A day in the life of a cat
Cats are nocturnal snooze masters. As humans, we are diurnal (active during the day), so it may appear to us like cats sleep all day. While we need 7 to 9 hours of sleep on average, cats have a sleeping record of 12 to 18 hours a day.
Dark side of the moon
Like their wilder African ancestors, cats are nocturnal predators by nature. They both share the same feline sleeping patternwhere they sleep during the day to preserve their energy and hunt at night. This means that they are instinctively most active during dusk and dawn.
Cats hunt at night because small mammals that they prey on are less attentive to danger during twilight hours.
If you see a cat roaming outdoors at night, they most probably are exploring and/or claiming new territory, visiting other houses for food and water, seeking a mate if they’re not neutered, and of course putting those claws and fangs to good use.
Nature vs. nurture
Living with humans, our feline friends became domesticated over time. Cats are truest to their nocturnal nature when they’re babies. Then they learn to sleep at night slowly adapting to our sleeping habitswhich lets them spend more time with their owners during the day.
Differences in cats’ sleeping routine
As our furry friends grow older their activity levels slow down and they start sleeping longer periods of time. You may also notice your kitty is sleeping more during cold or rainy days.
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