{"id":35559,"date":"2024-03-12T10:28:15","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T09:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/9e8d8131-7ae3-4255-bd3b-f483f50ad375"},"modified":"2024-03-12T11:39:23","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T10:39:23","slug":"do-cats-dream-and-other-cat-nap-facts","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/do-cats-dream-and-other-cat-nap-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"Do cats dream? And other cat nap facts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Find out the science and behaviour behind your cat’s penchant for prolonged naps and discover if they can dream. <\/p>

By countryfile\n <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 12 March 2024 at 09:28 AM<\/p>

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Whether it\u2019s curled up on the sofa, basking in a sunbeam through a window or lounging in front of the fire, we\u2019re all familiar with the sight of a snoozing cat. But why is it that our feline friends spend so much time napping… and do they dream while they’re asleep? <\/strong><\/p>

Why do cats sleep so much?<\/h2>

As Behaviour Officer at Cats Protection<\/a> Daniel Warren-Cummings explains, the reason can be traced back to the domestic cat\u2019s wild ancestors.<\/p>

What is the African Wildcat? <\/h3>
The African Wildcat set the sleeping patterns for the domestic cat. Credit: Getty<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>

While the purring pet in our lives may seem like the picture of domesticity, the reality is that the moggy in our home shares many traits with its wild ancestor, the African Wildcat. <\/p>

If you were to observe this magnificent creature on its home territory, you\u2019d soon spot many familiar behaviours \u2013 most notably the slow, crawling stalk as they hunt prey which can be seen in domestic cats in play. When threatened, the African wildcat will puff out their fur to make themselves seem bigger, just as you may observe when neighbourhood cats are facing off. <\/p>

And when it comes to sleep, it\u2019s the African Wildcat we can thank for our cat\u2019s need to snooze around the clock.<\/p>

Do cats need to conserve energy?<\/h2>

One look at their physique and you can see why the African Wildcat is such an effective hunter \u2013 the razor-sharp claws, the rotating ears capable of picking up tiny sounds and the agile body built for chasing, pouncing and catching. <\/p>

So when they\u2019re not stalking their next meal, they\u2019re likely to be indulging in serious shuteye to make sure their energy levels are always fully charged.<\/p><\/blockquote>

However, despite their hunting prowess, as a relatively diminutive mammal, the African Wildcat\u2019s main prey of rodents, birds and small reptiles can make for small portions, which means it must hunt many times a day. All that is hard work, and means the Wildcat needs to conserve energy as much as possible. \u00a0So when they\u2019re not stalking their next meal, they\u2019re likely to be indulging in serious shuteye to make sure their energy levels are always fully charged.<\/p>

How many hours do cats sleep?<\/h2>
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Domesticated bliss: Cats can sleep for much of the day. Credit: Getty<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Just like their wild ancestors, domestic cats will spend much of their time asleep \u2013 anywhere between 12 and 18 hours a day is normal, with kittens and older cats likely to need more. <\/p>

But this instinct to snooze is not only down to conserving energy to hunt, it\u2019s also about self-preservation. Both domestic cats and African Wildcats are by nature solitary animals \u2013 and as such lack the \u2018pack mentality\u2019 to protect each other. \u00a0A tired cat is less able to protect themselves, so the African Wildcat will waste no time in topping up on rest when they get the chance.<\/p>

Where do cats sleep?<\/h2>
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Cats like to catch a few Z’s in a cosy space, like an airing cupboard. Credit: Getty<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>

This leads on to another fascinating similarity between domestic cats and their wild cousins \u2013 the tendency to find nooks and crannies in which to grab a catnap. <\/p>

As solitary animals, cats can be vulnerable to attack when they\u2019re sleeping, so it makes sense for them to find hiding places, particularly if they\u2019re high up off the ground. So when you next find your cat fast asleep in the airing cupboard or snuggled in a wardrobe, think of the African Wildcat snoozing in a tree or tucked in a rock crevice.<\/p>

Are cats easily disturbed from sleep?<\/h2>

Ever noticed how your cat can go from fast asleep to wide awake in seconds? That\u2019s another important evolutionary trait inherited from the African Wildcat. <\/p>

Despite their need for sleep, the African Wildcat can\u2019t afford to miss a hunting opportunity and need to remain alert for predators. So even when they\u2019re fast asleep, their keen sense of smell and superior hearing will be ticking over, ready to jolt them into action as needed. <\/p>

t\u2019s important not to disturb your cat when they\u2019re sleeping, as if they\u2019re feeling vulnerable, those innate instincts may kick in and they could react by taking a swipe.<\/p>

Do cats dream?<\/h2>

People often wonder if their cat can dream, and the answer is yes. <\/p>