Why Cats Always Nap: The Science Behind It

It's quite apparent that your feline friend has a knack for napping, which has piqued your curiosity: Do they particularly enjoy dreaming during these little siestas? Are their dreams often about chasing mice? Experts have revealed that cats indeed dream while dozing off, but the specifics of their dreams remain a mystery.

The Cat's Sleep Cycle

Cats share many sleep behaviors with humans, experiencing various stages of sleep. In the first stage, they become drowsy and their eyes begin to close, yet they remain vigilant. If they hear a sound, their ears twitch, and they might even open their eyes. In the second stage, researchers have observed that their brain waves become more rhythmic, their heart rate slows, and their body temperature drops. In the third stage, cats transition between light and deep sleep. The fourth stage is where they finally enter deep sleep. In the fifth and final stage, experts note rapid eye movements and other muscle twitches.

Cats may cycle through stages two through five during their nap. However, since most of their naps are brief, they may not enter any stage of sleep. It's only when they reach the fifth stage that they start to dream, a process that experts have termed a paradoxical sleep state.

During this phase, a cat's signs are similar to when they are awake. You might see their paws or face twitch, their tails flick, or their skin rise and fall. Yet, it's challenging to wake them during this time. Yes, you heard that right; cats are incredibly relaxed during this stage of sleep. Although their spasms might make them look tense, they are actually very calm, to the point of not being able to lift their heads. In the fifth stage, cats typically curl up to tense their bodies, and if their muscles were completely relaxed, how could they keep twitching their whiskers or waving their paws?

Additionally, there's a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which regulates the activity of large muscles. During other stages of sleep, serotonin neurons control muscle movements. However, in the fifth stage, these neurons are inactive, which is why we don't see cats making large movements; only minor muscle twitches. Moreover, cats often sleep in a slightly upright position, yet they don't fall over or drop. Their paws are always tucked under their bellies. If you were to sleep in a similar incline, you might fall over when entering the fifth stage of sleep, as human muscles are completely relaxed during this phase.

What Do Cats Dream About?

While scientists have yet to fully unravel the enigma of what cats dream about, one researcher has uncovered some clues about their napping and dreaming. In the latter half of the 20th century, biologist Michael Jouvet discovered that when cats didn't use the part of their brain that helps muscles relax during the fifth stage of sleep, they made sounds like chirps and scratching during sleep, as if they were attacking other animals. This led him to believe that cats might be dreaming about hunting.

This study spurred many scientists to observe the sleep behaviors of other mammals. It turns out that all mammals, except for ants, experience the aforementioned fifth stage of sleep. Predators spend more time in this stage than prey because they can be confident they won't be eaten. Animals that are constantly worried about being eaten by predators won't fall into such a deep sleep state.

How Much Sleep Do Cats Need?

The Harvard Business Review explains that adequate sleep is crucial for the body to function properly, allowing it to rejuvenate during deep sleep. However, this doesn't mean that deep sleep is the most important stage. Cats tend to spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep.

What to Do If Your Cat Stays Awake All Night

Cats need to experience activity, feeding, grooming, and sleep throughout the day. If you play one last game with your cat before bedtime and offer a treat, it can lead to relaxation and eventually, a nap. Until they drift off to sleep.

Provide Your Cat with Regular Opportunities for Good Sleep

Regularly offer your cat the chance to rest. When they curl up, they might instinctively reach out to the warm belly. They also need rest when they wake up. Avoid waking a sleeping cat; deep sleep is a vital stage. Ensure your cat has a trusted space that is warm and comfortable, not too large, and offers a sense of seclusion. Cats prefer small, hidden spaces.