If you’ve ever shared your life with a cat, you know how much they love to sleep. They can find the most random places to snooze; sometimes, their cat naps can last all afternoon. If you’re a cat person, you’ve likely wondered why cats sleep so much at least once. It might seem like a natural guess to assume cats spend so much time asleep because they’re lazy, but that’s far from the truth! Cats are highly complex; they sleep so much because they have to function. Here’s why.
Your cat expends a great deal of energy during their waking hours.
House cats don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Regardless of this, their hunting instincts are hardwired into their DNA. Cats are hunters, but if they were out of the comfort of their home, they’d be viewed as prey by larger predators. Your cat expends a high amount of energy during their waking hours. Cats utilize sleep to recharge and refuel their body. And not just our domesticated cat friends do this, but big cats. As a predatory species, when cats are awake, their time is spent on high alert. They may not be hunting prey in your living room, but their minds remain strong during their waking hours. If a cat were to hunt, it would quickly use much energy. And you know what that means? Necessary rest shortly afterward!
Your cat is crepuscular, so they’re likely awake when you sleep.
I’ve often wondered what I would see if I set up a camera on my cat while fast asleep. Although he wakes up beside me every morning, I’m almost sure he moves around the house at night and returns to bed once he’s ready to sleep. Cats are crepuscular beings, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. Want to know a remarkable fact about cats? Your cat’s slit pupils work best in dim lighting for catching their prey—which explains why this is their most active time of day! The same cannot be said for our cats when the sun is high in the sky and we are most active. Many cats hide from the late morning to early afternoon because they need to recharge their battery!
Why do cats sleep so much? Their diet has something to do with it!
Cats are obligate carnivores. They must dine on a highly low-carb, high-protein diet to survive and thrive. Cats need a lot of energy to function, and the lack of carbs in their daily diet could cause them to have energy in spurts and not extended periods. A cat’s body works hard to process all that protein they consume. After your cat feasts on their protein-fueled food, they often experience a surge of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and sleepiness, leading to them frequently napping after eating.
Cats can sleep more when something is bothering them.
While cats sleeping so much is usual, it’s essential to notice if you think your cat is sleeping far more than usual. This can happen if a cat is stressed or overwhelmed. Their mind might help them cope by making them sleep more. Take notice of your cat’s eating habits as well, if you notice they are eating less, it’s best to take them into their vet to get screened. Another reason you may not have considered why cats sleep so much? Well, some cats sleep more when they are bored. This happens simply because there is a lack of stimulation in their daily life. Enrichment is essential to your cat’s happiness and well-being. Incorporate more playtime into their daily routine, and they will likely sleep less. Cats are brilliant, and they thrive when their brain is being stimulated. Be a good cat parent and offer them the daily stimulation they deserve.
