There’s no denying how cats bring joy into our lives, even with their quirky habits and behaviors that leave us scratching our heads from time to time. Their unconditional love for cardboard boxes, their ultimate fear of cucumbers, the zoomies — Yes, these are just some of their bizarre behaviors.
As the night sets in, we realize that there’s even more to unravel about our feline friends, what with all the energy that they have while we’re getting ready to have a good night’s rest. So this begs the question - Are cats nocturnal? And how does their behavior affect our lives with them?
Come, and let’s discover the strange yet fascinating world of cats after dark.
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Content:
Are Cats Nocturnal Animals
Contrary to what many people believe, cats are not nocturnal. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, which aligns with their natural hunting instincts. According to Stephen Quandt, cat behavioral specialist & founder of Cat Behavior Help, this behavior helps them catch prey that is also active during these times.
“Why won’t my cats let me sleep?”, you might ask. Although domesticated cats have adjusted their sleep patterns to match ours, they retain some wild instincts and are polyphasic sleepers, taking multiple naps throughout the day and night. However, healthy cats shouldn’t be up all night if they receive sufficient daytime enrichment, according to Quandt. While they do sleep at night, they also remain alert to potential threats and prey, experiencing both REM and non-REM sleep. You might notice them twitching in deeper sleep, indicating they are dreaming.
To better understand your cat's behavior and sleep habits, devices like the Petcube Cam can be helpful. Recognizing these patterns can strengthen your bond and create a more harmonious living environment.
Why Are Cats Crepuscular
Cats’ internal clocks are perfectly tuned to be active at dusk and dawn. In the wild, this schedule aids in hunting while keeping them safe from predators. But what about domestic cats fed by their parents? Sometimes, instincts still kick in, leading them to nudge or meow at you closer to dawn.
Here are some interesting features that help cats thrive during these hours:
- Low-Light Eyesight: Cats have evolved eyes that absorb more light, giving them that eerie glow in the dark called eyeshine.
- Coat Color and Patterns: A cat’s coat helps with survival. Traits like melanism result in darker pigmentation, allowing them to camouflage in low-light conditions.
- Whiskers: Whiskers play a vital role in navigation, helping cats detect vibrations and air movements in both dim light and daylight.
Indoor cats often sync their sleep patterns with their parents, resting more when you're away and becoming playful when you're home. In contrast, outdoor cats usually maintain a more natural sleep schedule.
How to Get My Cat to Sleep at Night
Is your cat keeping you awake at night? Here are some top tips to help manage their behavior:
- Play Before Bedtime: Engage in a fun play session during the day or before bedtime to tire them out, using toys or interactive games. Meanwhile, you may also wonder: “What can I give my cat to sleep at night?”, hence the next tip —
- Feed Your Cat Before You Sleep: A full belly may reduce nighttime mischief and hunger-driven meows.
- Manage Their Environment: Keep your cat out of your bedroom at night. Provide food, water, toys, and a litter box in a different area.
- Ignore Attention-Seeking Behavior: Resist the urge to respond to their nighttime antics. Ignoring them can discourage this behavior over time.
In a Reddit thread about cats and their crepuscular nature, one commenter shared that indoor cats need an energy outlet because if they don’t get mental stimulation during the day, late-night zoomies are likely. Like what was mentioned above, he recommends playing with your cat during the day or right before sleeping so that your cat also sleeps most of the night.
Also, remember that in times when cats are more active, they become more prone to accidents. While there are ways to prevent accidents from happening, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Preparation helps when it comes to unexpected situations, so having a Pet Emergency Fund subscription goes a long way for both you and your feline friend.
Conclusion
Understanding your cat’s crepuscular nature and finding healthy ways to manage their behavior leads to a more harmonious relationship. Remember that some behaviors are innate in your feline friend and as a pet parent, effectively managing your cat's behavior and environment can foster long-term success for both of you.
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