The True Nature of a Catnap

As any cat owner can tell you, there is no such thing as two cats with the same personality. Some are active, some are lazy, some are sassy and some simply can’t resist cuddling up in your lap (regardless of what you’re doing). As different as every cat is, there is one factor that unites them all. From the biggest lions prowling the savannah to your own domesticated fluff ball prowling the kitchen pantry, every member of the cat kingdom simply can’t resist a good nap.

Indeed, cats sleep so much that casual observers have created a catchphrase to categorize all that sleep. It’s called a catnap, and catnaps in Alexandria, VA are a common behavior of every kitty, big and small. But why do cats nap so much? What is the purpose of a catnap? Read on to find out.

Nighttime movers and shakers

The first thing to realize about your cat is that they spend about a third of the day awake. That may sound surprising to anyone who’s seen a cat sprawled out on the floor for a catnap in Alexandria, VA that seems to last most of the day. In fact, your cat is most likely awake and active at night while you’re sleeping. So, while a cat does average about 15 hours of sleep each day, they are up and around for long stretches. You just may not realize it.

Stalking is hard work

When a cat is awake, they are naturally disposed to act out the hunting and stalking impulses that make their larger cousins such feared predators. They creep through the shadows. They suck in the details of their surroundings. They lie in wait, completely alert, for minutes at a time just waiting to pounce on their prey. That’s tough work. Most humans have a tough time staying completely alert for even a full minute, let alone for most of their day.

As a result, cats tend to quickly use up their energy reserves and require frequent breaks to replenish their battery.

Not quite “deep” sleep

When a person goes to bed for the night, there is a period of light sleep before your brain enters a deep slumber. Over the course of the night, your mind may emerge from this slumber two or three times for very brief moments before descending into a deep sleep once more.

When a cat sleeps, by comparison, their brain remains far more alert. A cat’s “light sleep” period lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, it enters a deeper sleep, but stays there for only about five minutes before the cat goes back to dozing. This allows them to get rest while remaining vigilant. Still, at that pace, it takes a while to completely recharge a cat’s battery.

Your cat experts

Feline catnaps in Alexandria, VA are one part of cat ownership your pet has covered. For all the rest, come to Kingstowne Cat Clinic. Since 1990, we have offered first-rate service and comprehensive care to all of our valued patients (and their people). Pick up the phone and schedule an appointment today!

Categorised in: Cat Tips

This post was written by Writer