Cats are known for their love of cozy places to sleep, and baby items often become their favorite haunts.
This behavior, so charming to some and irritating to others, has deep roots in feline nature and psychology.
Understanding the reasons for this choice will help you better understand your furry pet.
Smell and safety
One of the main reasons why cats choose baby bedding is because of smell. Cats have an excellent sense of smell and associate familiar smells with safety.
Baby items smell like family members that the cat considers part of its "pack." This scent creates a sense of security and comfort, which is especially important for cats during sleep, when they are most vulnerable.
Softness and warmth
Children's clothing and bedding are usually made of soft, pleasant to the touch materials. Cats, like people, value comfort during rest.
Soft fabrics like fleece or cotton, often used in baby clothes, are ideal for creating a cozy nest. These materials also retain heat well, which is important for cats who like to maintain a high body temperature while sleeping.
Territorial behavior
Choosing baby bedding can also be a manifestation of territorial behavior in cats.
By settling on the clothes or bedding of family members, the cat leaves its scent on them, thereby "marking" them as part of its territory. This is especially true if a new baby appears in the house - the cat may thus try to integrate the new scent into its "map" of family scents.
Attracting attention
Sometimes cats choose baby items for sleeping to attract attention. They may notice that their owners pay a lot of attention to these items and decide that by settling on them, they too will receive an extra portion of affection and care.
This is especially true for cats who feel they are not getting enough attention after a baby comes into the house.
Instinct of protection
Cats have a strong instinct to protect their family, especially the smallest members. By nesting on children's things, a cat may subconsciously try to protect the child, even if he or she is not around.
This instinct is especially strong in cats that have lived in the house before the baby arrived and perceive it as a new member of their "pack".
Texture and shape
Baby items often have textures and shapes that are appealing to cats. The folds of clothing and the soft curves of pillows or blankets create perfect nooks for a cat to curl up in.
This feature corresponds to the natural instinct of cats to seek out protected places to rest, where they feel safe from potential predators.
Stress response
In some cases, choosing baby items for sleeping may be a cat's reaction to stress or changes in the home environment.
The arrival of a new family member often brings with it changes in routine and noise levels in the home. In this situation, the familiar smells and textures of baby things can be a source of comfort and stability for your cat.
How to solve the problem
If your cat's habit of sleeping on baby things is causing you discomfort, you can try creating an alternative sleeping place for her.
Placing a soft bed or pillow near the crib or in the area where baby things are usually kept can help redirect the cat's attention. It's important that the new area be as cozy and inviting as the baby things.
