Is it safe to sleep with your cat regularly?

Jakarta (ANTARA) – For many people, a cat is not merely a pet but part of the family. This closeness leads some owners to let their cats sleep in the bedroom, or even on the bed throughout the night.

The habit does not automatically cause health problems for everyone. However, several factors should be considered, particularly allergies, cleanliness, diseases that can pass from animals to humans, and sleep quality. Even cats that appear healthy and clean may carry certain germs.

Allergies may be more likely to flare up

One concern is exposure to cat allergens. These can come from flakes of skin, saliva and other parts of the body, which then collect on fur and various surfaces around the home.

For people with cat allergies, continuous exposure in the bedroom can worsen symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked nose, or itchy or watery eyes. The Mayo Clinic advises people with allergies to reduce their exposure and, if possible, keep the bedroom pet-free.

There is still a risk of disease transmission

Cats can carry germs that may cause illness in humans. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that cats may carry certain bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi even when they appear healthy.

Conditions associated with cats include cat-scratch disease, Campylobacter infection, Giardia and some parasitic infections. They can be transmitted through contact with the animal, its faeces or contaminated objects.

This does not mean that everyone who sleeps with a cat will become ill. The risk depends greatly on the cat’s health, the cleanliness of its surroundings and the owner’s health.

Toxoplasmosis warrants particular attention

Toxoplasmosis is one infection often associated with cats. It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and can be transmitted through contact with cat faeces containing the parasite.

Most people who are infected have no symptoms. However, the infection can be more serious for people with weakened immune systems. Infection during pregnancy can also cause serious problems for the foetus.

Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should therefore take extra care when handling cat faeces. The Mayo Clinic advises asking someone else to clean the litter tray if possible. If they have to do it themselves, wearing gloves and washing their hands afterwards can help reduce exposure.

Sleep quality may also be affected

In addition to the risk of disease, having an animal in bed can affect sleep quality. Cats that are active at night, move around on the bed or wake their owners can make sleep less comfortable.

A 2024 study of 1,591 adults in the United States found that sleeping with pets was associated with poorer sleep quality and higher levels of insomnia. Further analysis, however, showed that the association was more apparent among dog owners and was not found among cat owners.

Meanwhile, a 2025 study of school-age children found that those who shared a bed with pets slept for shorter periods and had lower sleep efficiency than children who did not have an animal in their room. The study requires further testing, and most of its data concerned dogs.

The effect of sleeping with an animal on sleep quality therefore cannot be assumed to be the same for everyone, including cat owners.

Keep cats clean and healthy

People who sleep with their cats should pay attention to the animals’ health and hygiene. Regular veterinary check-ups, parasite treatments as needed, vaccinations, and keeping the cat and its living area clean are important ways to reduce risk.

The CDC also advises owners to wash their hands after handling or feeding a cat, or cleaning up its faeces. Routine veterinary care helps keep cats healthy and reduces the likelihood of disease spreading.

Bedding should also be cleaned regularly, especially if the cat often gets on the bed. Sheets, pillowcases and blankets should be washed regularly to keep the sleeping area clean.

The owner’s health matters

Not everyone faces the same level of risk. People with cat allergies, those who are pregnant, people with weakened immune systems, or anyone experiencing sleep problems should reconsider allowing a cat to sleep in their bed.

For owners without these conditions, a healthy cat receiving regular care generally poses a lower risk. Nevertheless, keeping hands, bedding and the surrounding area clean remains important, as even animals that appear healthy can carry certain germs.

Ultimately, sleeping with a cat is not automatically dangerous to health. The risks are more closely linked to the owner’s health, the animal’s health, cleanliness and sleep quality.

With good pet care and hygiene, owners can continue to enjoy the closeness of their cats without neglecting their health.