He senses your emotions
Cats are like emotional sponges. They perceive our moods far better than we imagine! A change in your breathing, a disrupted sleep pattern, muscle tension… these are all signals that an attentive cat can detect. So, if your cat approaches your face when you’re going through a stressful or tiring period, it might be their way of comforting you. They’re trying to soothe you, as if to say, “I’m here.”
He wants to protect you

Yes, some cats behave a bit like silent guardians. While less common, a cat will sometimes position itself near its human’s face simply to watch over them. This protective behavior often reflects a very strong bond: your cat senses that your presence is precious and, in its own way, is ensuring your safety.
He loves your warmth
Cats are true lovers of comfort! It’s no wonder, then, that they seek the warmth of a human body. Your face, often uncovered by blankets, emits a gentle heat that your feline finds particularly comforting. In winter, this behavior becomes even more frequent: they settle down wherever it’s warm, and incidentally… right next to you.
A habit from childhood

Finally, some cats reproduce behaviors learned from a very young age. If they were accustomed to sleeping in groups, huddled together, approaching a companion’s face is a familiar and reassuring gesture for them. It is therefore sometimes simply a reflex of affection, inherited from their kittenhood.
When a cat approaches your face at night, it is not just seeking warmth or attention: it is expressing, in its own way, a strong and sincere emotional bond.