Curbside and In-Person Appointments - Click Here to Learn More
Curbside and In-Person Appointments - Click Here to Learn More
Curbside and In-Person Appointments –
Click Here to Learn More

!Call Now! Button Tablet

Call or text! 704-912-5333

!Call Now! Button Desktop

Call or text! 704-912-5333
Schedule Appointment
Refill Medication

!Social Icons

!Call Now! Icon

Fluffy’s Sleep Patterns

March 15, 2021

Is your feline pal asleep right now? There’s a pretty good chance that the answer to that question is yes. Kitties certainly are sleepy little furballs. In fact, Fluffy can sleep up to 20 hours a day. Why are cats so tired? Do they actually need that much rest? A Huntersville, NC vet discusses cats’ sleeping habits below.

Snoozing

Your furry friend isn’t sound asleep the whole time she’s napping. In fact, kitties spend most of their snoozing time in a half-asleep/half-alert state. They still respond to stimuli when dozing. You may notice your cat twitching her ears or flicking her tail if you call her name. The fact that Fluffy remains somewhat aware of what’s going on around her when she’s dozing is very beneficial in the wild.

Sleeping Spots

One of the best things you can do to please your feline overlord is to offer her lots of comfy napping spots. Store-bought beds are great. However, as you may have noticed, cats aren’t too picky about choosing napping places. You can just fold up a soft blanket for your pet, and put it on a chair or sofa. Or, put a pillow in a box or wicker basket. Kitties are always on the prowl for new napping spots. Swapping Fluffy’s beds out and rearranging them will keep her happy and purring.

Napping Schedules

Did you know that cats actually adjust their sleeping schedules to match their humans’? Fluffy will schedule her 32 daily snoozes around your routine, and then snuggle up with you when you go to bed for the night.

Weather

Weather patterns can also influence kitties’ sleep. Cats often sleep more in winter, when it’s darker out. They also tend to get very drowsy on grey, dreary days. (We can’t blame Fluffy for that one. Rainy days do make great napping weather!)

Dreams

You may have noticed your kitty twitching as she sleeps, or perhaps making little noises. In case you were wondering, yes, Fluffy does dream. Just like people, cats sleep in cycles. The cycle of deepest sleep—known as REM—is when dreams occur. As to what, your furry little friend is dreaming of, well, that’s anyone’s guess. We suspect trees, boxes, and birds come into play.

Our Advice on Fluffy’s Sleep Patterns in 2024

Why do cats sleep so much and need that much rest?

Cats sleep so much because it’s an inherent part of their biology and evolution. As natural hunters, cats need to conserve energy for bursts of activity. Even domesticated cats retain this instinct. They sleep to maintain physical and mental health, allowing them to stay alert when necessary. While cats do sleep a lot, they are also light sleepers, often in a half-awake state. This enables them to respond to any potential threats quickly. So, while it may seem like a lot of rest, it’s essential for their well-being and survival instincts.

What is the typical sleep pattern of cats, and how do they remain somewhat aware while snoozing?

Cats have a unique sleep pattern characterized by frequent napping. They sometimes spend a significant portion of the day sleeping, up to 20 hours. However, their sleep is only sometimes like ours. Cats are crepuscular animals which are most active during dawn and dusk. Their sleep is divided into short, light naps, and they often enter a half-asleep/half-alert state. This allows them to remain somewhat aware of their surroundings, making them responsive to stimuli like sounds or movements. Cats are excellent at quickly transitioning from sleep to action, an adaptation from their hunting instincts, ensuring they can pounce on prey immediately.

How can cat owners provide comfortable napping spots for their feline companions?

Cat owners can create comfortable napping spots for their feline friends by offering a variety of cozy options. Cats prefer soft and warm surfaces, so providing plush beds, blankets, or pillows in quiet and peaceful locations can be enticing. Cats also enjoy high perches like window sills or shelves with soft cushions, allowing them to observe their surroundings while sleeping. Rotating and rearranging these napping spots periodically keeps cats engaged. Cardboard boxes or wicker baskets lined with soft materials are also often appreciated. Ultimately, offering choices and ensuring cleanliness and warmth in these spots will make them irresistible to your cat.

How do weather patterns like winter and rainy days affect a cat’s sleep patterns?

Weather patterns, particularly winter and rainy days, can influence a cat’s sleep patterns. Cats tend to sleep more during these periods due to decreased outdoor activity. Cold weather may discourage outdoor exploration, leading to extended indoor naps. Rainy days often mean less playtime outside, further contributing to increased sleep. Cats are sensitive to light changes, and reduced daylight in winter can also impact their sleep-wake cycle. While they remain adaptable, these weather-related factors can make cats more sluggish and inclined to sleep longer as they conserve energy and seek warmth and comfort indoors.

Do cats dream, and when do dreams occur during their sleep cycles?

Yes, cats do dream, similar to humans. Cats go through sleep cycles, including a stage called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, where dreaming occurs. During REM sleep, cats may exhibit physical signs of dreaming, such as twitching their paws, whiskers, or tails and making soft noises. The content of their dreams is still a mystery, but it’s believed to involve everyday experiences and activities. Cats have shorter sleep cycles than humans, and they enter REM sleep multiple times throughout their naps, making it likely that they have numerous dreams during a single nap period.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Huntersville, NC animal clinic, we’re here to help.