware of the dangers that may be around them when they are taking a nap. Cats normally sleep with one eye closed and the other half open so that they can be alert if danger arises and flee away quickly.

9. On Your Chest

This sleeping style shows that your cat feels safe and comfortable when close to you. This is a good sign that you are bonding with your cat.

10. Covering Its Face With The Fore Limbs

Due to their activeness, cats usually get tired a lot. So when they sleep, which is also their resting time, they tend to cover their faces with their hands. This is a clear indication that your cat is exhausted and needs a peaceful slumber free from disturbance.

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