Cat has decided to sleep on my bed - READ OP'S UPDATE BEFORE RESPONDING *Edited by MNHQ*

[mumsandaunties]

I have an eleven year old female, who has never really been particularly friendly, and has never, ever slept on my bed….or even jumped on the bed wanting attention or when I’m offering dreamies. Never..in eleven years…until the day before yesterday.

She spent the day on my bed. I even took photos to send to my family it was so unusual. Evening on the couch as normal. Then the night, back on my bed.

Yesterday, same again. This morning she woke DH up at 5:30 by sleeping on his chest! Right now she’s cuddled close to me in the bed.

She doesn’t seem unwell. It’s just so bizarre I don’t quite know what to make of it.

Anyone got any ideas?

• [Note from MNHQ: please see the OP's sad update (28/01) before responding]

Oh how sweet! You haven't changed duvet sets or washing powder, or blankets or pillows or anything like that?

Behavioural changes often are a sign that something isn’t right. When is she next due a check up with the vet?

I think a lot of cats become more friendly and cuddlesome when they get a bit older. The way I’d see it is that she’s always loved you really but is now willing to show it.

So where’s the pic of the cat on your bed? If the cat seems fine,
I wouldn’t worry, but I would keep an eye on her just to make sure.

We do have a new throw on the bed, but it’s been there a few weeks and is only a bog standard fleece.

She is a real grumpy cat but has been more tolerant the last year or so. To be specific, since I bought a dreamland husky heated throw for the couch last winter and she took up residence on it with me. But the bed’s been an absolute no. Daughter’s bed yes. Son’s bed yes. Mine…never.

She’s mellowing and is putting herself first due to going through catopaws, perfectly normal.

It's warmer on your bed!

I had my rescue cat (age unknown but defo not young) for 9 years before he decided to hop up on the bed and curl up on top of me.

No idea why and from that night, he slept on top of me every night until he died of old age just over a year later.

I did wonder if he was feeling cold in his old age and decided to swallow his pride and seek out the warm human. Whatever the reason though it made us both very happy.

My girls only started to show affection after 10+ years they definitely mellow with age

I got out an old fleece for our sofa a few weeks ago when we had that cold spell and our 7 yo old tom started sitting with us on it and so I have left it on. He was a rescue kitten and can be skittish and isn't a lap cat - except very rarely but only with me - and he has always sat on the other sofa by himself. The dog sometimes grumbles but they now will lie together. So it is probably the throw OP, but it's probably a good idea to keep an eye on her health and behaviour just in case.

Op, I’d ask a vet just in case.Cats do get friendlier with age but it also be a sign that something is unwell. My cat does come on the bed but he is not a lap cat. The only time he chose to sit on my lap was when he got injured.
My sister’s cat also never sat on my lap or let me hold her until she got older and was unwell. Before she would start wash herself straight after I pet her.
Yiur cat might be telling you something is not right by coming in your bed, or just have a change of heart.

I knew it felt wrong. I have just found her stretched out lifeless on the dining room floor. 🥲

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear the outcome. But if it's any small consolation, she said her goodbye and went to sleep happy, loved and at home. No debilitating illness, no lingering old age problems. Sending you hugs and safe travels over rainbow bridge lovely puss.

I'm so sorry, but she sounds like she had a lovely last couple of days, and that's so much better than a lingering illness. She was happy at home. 💐

omg I was just about to badger you for a photo and post a gif.

I am sorry, op 🥺. Please tell us what has happened?

I read your post as she was poorly but you have my condolences if she has passed. Sorry for what’s happening xx

So sorry to hear that

repeat

Oh @mumsandaunties, I’m so sorry xxx

So sorry she has passed, she wanted to let you know she loved you and thank you for looking after her. I'm convinced cats have a sixth sense and know when to say goodbye.😿

I'm so sorry. Sending hugs.

So sorry to hear that, @mumsandaunties . I just lost my dear 11 year old girl suddenly last month - it's an awful shock, isn't it? But I'm glad she didn't dwindle or suffer, and it sounds like your girl was the same, and had a lovely, loving last few weeks with you...

Had you had her since a kitten? It sounds like you respected her personality as it was, that's the best thing you can do for a cat. All condolences to you. 🤗

Ah so sorry op. Remember she chose you during her final weeks.
And you were there for her..
So sorry.

I'm so so sorry for your loss.

Thank you all. I hadn’t planned to spend the afternoon digging a grave, but that’s life. She was a very grumpy cat, but very loved and she had a good life. I’m just waiting for my daughter to come in from school to tell her.

My 6 yr old female dcat has also started sleeping on my bed! No idea why, maybe its temperatures dropping & my comfy bedding...