Why Do Cats Sleep So A lot?

Cats are crepuscular, which implies they’re most energetic at daybreak and nightfall. It is because their pure predators are normally out looking within the day or night time time. Cats are fairly good in order that they conceal out and sleep at these occasions and exit whereas their predators are resting. That is hereditary conduct. Oftentimes, although, pet cats will modify to their human’s schedule and sleep by means of the night time and maintain their proprietor firm in the course of the day. Cats are extremely adaptable creatures and can modify their sleeping schedules to their match meal occasions as effectively. Some cats, particularly kittens over eight weeks outdated, are energetic at night time, too, as a result of they’ve a lot power to burn. Senior cats and new child kittens, however, normally sleep much more than 15 hours per day. 

Vitality Conservation

The principle cause why cats sleep a lot is to preserve power. Their power ranges ebb and stream all through the day. Cats are predators and have to relaxation so as to have sufficient power to stalk, pounce, and hunt their prey. Significantly as a result of the animals cats choose to eat – rodents and birds – are quick and elusive, cats expend a whole lot of effort in catching their meals. They should relaxation and recharge so as to have sufficient stamina for the hunt. 

Cats typically sleep in 15-30 minute increments – that is the well-known “cat nap.” About 75% of their sleep is a shallow slow-wave sleep. Mainly, they’re half asleep and nonetheless alert. Their eyes could also be closed, however their senses of odor and listening to are nonetheless energetic and they’re able to react if needed. They might be resting or simply dozing off. Though they seem like asleep, they’re doubtless conscious of their environment. On this stage, the cat will normally place their physique to allow them to spring to motion straight away if a predator seems. Their tail is usually curled beneath their physique, ears are raised and alert, and limbs are tucked in. 

Solely 25% of cats’ sleep is deep, REM-level sleep. They might be dreaming – flicking their little tails, making biscuits, and even making suckling motions and sounds. Cats actually couldn’t be cuter in the event that they tried! One of these deep sleep usually lasts solely 5 minutes at a time after which the cat goes again to their “cat nap” stage. 

Stimulation and Boredom

Much like people, particularly when there’s nothing good to observe on TV, cats sleep extra when they’re bored. If there’s nothing higher to do, why not take a nap? To maintain your cat stimulated and engaged, present an array of enrichment toys to occupy their time. Wand toys, puzzle toys, cat bushes – there are such a lot of merchandise out there to maintain cats energetic and entertained. The extra enjoyable they’ve, the extra they’ll wish to keep awake and play! 

Let your cat work for his or her meals. Since a cat’s intuition is to hunt for his or her meals, make a recreation of time for supper. As a substitute of simply setting out a bowl of meals, tire them out with a recreation first. Allow them to pounce, chase, stalk, and hunt a toy. As soon as they “catch” it, feed them their meal. They are going to really feel like they “earned” their dinner and it’ll fulfill their predatory instincts. It’s going to additionally tire them out and put together them for one more nap.

Stress and Illness

Whereas cats sleep A LOT, typically you might discover your cat sleeping greater than standard. If that occurs, your cat could also be feeling pressured or sick. 

Hiding out or being much less energetic are frequent amongst cats who’re scared or anxious. If you happen to simply moved to a brand new place or have firm over, your cat could not really feel protected. Sleeping could assist calm them down. 

In case your cat is spending a whole lot of time beneath the mattress or within the closet, they could not really feel so sizzling. Cats conceal out when they’re in ache or beneath the climate. Cats attempt to conceal their ache and infrequently don’t let their house owners know they aren’t feeling effectively. 

You understand your cat higher than anybody. So if they’re appearing otherwise, take them to a vet. Higher protected than sorry! 

Since cats spend a lot of their lives asleep, make certain their waking hours are full of affection and enjoyable. Play with them as usually as you may. It’s going to do wonders for each of you, holding you cheerful and wholesome and making a stable bond between you.

Love, Nala