Sleeping with your cat can be a comforting routine that reduces anxiety and releases oxytocin, the love hormone, but it also carries health risks such as zoonotic infections.
like Cat Scratch Disease, Toxoplasmosis, Ringworm, parasites like fleas and ticks, and allergens that may trigger asthma or allergies even in people who were previously unaffected.
Cats are nocturnal and may walk on you, meow for attention, or disturb your sleep, leading to irritability, fatigue, and reduced daily performance.
Additionally, health complications from infections or allergies can result in medical expenses, vet bills, and extra cleaning costs.
To co-sleep safely, ensure your cat visits the vet every six months for vaccines and deworming, wash linens weekly in hot water, groom your cat regularly especially if it goes outside, use air purifiers and vacuum often, and consider setting up a nearby cat bed so your pet can sleep close without sharing your bed.