Fascinating Facts About Cat Sleeping Behaviors
Cat activities typically range from movement and play to sleep. However, sleep constitutes a fundamental part of a cat's day, as they spend a majority of their hours sleeping due to it being one of their favorite activities. Scientists have uncovered 7 intriguing facts about cat sleeping behaviors.
Cat Sleeping Behaviors:
Approximately two-thirds of a cat's life is dedicated to sleep:
Some people become concerned when they find their cat sleeping for extended periods during the day. However, this poses no harm to the cats' health. It's entirely natural and very healthy. The amount of sleep cats get varies between 16 to 20 hours a day, with young cats often sleeping more.
Cats undergo both REM and non-REM sleep patterns similar to those found in humans.
"REM sleep," which occurs about 90 minutes after falling asleep, is characterized by increased brain activity, vivid dreams, elevated heart rate, and rapid breathing. Cats also experience this phenomenon. Deep in REM sleep, a cat might exhibit facial or bodily twitches or jerks.
Cats remain alert even during their sleep:
Cats possess the ability to fight or flee when they sense danger, even while asleep. If someone touches a cat during deep sleep, the cat will react suddenly and swiftly, as if fully awake, ready to defend itself and its territory.
Cats spend most of their sleep time during the day:
Wild cats are known to sleep during the day to stay awake throughout the night for hunting. Their acute hearing and clear vision in dim light make them excel in low-light conditions. This advantage allows them to pounce on prey as soon as sunlight fades. While domestic cats can be trained to adhere to a specific sleep schedule that aligns with human household routines, they are naturally nocturnal creatures.
Sleep energizes cats:
Ample sleep contributes significantly to a cat's energy levels, enabling them to engage easily in various activities such as playing with others or hunting for prey.
Weather affects cats' sleeping habits:
Cats often share a similarity with humans in their tendency to sleep more during rainy weather and when they feel cold. Observing cats during winter, one can notice they spend more time sleeping and relaxing as the weather gets colder.
Some cats snore during sleep:
Cats, like humans, can snore during sleep, which can be influenced by their sleeping position or any obstructions to their breathing. Certain breeds are more prone to snoring due to their flat facial structure, leading to potential breathing issues. Snoring is not generally concerning unless accompanied by other symptoms like open mouth breathing, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, or changes in voice. If these symptoms are noticed, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended.
These intriguing facts shed light on the complex and adaptive sleeping behaviors of cats, further deepening our understanding of these beloved companions.