Why Cats Cover Their Eyes While Sleeping: A Curious Hab
Reason One: Too Much Light, Seeking Shade
During the day, our feline friends have a penchant for seeking out cozy spots to catch some Z's. These warm retreats often come with plenty of sunlight, such as sunny nooks. With their highly sensitive eyes, the intense brightness can be quite overwhelming for cats. This is why you might see them covering their eyes or even tucking their heads down to escape the glare, seeking respite from the light's intrusion!
At night, the cats' eyes can be discomforted by the strong artificial lights that humans use, making it hard for them to drift off to sleep. To cope, they'll use their front paws to shield themselves and tuck their hind legs and bodies into a tight ball, creating a cozy, secure sleeping environment.
Reason Two: Comfortable Positions
Humans come in all sorts of sleep positions, from sidesleeping to lying flat, and even on their stomachs. We subconsciously choose the most comfortable posture for rest. Cats are no different; they too have their preferred sleeping positions. It's quite possible that when you see a cat covering its eyes with a paw, it's simply because this pose feels the most comfortable, allowing them to relax and drift into a deeper sleep, as if we nod off while reading a book!
Reason Three: Enhanced Security
Security is a strange thing—it's something humans need, and so do cats. Cats are naturally sensitive and cautious, especially when it comes to sleep. That's why you often see them tucking their heads beneath blankets or hiding in closets. It might be that they feel safer with their tiny heads nestled in a dark corner, and covering their eyes brings them a sense of security and peace.
Reason Four: Tired from Grooming
Cats are meticulous groomers, spending about a third of their day cleaning and tending to their fur. This is a laborintensive task that can be quite tiring. So, when you catch your cat covering its face with a paw, it might be a sign that it's taking a break from its grooming routine, much like how we might yawn while reading a book!
Reason Five: Keeping Paws Warm
We know that cats curl up to maintain their body temperature, but the nose, being exposed, can be affected by the external environment. When a cat feels a chill, it will instinctively cover its face with a paw or its tail to keep the nose warm, ensuring that even in cooler temperatures, they can stay snug and cozy.
Tip: Want to learn more about our feline companions? Check out our article "What New Cat Parents Need to Know" for more insights into your cat's daily life.
