Does your cat sleep like a baby in the night and then become Superman at dawn and dusk? A lot of pets have gained a reputation for staying up all night, hence compelling many to really believe that cats are nocturnal animals. Not quite so, though. As much as the cat shows evidence of being quite active during nightfall and twilight hours of dawn, they happen to be only crepuscular.
Knowing your cat’s sleep pattern, and why they are more active at given times, plus how to change them to fit into your schedule can be the key to a better relationship with your feline companion.
What Does It Mean When an Animal Is Considered Nocturnal?
Nocturnal describes animals who spend most of their time active during nights, resting during daylight. They will have adaptations like increased night vision, heightened senses, and even special behaviors necessary for hunting and evading prey/predators. Examples include owls, bats, and raccoons.
While they do share certain traits with nocturnal animals, their behavior as cats fits more into the crepuscular species, which are usually most active around the time of twilight, both in the morning and at night.
Are Cats Nocturnal or Crepuscular?
Many believe that cats can be classified as nocturnal since they are very active during nighttime; however, cats are actually crepuscular. This simply means that their natural energy bursts come out in early morning and late evening.
This pattern of sleep was developed by their ancestors, wild cats, as a stratagem to survive. By hunting at times of dawn and dusk, they could avoid the major predators active during the day while taking advantage of prey in motion at those times.
Differences Between Nocturnal, Diurnal, and Crepuscular Animals
| Activity Type | Definition | Examples |
| Nocturnal | Active at night, sleeps during the day | Owls, bats, raccoons |
| Diurnal | Active during the day, sleeps at night | Humans, dogs, birds |
| Crepuscular | Active during dawn and dusk | Cats, deer, rabbits |
Cats are often naturally crepuscular, but with time, they become more diurnal as their behavior synchronizes with the routines of their owner.
Why Do Cats Get More Energetic at Night?
Despite not being genuinely nocturnal, cats tend to be very active at night for several reasons.
Instinctive Hunting Behavior
Cats are natural predators due to the way their ancestors rely mainly on the night for hunting, where twilight helps in ambushing small creatures such as rats and birds. This instinct cannot thus disappear absolutely even in household cats, owing to the many liveliness, while playing in night alertness.
Domestication and Acclimation to Life Indoors
Cats also tend to adapt to the environment in which they find themselves. If a cat stays in an apartment wherein the owners are nocturnal, then the cat will also start developing habits corresponding to the owner’s schedule. Some cats even become nocturnal because of their daytime sleeping behavior while the owners are away at work.
Energy Release from Sleeping During the Day
Cats sleep a lot, and at times, they can even reach up to sixteen hours in one day. Due to this excessive sleeping throughout the day, a build-up of energy takes place that they tend to release at night with bursts of zoomies and playful behavior.
How Much Do Cats Sleep?
Cats have been touted as notorious sleepers, and their pattern of sleep is very much different from that of humans.
Average Sleep Duration by Age
| Age Group | Average Sleep Hours per Day |
| Kittens | 18-20 hours |
| Adult Cats | 12-16 hours |
| Senior Cats | 14-18 hours |
Much of this sleep is during the day, while at night and early morning, they are active for shorter periods.
How to Help Your Cat Adjust to Your Schedule
If your cat’s nighttime activity is disturbing your rest, there are ways to help them get on your schedule.
Daytime Playtime
Playing interactive games with your cat during the day will help them burn off some of that energy. Entertain them with feather wands, laser pointers, or treat-dispensing toys to keep them busy and active.
Feed Them Before Bedtime
A full cat will be much easier to put to sleep. Feeding a meal before bedtime will take them back to their normal routine of sleeping after hunting.
Provide a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
Having a warm and quiet place to rest may make your cat stay asleep during the night. A warm bed placed in a quiet location can provide a great impact on the way they sleep.
Establish a Routine
Cats are animals of habit. Establishing a feeding, playtime, and sleep routine will help regulate how much energy they expend. Over time, they will begin to adapt to a rhythm that works best for you.
Should My Cat Sleep in My Bed?
Many cat owners love sharing their bed with their cat, but it can occasionally disrupt sleep quality.
Pros of Sleeping with Your Cat
- Strengthens the bond between the cat and owner
- Provides comfort and warmth
- May be stress-relieving for both pet and owner
Disadvantages of Letting Your Cat Sleep with You
- They could wake you up during nighttime activities
- They might provoke allergies or hygiene problems
- Cats may become aggressive and territorial about their bed
If your cat disturbs your sleep, you can achieve comfort for them by providing a bed next to yours or in another room.
How Do Wild Cats Sleep?
Domestic cats exhibit many behavioral attributes similar to those of their wild counterparts. In the wild, big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also seen exhibiting the crepuscular behavior. They remain most active at times of dawn and dusk since it is easier for them to hunt during that period.
Unlike the domesticated, they have to be constantly cautious of predators among other dangers and thus take brief naps at intervals during their day rather than having long stretches of continuous sleep.
Can Cats See in the Dark?
Cats can see very well at night, hence they manage to view objects around them even in the night. As compared to human beings, cats have more rod cells in their eyes, which allow them to trace movement and also to see in dim light. Contrary to the common myth, though, cats cannot see in total darkness; they actually do require some light for decent vision.
FAQs
Are all cats crepuscular?
Most cats are crepuscular, but all can accommodate the surrounding setting and routine of a master.
Why does my cat run around at night?
Zoomies are quite usual for cats because of too much energy storage from sleeping through the daylight.
How to make my cat sleep at night?
An increase in their daytime play may help, as does feeding them right before bed which shall help them have a full sleep; of course, establishing a regular pattern of sleep helps.
Can I train my cat to be more active during the day?
Yes, you can make them more active during the day by keeping them engaged in different activities, changing their feeding schedule, and providing them with a sleeping area.
Do kittens sleep more than grown-up cats?
Yes, kittens sleep a lot because their bodies are in the development stage and require extra rest for growth.
