Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? A Cat Expert Explains…
Have you ever noticed that your feline friend sleeps all day and only comes alive at night? If you’re a cat owner, you’re probably used to finding your cat curled up in a ball, taking a nap, or snoozing on the couch. But have you ever wondered why do cats sleep so much?
Well, meow-ster (see what I did there?), let me enlighten you. As a cat expert, who has spent years investigating this question, I have come up with the following reasons:
1. Cats are Crepuscular Creatures
Cats are crepuscular creatures, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. They hunt in the early morning and late evening. So, the rest of the day, they sleep as a way to conserve their energy. Makes sense, right?
2. Energy Conservation
Speaking of energy conservation, cats are naturally wired to conserve energy. Unlike us humans, who need a good 7-8 hours of sleep each night, cats only need 12-16 hours of sleep. That leaves them a lot of time to stay alert and active when they need to be.
3. Catnap Experts
Another reason why cats sleep so much is that they are catnap experts. They can quickly fall asleep and wake up at a moment’s notice. They can get more rest in ten minutes than we can get in an hour. So, they take advantage of that.
4. Body Temperature Regulation
Cats are warm-blooded creatures, but their body temperature tends to be higher than ours. When they sleep, their body temperatures drop, allowing them to conserve energy and enter a state of relaxation.
5. Nocturnal Instincts
Cats are nocturnal creatures. Their instincts tell them it’s safer to move and hunt at night, when it’s harder for predators to spot them. Even though most domesticated cats don’t need to worry about hunting for food, their instincts still tell them to stay alert at night. Hence, they sleep all day and party all night.
6. Cat Dreams
Have you ever watched your cat twitching its nose or paws while asleep? It’s because they are dreaming, just like us humans. And I bet they dream of chasing mice or catching birds. That’s got to be exhausting, right?
7. Stress Relief
Cats can also sleep to relieve stress. There are certain hormones released during sleep that can lower stress levels. So, when your cat is feeling anxious or overstimulated, they may retreat to their favorite sleeping spot to relax and unwind.
8. Comfy Sleeping Spots
Let’s not forget about the comfy sleeping spots. Cats love to sleep in warm and cozy places, tucked away in blankets or hiding in boxes. They will find the softest, warmest, and coziest spot in the house, curl up, and drift off to sleep.
So there you have it, meow-ster! Cats sleep so much for a variety of reasons. And let’s face it, they look absolutely adorable while they’re doing it. As a cat expert, I must say, we might all learn a thing or two from our feline friends and take more catnaps throughout the day!
