Unveiling a cat’s ‘naptime’ secrets

How many of you love cats? Then you must be aware of their habits as well. One of them is that cats spend most of their days snoozing. In fact, chances are, while you are reading this, they must be catching up on a nap!

Decoding the ‘cat nap’ phenomenon

This certainly makes one wonder why cats sleep so much and if it’s normal. As per experts, cats are automated to get plenty of sleep – it’s actually in their DNA. Out of 24 hours, an adult cat, on an average, can sleep between 12 and 16 hours daily, while kittens and senior cats sleep even more, that is they spend around 80% of their lives in slumber.

Another theory suggests that this habit may be related to ecological factors including predation risk, the need to conserve energy in the wild, and cats’ solitary nature.

One more interesting factor to note is that cats are crepuscular, not nocturnal, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. And what about the senior cat? So, as they age, they tend to develop a calm demeanour—playing less, cuddling more, and often taking a nap. For kittens, long periods of sleep play an essential role in memory formation.

Cat’s siesta schedule

Interestingly, cats’ daily activity changes seasonally. In fact, like humans, it seems even cats can’t resist multiple naps on a cozy rainy day. Their affinity for naps certainly multiplies. Moreover, their food intake increases in autumn and decreases in the spring. Their body weight is highest in summer and lowest in mid-winter.

However, when these unpredictable creatures are out in the wild, they are generally awake for a couple of hours.

But how to understand if your cat is getting enough or too much sleep?

Cats thrive on routine, adhering to their schedules. But if you observe sudden changes in your cat’s sleep routine or unusual behaviours, consulting a vet might be necessary. Like, you spot your cat sleeping in unusual locations, or being less interactive than normal, it might be a point to note. Further, vets suggest that cats typically sleep more when they don’t feel good.

So, from their DNA-driven slumber marathons to their ecological ties and seasonal shuteye fluctuations, the world of cats’ napping is as fascinating as it is adorable. So, next time you find your feline friend dozing away, remember, it’s not just a nap – it’s a cat’s way of embracing their inner sleep champion.