Why Cats Love to Sleep So Much: A Fascinating Insight
Cats can sleep for up to 16 hours a day, which is roughly twice the amount of sleep a human requires. However, unlike humans, they do not sleep in one continuous block; instead, they take multiple naps throughout the day. Approximately threequarters of their sleep is spent in a light, pseudosleep or dozing state, with only about four hours dedicated to deep, restorative sleep.
Despite their numerous sleep episodes, cats are quite alert and can be easily awakened. Their sleep is divided into two stages: deep sleep and light sleep, much like humans. Both REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is the stage of light sleep where dreams begin, and nonREM sleep, which is a deeper, more restful state without rapid eye movements.
During deep sleep, cats experience muscle relaxation and are less responsive to environmental noises. This stage typically lasts for about 67 minutes, and you can tell when your cat is in this phase by observing slight twitching of their limbs or subtle movements behind their closed eyelids.
The light sleep phase follows the deep sleep and usually lasts for 2030 minutes. During this time, cats are more susceptible to being woken by noises. Since their deep and light sleep cycles alternate, cats remain vigilant during their slumber, quickly responding to any disturbances. Adults typically spend about 20% of their sleep time in the REM stage.
Do cats dream? Absolutely! Scientific evidence suggests that cats do indeed dream, and these dreams occur during their deep sleep. When cats are in a deep sleep, they often curl up with their eyes tightly shut. If you notice your cat's whiskers or paws twitching slightly, it's likely they're having a dream!
Given that cats' habits are a carryover from their wild ancestors, we can speculate on the nature of their dreams. Here are some common dream scenarios:
Playful Chases: Cats often dream of chasing "prey," which could be a toy, a laser pointer's red dot, or any small object.
Exploring Nature: Indoor cats might dream of freely running and chasing after nature, especially when they have excess energy.
Exercising Their Hunter's Instinct: Cats may also dream of unleashing their natural hunter's instincts, perhaps engaging in a clever battle with a mouse or a sparrow.
While cats are equipped with fur to keep them warm, they can still feel the chill during colder temperatures. It's important for pet parents to ensure their feline friends stay cozy during sleep to prevent unwanted colds.
