Cat's Sleeping Habits

If you already own a cat then you're probably all too familiar with their sleeping patterns. Cats love to sleep and it is actually the main activity on their agenda besides hunting, chasing, and eating. It may seem that at times all your cat does is sleep. If you have just adopted a cat or are planning to do so, here are some facts about cats' sleep behavior that you should know ahead of time. An average house cat needs approximately sixteen hours of sleep, while outdoor cats may sleep a little less than that. Kittens will sleep a lot also as they are still in the growing phase of their life. But why do they sleep so much? You might be surprised to know that their unusual sleeping habits are actually genetic. With so many different breeds of cats however there are other reasons besides genetics why cats sleep so much. They are not so different from the human body in that when it doesn't get the nutrients, vitamins, and other important fuels it gets tired. Because cats are carnivores and eat large amounts of meat, they will also get tired more as meat can make you sleepy.

Everyone knows that when you get bored you're more likely to fall asleep on the sofa, or go and take a nap. Cats are much the same in that when they are bored they will sleep. You play a vital role in how much they get out, and how much they can exercise. You can help your cat sleep less and be healthier by providing stimulating activities and toys for them. There are also many people who have trouble with their cats sleeping in litter boxes. While this is not a normal sleeping behavior it can be quite common and requires attention. So the question you're probably asking yourself is why and how do you stop it? Often times a litter box is a place of safety for a cat; a place of security much like a child's binky or blanket. Some cats that feel threatened by another animal or a child will begin sleeping in their litter boxes because it is the one place they feel the safest.

When it comes for sleep, cats take every opportunity, just like warriors. A very interesting fact is that cats have different levels of sleep. The first level of sleep is known as "catnapping". In this stage, the cats simply sits in an upright position, with the forepaws placed in the front, while the tail is straight out behind. The next stage is more relaxed, the cat lays its forelegs down in a horizontal position. In this position, cats are usually located in a strategic spot. Leopards rest like this on the tree branches. Cat reaches a rather deeper sleep when it is in the curled position, usually in a safe place, but the ears still remain mobile so that to catch any noise in their area. Their eyes are partly open and covered with a protective membrane. Theoretically, the cat is asleep, but its sensory detectors are still in function, but at a lower level, but still being able to detect whatever sounds like a prey or a threat. The rest of the time, cats conserve their energy by simply sitting or sleeping. One may say that cats sleep all the time. This is fairly untrue. Cats are very active when people aren't.