Maybe You Need To Sleep More And Your Cats Sleep Patterns Are Normal
Sleeping helps cats recharge. Proper sleep is important for the immune system and overall health. Cats, unlike us, seem to know that sleep is inherently valuable and invest the time to recharge. Your cat might not be sleeping too much; you might be sleeping too little!
Sleeping and resting up to 20 hours a day is normal for your cat. If he is feeling well, his life is enriched, and he is healthy, just go with it. Maybe you could use a nap too!
Is It Bad To Let Your Cat Sleep With You
There are definitely pros to letting your cat sleep in bed with you. It can help with stress relief, allows the two of you to bond, and keeps you both cozy and warm. But, there are also some cons.
Although not strictly nocturnal, many cats are active in the evening so it could be hard to get in some Zs if hes being rambunctious, says Delgado. Plus, if your cat prefers to sleep on your chest or head, this could become bothersome, particularly if hes overweight.
Also, indoor cats could track litter into your bed and outdoor cats might be carriers of disease.
Delgado also warns that cats should never sleep with children under the age of five. There could be a risk of suffocation and if the cat gets startled in the middle of the night they could panic and scratch a child. Avoid these other mistakes that cat owners should never make.
Your Cat Might Be Bored
When there’s nothing to do, sometimes animals sleep more. There are lots of ways you can enrich your cat’s life to cut down on boredom. For instance, you could build your cat a or some climbing shelves. If your construction skills aren’t up to that task, providing enrichment toys is a simpler way to keep your cat busy. Offer your new kitten or adult cat three different types of toys a day. Watch what he plays with and then purchase those types of toys in different styles or colors. By finding his preference and then purchasing that type of toy, you’ll help head off boredom.
RELATED: The Power of Play: How Enrichment Leads to Longer, Happier Pet Lives
Why Do Cats Urinate On Things
Cats can pee on things for a number of reasons. The most important thing to distinguish is if they are peeing or if they are spraying. If your cat is leaving little puddles around the house, then they are definitely peeing. However, if your cat is leaving a strong smell but you canât see any liquid anywhere, then theyâre probably spraying.
Cat spraying is completely different to urination and should be therefore treated differently. As weâll cover later on, cat spraying is to do with behavioral issues while inappropriate urinating can be down to a number of reasons.
Why is my cat peeing everywhere you say? Hereâs why.
Your Heartbeat Soothes Them
Another reason why kittens love sleeping on and around their cat momma is that they can hear her heartbeat. While your cat may be an adult, they may have not outgrown this comforting behavior lying on your chest and hearing your heartbeat makes your kitty feel safe and calm, as if theyre sleeping on their mother . Youll be pleased to hear that the opposite is also true research has shown that a cats purr has calming and therapeutic effects on human health. In fact, petting a purring cat can be seen as a form of stress relief, which decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke!
Some Theories About Why Cats Sit On Paper
Cats like to lie on things, its true. And there are lots of reasonably credible theories about why cats like to lie on things. Cat lovers speculate about why cats sit on paper, and perhaps there is some truth to conjecture. Lets look at some of the theories ordinary observers of cats offer for why cats sit on paper:
How To Get Your Space Back
It is possible to reclaim your bed and even your bedroom if you dont want your cats interrupting your sleep. It just takes some retraining.
Koski says to set up a nice, warm spot and reward your cat for using it. She suggests a heated cat bed with a blanket that smells like you or that has your cats own scent on it. Praise and pet them when they snuggle down into it, she says. That way, youre reinforcing the behavior.
You can also help your cat calm down for bedtime by recognizing that cats are naturally active at dawn and dusk. Koski explains that if you give your cat a good workout for 15-20 minutes prior to bed followed by a small snack, theyll be more inclined to wind down for the night.
If youre having difficulty with your kitty sleeping on your head, chest, or otherwise disturbing your rest, try talking with your veterinarian or a cat behaviorist for guidance. Every cat is different, but with the right training techniques you can both get back to a restful nights sleep in no time.
Paper Is A Great Insulator And Is Considerably Warmer Than Most Floors; Cats May Lay On It To Be Warm
This is a great theory, and makes ever-so-much-sense, but in my opinion, its not enough to explain why cats stay on paper, although many cite it as their only explanation.
Why do I think its lacking? The issue with this theory as I see it: cats will often waltz over and flop down on paper even when its smack dab in the middle of a carpeted room!
Carpet is obviously a perfectly good insulator and no cats going to get cold sitting on it, but adding just a little more to this theory makes it my top choice for being capable of explaining away the entire feline obsession with papeterie
Why Do Cats Sit On Paper Its Their Territory Now
Cats are notoriously territorial, especially if theres more than one of them in the household. Everything in its place and anything out of placelike a random piece of papermust be claimed. And how do cats make their claim? By scent marking.
Scent marking is when your cat deposits pheromones and oils from the scent glands located on his forehead, cheeks, chin, and paws. Your cat may leave a scent trail on prominent objects around the house. If you find him sitting on paper as if its his throne, well, now you know why.
Cat Sleep Is Different From Human Sleep Behavior
If we want to understand why our cats sleep on us, its helpful to take a look at how feline sleep patterns differ from our own.
Cats replenish their energy with several naps throughout the day as opposed to one long block of sleep like humans. But these catnaps usually remain in light sleep mode, seldom dipping into a deep sleep.
Why is this the case? It boils down to a cats role as a natural hunter.
Unlike humans, cats are always ready to attack prey or defend themselves against a larger predator. Even when they may appear to be out cold, their senses of hearing and smell are still sharp enough to spring them into action if necessary.
Since cats are always poised for action, it makes sense that theyd seek extra protection by curling up next to their owner. You give your cat an extra level of security during sleep, a time when theyre most vulnerable.
Its A Bonding Exercise
Cats have earned an unfair reputation as being aloof and unfriendly. But as cat owners, we know this couldnt be farther from the truth. Our cats are as affectionate as they are social. They want to bond with us.
Cat behavior consultant Mikel Delgado, PhD, told that its not unusual for cats to engage in pillowing at bedtime. This is when they use another cat as a pillow If theyre the only cat in the house, they love to use you as an alternative.
This tactile component to the feline/human bond is your cats way of saying, I love you. I want to be near you and spend time with you.
Its hard to argue with that.
Does Circling Help Cats Get Comfortable
Cats in the wild did not have the luxury of manufactured beds and pillows. They made their own beds in nature. To make their sleeping quarters more comfortable, cats would pat down tall grass and move prickly underbrush and stickers before lying down. They would root out rocks and fallen twigs. One way to clear a good sleeping spot was to turn around several times to remove debris or tamp down grass.
Why Do Cats Like Sleeping On Warm Things
- 4 minute read
Cats are known to have a higher body temperature than humans do, but isnt it strange that they also likelike sleeping on warm things? This article will explain everything on this topic from why cats like warmth and love to sunbathe to what their optimal temperature is and why snuggling with a human is equally important.Continue reading to learn more!
Kneading For Possible Mates
Female cats have an additional reason for kneading. They may purr, stretch, and knead the air while lying on their side to tell male cats that they can approach for possible mating.
However, if they are immediately ready to mate, they will not knead their paws and will instead raise their pelvis with the tail to one side.
While these are some of the more popular theories for why cats are thought to knead, it certainly doesnt provide all of the possible reasons.
Whether your cat is making biscuits to show you affection or to claim you as their own, kneading is a natural, instinctual, and common cat behavior.
Featured Image: iStock.com/NitikornIstock
Caution: Not All Crinkles Are Good
While it may seem like you should run around and crinkle everything you can findsome crinkle noises can actually be extremely dangerous for your cat. A 2015 study documented something called audiogenic reflex seizures in cats. Simply put, some everyday sounds can actually trigger a seizure in your cat. They found that this occurs most often in older cats and the average age of onset is about 15 years old.
The most common sound that causes these seizures?
The sound of tin foil crinkling.
But there were many other sounds that they tested including a metal spoon dropping into a ceramic feeding bowl, tapping on glass, and even the crinkling of paper or plastic bags!
How To Stop Your Cat From Spraying
With the right strategy and techniques, you can teach your cat how to stop spraying in as little as 7 days. It might sound like a ludicrous claim now, but once you learn how, youll be amazed at how easy it is!
To find out more about the T.T.S method to stop your cat from spraying, click below to see how hundreds of cat owners have transformed their kitties.
What Does A Pet Cat’s Sleep Preparation Ritual Look Like
Even though our domestic cats usually live indoors and no longer have to worry about predators or inclement weather, they still perform the sleeping ritual of their ancestors. Cat lovers may consider this bedtime routine highly amusing.
House cats will often begin the nesting procedure by slowly walking around in a tight circle. Some cats knead the rug, bed, or sofa as they march around. Kneading is an activity performed by kittens while nursing to communicate with their mother and to increase milk flow. Kneading is sign of security and soothes adult cats as well kittens, so it is often included in the bedtime ritual.
Cons Of Letting Your Cat Sleep With You
One thing to note: Cats shouldnt be allowed to sleep with children under the age of five, and NEVER with a baby because of the risk of suffocation. A jumpy or easily frightened cat may even lash out and scratch a child if startled during sleep.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much
Cats have a reputation for enjoying a good snooze. Our feline friends are focused on sleep, so they repeat this bedding ritual frequently. They circle round and round before lying down for a good nap. And cats are really good nappers, sleeping from 12 to 16 hours a day. And not just old, tired cats sleep a lot. Even young, healthy cats sleep for two-thirds of the day. Time in bed may be affected occasionally by the weather, hunger pangs, cramped muscles, or an ailing joint, but regardless of these interruptions, cats love to sleep.
“Domestic cats may not hunt, but their sleep-centered lifestyle has not changed much over the generations.”
The feline tendency to sleep is inherited from generations of ancestors. When living in the wild, a cats survival depended on her ability to hunt. If the hunt was successful, the cat slept for a long time after a filling meal, much as humans take a nap after eating loads of Thanksgiving turkey. If the hunt was unsuccessful, wild cats would conserve much needed energy by snoozing. So, naps were important either way. Domestic cats may not hunt, but their sleep-centered lifestyle has not changed much over the generations.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Too In The Way
If your cat really is lying down on you just because of how much she loves you , it can be a teeny bit inconvenient when youre trying to be productive, even if it is so stinking cute.
If thats the case, Dr. Spano recommends that you encourage your cats independence, especially if shes trying to get your attention for a little playtime.
Cats should receive three periods of play per day lasting about 10 minutes each, she said. This can be interactive play with you, such as with a wand toy or fetch, or this can be independent play with automated toys.
Why Is My Cat Peeing Everywhere
If youâve had a cat for long enough then youâve probably witnessed them peeing somewhere they shouldnât. Whether its on purpose or accidental, when a cat pees outside of their litter box it can be a nightmare. The smell, the mess, the anger, it can be very stressful cleaning it up. But just when youâve finished cleaning it up they do it AGAIN. At this point youâre probably grabbing your hair and screaming âwhy is my cat peeing everywhere!?â.
Believe it or not, there are actually several explanations why your cat is peeing outside of their litter box. From behavioral issues to genuine accidents, letâs have a look at the top reasons why your cat is peeing everywhere.
Why Do Cats Knead
Reviewed and updated for accuracy on January 23, 2020, by Dr. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB
At some point, youve probably caught your cat kneadingrhythmically pushing their paws in and out against a soft object, which could be a blanket or even your lap. Its also referred to as making biscuits because the action is like kneading dough.
While not all cats knead, its a common behavior for young and adult felines alike. Some cats knead and purr contentedly when theyre being petted, but they may also seem to do it for no clear reason. Cats even have their own techniquessome never use their claws when they knead, and some use all four paws.
There are a few different ideas out there as to why cats make biscuits.
Here are some of the more popular theories for why cats knead their owners and certain objects.
Do Cats Like Being Pet On The Stomach
Typically cats dont like being pet on their stomach. While there may be some exceptions to the rule, as there are with everything, hating tummy rubs is the common theme among our feline friends.
If youve ever tried to pet a cat on their stomach, youve probably also felt the wrath. My cats will let it happen once then wrap their legs around your arm and start to kick and bite to get you away. Exposing their bellies makes them extremely vulnerable, so having that space touched puts them feel like they need to protect themselves.
The hair on a cats belly also tends to be a bit more sensitive. So when youre scratching their bellies, they become overstimulated and want you to stop. Even though it seems like your cat is asking for a belly rub, resist the urge. Just stick with giving them a nice pet on their face. Theyll appreciate that much more!
Overall, there are tons of reasons why your cat likes to lay on their back. Feel a sense of happiness when you see your cat exposing their bell, as its most likely a sign to say they love you, and you are their trusted human!
Why Do Cats Lay On Your Chest
If youre a cat parent, chances are youve seen your feline companion doing some strange things. Bouncing off the walls, squeezing into the smallest possible boxes, stealing socks and other articles of clothing, just to name a few. But one of the most peculiar, and one the cutest things that cats do? Lying and sleeping on their pet parents chest. This is actually a pretty common behavior for cats, but going to sleep just to be woken up by your cat sitting on your chest is quite odd nevertheless. So, why do cats do this? While there is no clear-cut answer to this question as every cat is different, there are a few theories on why most cats love sitting and sleeping on their owners laps and chests. Here are some of them.
Why Do Cats Sleep With Their Backs Toward Us
Some cat owners are miffed by this behavior. But your cat isnt being rude. Hes showing trust.
As the cat behavior expert and best-selling author Pam Johnson-Bennett puts it: Since a cat is an animal that is both predator and prey, he wants to position himself in the safest place. If he turns his back on you as he settles down, hes showing he trusts you and maybe even that hes going to watch the environment for both of you.
Why Do Cats Like To Sit On Things
While that was Syddie’s first foray into basket sitting, our other cat LOVES to sit ON things, which is another weird cat behavior. In fact, the higher the object, the better. After we get the mail and put it on the kitchen island mentioned above, Golden immediately sits on top of it waiting for dinner. If I did a little online shopping and stacked those boxes, guess who’s on top of those? Or my closed laptop/iPad? You guessed it.
courtesy of Jessica Sullivan
It’s widely accepted that cats perceive themselves as royalty, hence the makeshift thrones, but really, what’s the thought process that causes them to sit on things? Just like everything else about cats, there’s not a simple answer. Unbelievably, there are three purposes to this weird cat behavior.
What To Do If Your Cat Is Ruining Your Own Sleep
There are, of course, negative bedtime habits your cat may be doing that keep you from getting some quality shuteye: toe-biting, howling for attention, kneading your chest, etc.
Unfortunately, a cats internal clock doesnt quite match up with our own sleep patterns. They can be restless in the early evening and morning hours. But not to worrycats are generally adaptable to our schedules.
One way to encourage a restful sleep is to engage in active playtime right before bed, according to . Mimic a hunt session with a cat toy to burn off extra energy. Then give him some food. Youll both be yawning in no time.
Dr. Satchu recommends nighttime feeding for cats who are food motivated. Set up an automatic feeder to go off every 1-2 hours while you sleep. This will cause your cat to hang out around this magical contraption and leave you to rest blissfully.
An early morning distraction may also help. If you have the ability to put up a bird feeder outside of a window your cat can sit next to, this will help between 4-6 a.m. That is typically prime bird-eating hours and your cat will likely watch their new cat-TV for the entire early morning, says Dr. Satchu.
Another tip is to sleep with your bedroom door slightly ajar so your cat can slip out without waking you. Leave out a few toys in case he gets restless during the night.
A heated pet bed could be a lifesaver if your cat is keeping you from getting some ZZZs.
Favorite Cat Sleeping Positions
Cats always sleep in the same position, says Holland. Some sleep on their backs with their feet in the air. Some curl up. Some cover their faces.
Cats tend to curl up in the following spots:
- Between your legs
- On your head
- Right next to you in bed
While experts dont know exactly why these cat sleeping positions and spots are popular, Holland thinks it ties back to cats wanting warmth. When you think about it, cats tend to gravitate towards warm spots. Napping in the summer sun, curling up next to the fireplace in winter, or lounging on a pile of clean laundry are all warm spots where cat parents often find their pets snoozing.
While your cat may find warmth and comfort from sleeping on or next to you, this behavior could interrupt your own sleep patterns. If thats the case, read on for some tips on how to fix the problem.
Why Do Cats Like To Bonk Their Head Against Your Leg
Did you know bunnies are not the only head bonkers of the world? Cats do it too! Related to your cat showing affection by rubbing against you, head rubbing is a behavior cats learn as kittens with their mother, according to Dr. Jill E. Sackman, senior medical director for BluePearl Veterinary Partners’ Michigan Region. It’s a loving gesture that’s also a greeting, she says. We give four paws up for this weird cat behavior.
Why Do Cats Love Dirty Towels
Cats have all sorts of strange likes and dislikes, but why do cats love dirty towels?
Its not uncommon to see our cats rolling around in, or even nesting in our dirty laundry, but why on earth do they do this?
To us, it seems strange, but in a cats world, this behavior is completely normal.
After a great deal of research, I have concluded that the reason for this behavior lays in a cats senses, as well as in its evolutionary history.
So why do cats love dirty towels?
The simple answer is that it smells like you. Cats have an extremely keen sense of smell.
With over 200 million scent receptors in their nasal cavity, cats have a sense of smell that is 14 times as strong as that of humans, and stronger than most breeds of dog.
Cats use this sense of smell for a variety of things including seeking out prey, determining whether food is edible or poisonous, finding their way home if they get lost, and yes, even for finding their mother or owner.
As the cats owner, you have a very distinct smell, and when you use a towel, your scent becomes attached to that towel.
In return, the cat associates that towel with you. And if you are close with your cat, that means they also associate that towel with comfort.
Of course, the reasons why cats love dirty towels so much goes far deeper than that, and we will discuss the reasoning further as we continue on.
Lets not waste any more time
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