New mom finally able to sleep on her back again—cat seizes her opportunity

Navigating pregnancy and parenthood with pets can be tricky, as their routines change too. Take this tabby cat, for example, who lost her favorite sleeping spot as her owner’s baby bump grew bigger.

The cat had preferred sleeping on her owner’s stomach rather than the bed. Fortunately, her owner gave birth just a week ago, and the wait was over.

A photo of the smitten cat sleeping on her stomach again has gained significant traction on Reddit, receiving 9,300 upvotes. The caption reads: “Our kitty couldn’t be more thrilled to have her happy place back.”

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as a pregnancy progresses, sleeping on the back may not be ideal. The weight of the uterus can press on the spine and back muscles. During the second and third trimesters, lying on the back may also compress a major blood vessel responsible for delivering blood to the uterus, potentially causing dizziness and reducing blood flow to the baby.

This, of course, can be problematic for cats, who are known for sleeping on their owners. Catster, a vet-approved blog, shares some five of the most common reasons why cats love sleeping on their humans:

1. Cats Love Warmth – Cats seek out warm spots, whether it’s a sunny patch, a laptop, or your chest. Since your body radiates heat, your chest becomes the perfect cozy place for a nap.
2. Comfort and Stillness – Cats prefer stability when they rest. While sitting up, you may fidget too much for their liking, but lying down provides a still, cozy spot where they can fully relax.
3. Bonding and Affection – Some cats simply enjoy being close to their humans. If your cat loves sleeping on your chest, they may see it as quality bonding time—just be prepared to stay put once they settle in!
4. Security and Safety – Cats instinctively seek safe places to sleep. Your chest provides warmth, familiarity, and a sense of protection, making it an ideal nap spot.
5. Territorial Behavior – In multi-cat households, one cat may claim your chest as their special place. By lying on you, they may be marking you with their scent, subtly telling other cats, “This human is mine!”

So far, the viral post has received several humorous comments.

One user joked: “Nine months of betrayal, but all is forgiven.”

Another said: “Mine sleeps between my legs to ensure I don’t end up like your wife… pregnant.”

A third user chimed in: “So sweet! Both kitty and mama look so comfortable and at peace snuggled up together.”

Newsweek reached out to u/luminous-Rays22 for comment.

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