Cats spend 70 of their life asleep

Cats spend 70% of their life asleep.

Cats are known for their love of sleep, and it’s no wonder considering that they spend a whopping 70% of their life snoozing. While this may seem like an extraordinary amount of time, it is actually quite natural for our feline friends. In fact, cats are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.

One of the reasons why cats sleep so much is because of their hunting instincts. Even though most domesticated cats don’t have to hunt for their meals, their bodies are hardwired to conserve energy for the moments they need it most. Sleeping allows cats to store up their energy and be at their peak performance when they are awake.

Another reason for their lengthy naps is the fact that cats are solitary hunters by nature. Unlike pack animals, such as dogs, cats prefer to hunt alone. Therefore, they need to rest and recover after their bursts of intense physical activity. Sleeping helps them rejuvenate their energy levels so they can be ready for the next hunt or play session.

Moreover, cats are highly skilled nappers due to their ability to achieve both light and deep sleep. They can easily drift into a light slumber, where they are still somewhat aware of their surroundings and can quickly wake up if needed. On the other hand, they can also experience deep sleep, during which their bodies fully relax and restore themselves. This ability to switch between different sleep stages allows cats to be prepared for any sudden stimuli.

Cats are naturally agile and have excellent reflexes. However, without proper rest, their abilities could be compromised. Sleeping allows cats to maintain their physical agility, sharp reflexes, and overall coordination. These periods of rest ensure that cats are always ready for action when the moment calls for it, be it chasing a toy or catching an elusive prey (or even just a pesky laser pointer dot!).

It’s understandable that many cat owners worry if their furry companions are getting enough sleep. While the amount of sleep each cat needs can vary, the general rule of thumb is about 12 to 16 hours per day for adult cats. Kittens and older cats may require even more sleep.

In conclusion, the fact that cats spend 70% of their life asleep is a fascinating insight into their unique nature as crepuscular, solitary hunters. Sleeping not only helps them conserve energy for their active periods but also allows their bodies to rejuvenate and restore themselves. So, the next time you catch your feline friend snoozing, remember that they are simply following their natural instincts and preparing for their next adventure.

Sources:

• Veterinary Hub

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