Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They may sleep for long periods during the day and night.
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They may sleep for long periods during the day and night.
Cats have a unique sleep-wake cycle that differs from many other animals, including humans. In the wild, cats need to hunt multiple small prey each day, sometimes as many as 20. This hunting pattern requires them to rest between hunts so they can conserve energy and be ready to pounce quickly when prey approaches.
As a result, cats sleep and wake frequently throughout the day and night. This is why they often seem to sleep a lot during the day when we are awake and are more active at night when we need to sleep. While this may give the impression that cats are "creatures of the night," it's simply a reflection of their natural hunting and resting behavior.
To help reduce nocturnal activity and encourage a more typical sleep pattern, you can incorporate playful activities into your cat's daily routine. This can help fulfill their natural instincts and provide mental and physical stimulation, leading to a more balanced sleep-wake cycle.
