Cats are instinctively observant
Cats evolved as expert hunters, so they are hardwired to constantly scan their environment and notice even small movements. Their eyes are specially adapted to see well in low light compared to human eyes. Cats have a wide field of vision that allows them to detect motion coming from almost any direction without needing to move their heads. At close distances, their vision is blurry, so they rely on their excellent senses of smell, hearing, and touch to inspect objects up close.
Cats are most active at dawn and dusk
Cats tend to be most active during crepuscular hours when their prey is also active. They sleep a lot during the day. According to one study, Timing of Feline Activity, cats are most active at dawn and dusk because that’s when small animals like mice and voles are out searching for food. Cats are natural hunters, so their activity patterns align with when they are most likely to catch prey.
Another study, Home Range and Activity Patterns of Free-Ranging Domestic Cats, found that free-roaming cats had a crepuscular rhythm of activity, with peaks around dawn and dusk. The study observed the cats were much less active during daylight hours, spending a majority of this time sleeping or resting.
So in their natural state, cats tend to sleep through most of the daytime when humans are awake and active. Instead, they prefer to hunt and explore during the dimmer twilight hours when their prey is on the move.
Cats can see in the dark
Cats have a number of adaptations that allow them to see in low light conditions. One key adaptation is a reflective layer in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum. This layer sits behind the retina and reflects light back through the retina, allowing cats to make use of light more efficiently. When light enters a cat’s eye, it hits the retina and activates rods and cones to begin vision. But instead of absorbing all the light, the tapetum lucidum reflects a portion of this light back into the retina for a second pass. This effectively gives the light a second chance to stimulate the retina. As a result, cats can see using roughly six times less light than humans require.
Another helpful cat adaptation for night vision is their slit-shaped pupils. Cat pupils can open very wide to let in more light, far wider than the round pupils of humans. When fully dilated, cat pupils can open up to 135% of the area of their circular iris. This allows more light to enter the eye and hit the retina. Between their reflective tapetum lucidum layer and dilating pupils, cats are equipped with powerful visual adaptations for seeing in the dark.
Cats sleep a lot during the day
Cats are known for sleeping a lot. On average, cats sleep between 12-16 hours per day1. This may seem like a lot compared to humans, who only need around 7-9 hours of sleep2. Cats tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, and sleep more during daylight hours when humans are typically awake and active3. This is because cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours.
Cats sleep more than humans during the day for several reasons. They have a polyphasic sleep pattern, meaning they sleep for short periods throughout the day rather than one long stretch1. Cats also sleep more during the day to conserve energy for nighttime hunting2. Additionally, cats are light sleepers and can seem awake even during sleep, as they remain alert to potential threats3.
Cats are curious and observant
Cats are naturally very inquisitive creatures. Their excellent senses allow them to notice any movement or unusual sounds around them, even in the dark (National Geographic). This makes them extra attentive to the behaviors of their human companions.
Cats will watch intently as humans go about their bedtime routine, taking note of every action and sound. They are fascinated by the rituals like brushing teeth, getting into pajamas, and slipping under the covers that signal it’s time for sleep (Rover). To a cat, these nightly patterns are intriguing and they will observe them closely.
This curiosity stems from a cat’s natural instincts to be aware of their surroundings in order to spot potential threats. But for pet cats, it also comes from a place of fascination with their human’s habits and desire to bond with them (Nutrish). So while it may feel unnerving to have your cat’s watchful eyes on you as you get ready for bed, know that they just find you endlessly interesting.
Cats bond closely with their owners
Cats form strong attachments and bonds with their human caregivers. According to a 2019 study from Oregon State University, cats develop secure or insecure attachments to their owners similar to human children and dogs (source). Cats like to stay close to their preferred person and show affection by wanting to be near them. This includes sleeping next to or on top of their owners at night.
Cats bond tightly with their humans and come to rely on them for safety, comfort and care. The shared routine of everyday life between a cat and their owner helps deepen their bond. Cats show their fondness and attachment to their owners by spending time close to them, including while sleeping at night. Cats take comfort in being with their familiar trusted human.
Cats like routine
Cats feel comfortable with predictable routines. They learn when you normally go to bed and expect that pattern. According to the article Why Do Cats Prefer a Routine?, veterinarians suggest getting cats on a routine, especially if you’re experiencing any behavioral issues.
Cats want to be fed at regular hours. As the article 5 Habits that Drive Cats Crazy notes, if you feed your cat at the same time each morning, they will expect that pattern. Disrupting their feeding schedule can stress them out.
Older cats especially appreciate the predictability of a daily routine, according to Routine for Cats. The consistency helps reduce stress that could otherwise negatively impact their health.
Cats can sense human emotions
Cats seem to recognize human facial expressions. According to a study published in the journal Animal Cognition, cats can distinguish between smiling human faces and angry human faces. The cats in the study spent more time looking at smiling faces, suggesting they found these more positive facial expressions less threatening. This shows cats are able to perceive the emotional states of their human caretakers
Cats also seem to recognize when their human companion is sad or ill. Cats form close bonds with their owners and become attuned to their typical behavior patterns. Significant changes in their human’s emotional state or actions may result in a cat watching their owner more intently. Cats have been known to snuggle up to or comfort sad owners, seemingly in an effort to improve their mood. Their attentiveness suggests cats have some capacity to sense human emotions like sadness, though more research is still needed in this area.
Cats want to protect their territory
Cats are highly territorial animals and feel an instinctive need to protect their territory and family. This protective behavior is stronger in some cats than others, but most domestic cats exhibit signs of wanting to safeguard their home and the humans they have bonded with.
One way cats try to protect their territory is by watching over it. Cats have excellent night vision and are naturally most active at dawn and dusk when humans are sleeping. Watching over their humans at night as they rest can be one way cats try to fulfill their protective territorial instincts. Cats want to ensure no harm comes to their family while they are in a vulnerable sleeping state.
Some key signs your cat may be watching over you protectively at night include: insistently sleeping next to you or near your head, patrolling around your bedroom, swatting away perceived dangers like bugs or shadows, hissing at odd noises, cuddling up to you if you stir, and acting vigilant rather than sleepy. Your cat is essentially standing guard and letting its presence be known.
While sometimes overzealous in their protective behaviors, it simply shows your cat feels bonded to you and wants to help keep you safe. Just like they watch over their kittens, cats will extend that guardian instinct to watching over their beloved human family members as well.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/CatAdvice/comments/133d8r2/are_cats_protective_of_us/
Cats show affection by being near you
Cats often show affection and contentment simply by sitting near their favored humans. According to the article How Do Cats Show Affection & Love?, cats that sit near you or follow you from room to room are expressing their affection. Sleeping next to you is also a sign of trust, as noted in How Do Cats Show Affection? Cats feel safest and most content when they are close to their human companions.
Cats are territorial animals and like to keep their loved ones within their territory. Sitting or sleeping near you marks you as part of a cat’s territory and inner circle. It’s a sign that they feel comfortable and relaxed in your presence.
