How They Sleep, How They Play, and How They Feel About YOU!
If you’ve never owned a cat, I’m sorry.
They’re SO much more fun than their aloof reputation might lead you to believe, even though they have different levels of affection.
My family had cats growing up, but once I had my own kitty as an adult, wow. Nothing better! 🙂
Sleeping Patterns of Cats
Cats are “Crepuscular” (impress your friends knowing that word!)
Cats are known for being crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during twilight, such as dawn and dusk.
This behavior influences their sleeping patterns, and they tend to sleep longer during the day and night.
Cats Sleep a LOT
On average, cats sleep for about 12 to 16 hours a day.
This extended sleep duration allows them to conserve energy for their bursts of activity.
Cats have evolved as predators, and their sleep patterns reflect their need for rest between hunting sessions.
They Have Light Sleep Phases
Cats have a unique sleep cycle that consists of two phases – quiet sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
During quiet sleep, cats experience light sleep and can quickly wake up if needed. REM sleep is when they experience deep sleep; dreams and muscle twitching may occur during this phase.
Cats are Light Sleepers
While cats can experience deep sleep during REM sleep, they remain light sleepers overall.
They have a highly developed sense of hearing, which allows them to remain alert to potential threats even while sleeping.
This is why cats can quickly wake up and react to sudden environmental noises or movements.
“Cat Naps!”
Cats often take short, intermittent naps throughout the day rather than having one long continuous sleep.
They may nap for a few minutes or a couple of hours at a time, and their sleeping pattern can be influenced by factors such as temperature, comfort, and activity level.
It’s important to note that individual cats may have sleeping patterns variations based on age, health, and environment.
While the average cat sleeps for 12 to 16 hours, some cats may sleep more or less depending on various factors.
Playtime for Cats
Play is Essential for Cats!
Playtime is not just a source of entertainment for cats; it is also crucial for their physical and mental health.
Playing helps cats exercise their muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and release pent-up energy.
Cat Playtime Mimics Hunting Behavior
Domestic cats have retained their natural hunting instincts, and playtime often imitates the stalking, chasing, and pouncing actions involved in hunting prey.
Cats can satisfy their instinctual drive to hunt by engaging in play, even if they are well-fed indoor pets.
Cats Have Different Play Styles
Cats have individual preferences when it comes to playtime.
Some cats enjoy interactive play with their human companions using toys, while others may prefer independent play with objects they can bat around.
Understanding your cat’s play style can help you provide suitable toys and activities to entertain them.
Cats Need a Variety of Toys – and Crumpled Pieces of Paper 😉
Cats can become bored with repetitive toys or games.
Providing a variety of toys that mimic different textures, movements, and sounds can keep them engaged and prevent them from losing interest.
Rotating toys periodically can also help maintain their novelty.
Cat Play Promotes Bonding
Playtime can be a bonding experience between cats and their owners. Engaging in interactive play strengthens the human-cat bond and can contribute to building trust and affection.
It also provides an opportunity for socialization and positive interaction between cats in multi-cat households.
Remember to always use safe and cat-friendly toys during playtime, avoiding anything that could be easily swallowed or cause injury.
Also, consider your cat’s energy levels and adjust playtime accordingly.
Some cats may require more play sessions throughout the day, while others may be content with shorter bursts of activity.
Cat’s Tail Movements and Meanings
A cat’s tail movements convey a range of emotions and signals.
A raised tail often indicates a content or confident cat, while a puffed-up tail suggests fear or agitation.
Rapid flicking may signal irritation, and a slowly moving tail can indicate a relaxed or curious mood.
Understanding these cues helps interpret a cat’s emotional state and facilitates positive interactions.
How Cats View Their “Owners”
Cats View their Owners as Friends (Companions)
While cats are often portrayed as independent animals, they do form strong bonds with their human owners.
Cats see their owners as companions and can develop deep emotional connections with them, seeking comfort and security in their presence.
Cats Recognize Their Owners by Scent
Cats have a keen sense of smell and can recognize and distinguish their owners by scent.
They have scent glands on their faces and paws, and when they rub against their owners or objects associated with them, they mark them with their scent, signifying ownership and familiarity.
Cats View Their Owners as a Source of Security
Cats are territorial animals, and they perceive their owners as a safe haven within their territory.
Being near their owners provides them with a sense of security and protection. They may seek physical contact to reinforce this bond, such as sitting on their owner’s lap or sleeping close to them.
Cats Observe Their Owners for Cues
Cats are known for their ability to observe and interpret human behavior. They pay attention to their owner’s body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice to understand their mood and intentions.
They may respond to their owner’s cues and adjust their behavior accordingly.
How Cats Show Affection and Trust
Cats express their affection and trust toward their owners in various ways. They may rub against their owners, purr, knead, give head bumps, or even bring “gifts” such as toys or prey.
These behaviors demonstrate their bond with their owners and their desire to maintain a positive relationship.
It’s important to note that cats may have unique personalities and preferences, and their views of their owners can vary.
Some cats may be more independent or aloof, while others may be more affectionate and clingy.
Building trust and a strong bond takes time and patience, allowing the cat to feel comfortable and secure in the relationship.
A Note About Losing a Pet
If you’ve recently lost a pet or have a sick furry friend (or pet reptile), we are creating a safe space to share your photos and memories – and connect with sympathetic, caring friends in the same situation.
If you’d be interested in joining (it’s FREE!), then send an email to get on the waitlist. We know it’s one of the HARDEST things we can go through in life – and I want to do my part to help lessen the pain and grief.
Weird Cat Behavior Before Death
This is another topic we’ll be exploring in the community. I’ve experienced some unique behavior with my kitties before their passing.
Specifically, two of my cats would stare at the ceiling for a week or two leading up to their transition. There were no bugs in the air, nothing on the ceiling, but they would stare as if there was something there.
My mom and I figured (after witnessing her cat do this before her passing) that they were seeing an angel-type figure that was preparing them.
This happened with several cats so we believe it was more than a coincidence. Especially because they stared with such intensity as if something was there.
This is somewhat related; when I was fostering my uncle’s cat after his passing, he would do the same stare at the ceiling every night in the dark while sleeping on my pillow. Again, there was nothing in the air or on the ceiling, but he was watching something. In this case, I wonder if he had a way of connecting with his deceased owner somehow (see picture below).
There is energy we can’t see. There is a loving connection between pets and their owners. I’m obviously not certain of what was happening, but it was a sight to behold.
I have another story about what my mom’s cat witnessed in the room before my stepdad’s passing. It’s an incredible story I’ll save for the Facebook community, but let’s say I have it on video! And there were witnesses.
After witnessing so many bizarre and powerful events surrounding the passing of loved ones, I can share my personal view: I definitely believe their loving energy exists beyond the physical. I believe they are always with us, just in a different form. And I believe they can see things that our thinking minds aren’t quite open to in the physical realm.
Our animals are pure joy and pure, unconditional love.
Obviously, some pets may exhibit unusual behavior patterns during their final days related to grooming, communicating, or wanting more (or less) affection.
But there are also these non-physical elements that exist in this world that we can’t see with our own eyes.
I’d love to hear more about your experiences with your pets. You can comment below or send me an email to be added to the waitlist of this shared community of pet lovers.
