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Why Do Cats Like to Sleep So Much?
November 1, 2020

Kitties come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and personalities. However, these furballs share one thing in common: they love sleeping. In fact, Fluffy sleeps on average around 15 hours per day. She can even sleep up to 20 hours in a single 24-hour period. That’s a lot of slumber for your feline friend! You might wonder why your pet needs to rest so much—read on to find out more about your cat’s sleeping habits.

 

Why Cats Sleep So Much

Kitties’ physiology has evolved from the great feline predators of the wild, like lions, tigers, and panthers. Stalking and hunting instincts are hardwired into your domesticated feline, along with some adorable quirks. It’s these instincts that are the root cause of Fluffy’s napping predilection.

 

Hunting takes a lot of energy for your cat. Kitties sleep so much in order to conserve energy for the hunt. That’s why domesticated house cats and giant cats in the wild both tend to sleep a lot, especially during the day. They’re actually saving up their energy for the coming hunt, whether they’re chasing antelope or just stalking a dust bunny under the dining room table.

 

Fluffy’s Sleeping Cycle

It turns out that cats go alternate between a dozing state and a deep sleep while they’re sleeping. The dozing period lasts up to a half hour. Your cat remains semi-alert during this time and will likely position herself so that she can easily hop up and move quickly if necessary. The deep sleep portion of the cycle lasts only about five minutes or so before your cat re-enters the dozing period. This back-and-forth continues the entire time your furry friend is resting.

 

Your Cat’s Schedule

Cats are classified as crepuscular. That is a term in zoology referring to animals (or insects) that are most active between dusk and dawn. This also explains why Fluffy tends to get more active in the evenings and early mornings. Yes, it’s annoying to have your cat’s antics wake you up at five a.m., but don’t get mad at her. Kitties do make adorable alarm clocks! Throughout the middle part of the day, of course, you’ll usually find Fluffy snoozing peacefully.

 

Do you want to learn more about your cat’s sleeping habits? Do you think Fluffy’s sleep schedule seems off? Contact us today!