Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

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 Some cats, particularly kittens over eight weeks outdated, are energetic at evening, too, as a result of they’ve a lot power to burn.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

Power Conservation

The primary motive why cats sleep a lot is to preserve power. Their power ranges ebb and move all through the day. Cats are predators and have to relaxation in an effort 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 numerous effort in catching their meals. They should relaxation and recharge in an effort 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 obligatory. They might be resting or simply dozing off. Though they look like asleep, they’re possible conscious of their environment. On this stage, the cat will often place their physique to allow them to spring to motion immediately if a predator seems. Their tail is commonly curled below 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! The sort of deep sleep sometimes 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 timber – there are such a lot of merchandise obtainable to maintain cats energetic and entertained. The extra enjoyable they’ve, the extra they are going to 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 supper time. 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 should additionally tire them out and put together them for one more nap.

Stress and Illness

Whereas cats sleep A LOT, typically chances are you’ll discover your cat sleeping greater than normal. If that occurs, your cat could also be feeling careworn or sick. 

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

In case your cat is spending numerous time below the mattress or within the closet, they might not really feel so sizzling. Cats cover out when they’re in ache or below the climate. Cats attempt to conceal their ache and infrequently don’t let their house owners know they aren’t feeling nicely. 

You realize your cat higher than anybody. So if they’re performing in a different way, take them to a vet. Higher protected than sorry! 

Since cats spend a lot of their lives asleep, be certain their waking hours are full of affection and enjoyable. Play with them as typically as you’ll be able to. It should do wonders for each of you, protecting you content and wholesome and making a stable bond between you.

Love, Nala