Introducing Cat Sleeping Habits
Cats are known for sleeping a lot. On average, cats sleep between 13-16 hours per day, which is about twice as much as humans (Source). Kittens sleep even more, up to 20 hours a day as they grow and develop. Adult cats still need a good amount of sleep, about 15 hours or less per day.
Sleep is very important for cats for both their physical and mental health. While sleeping, a cat’s body repairs itself and recovers from the activities of the day. Sleep allows a cat’s muscles, organs, and nervous system to rest. Cats also dream during certain stages of sleep, which is important for their mental development and processing experiences.
Given how much cats sleep, it’s clear their sleeping habits are an important part of their daily lives. Understanding where and how cats prefer to sleep can provide insight into their comfort and overall wellbeing.
Safety and Security
Cats love small, enclosed spaces because they provide a sense of safety and security. As predators, cats like having their backs protected and a full view of any potential threats when resting. This allows them to monitor their surroundings while feeling hidden and secure. According to Purina, cats are “ambush predators” so confined areas like boxes feel like the perfect spot to lay in wait. Tight spaces that cocoon the cat’s body, like cardboard boxes, the space under beds, open drawers or closets can make your cat feel safe and relaxed.
An enclosed space gives cats a sense of protection as they are shielded on three sides. As Natural Cat Care (no link – this is not citing one of the provided sources) explains, in the wild cats will rest in small spaces like tree hollows or rock crevices which allow them to hide from potential predators. Domestic cats retain this evolutionary instinct to seek out enclosed areas when sleeping or resting. So even though the family home is already secure, your cat’s instincts drive it to hide in boxes and other snug spots in order to feel completely safe and able to let down its guard.
Darkness
Cats have excellent night vision due to the structure of their eyes, which have a larger cornea, wider iris, and tapetum lucidum tissue that reflects light (Purina, 2023). This enables them to see well in very low light conditions. Their eyes contain more rods than cones, allowing them to detect motion and shapes in the dark, though their ability to see colors is reduced (Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 2023).
Since cats can see well in the dark, they tend to avoid very bright light which can be uncomfortable or painful for their sensitive eyes. Dimly lit areas allow them to see while keeping their eyes relaxed.
Quiet Areas
Cats have very sensitive hearing and can detect sounds up to 64,000 Hz, which is about 3 times higher than what humans can hear (https://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/hearing-blog/case-studies/cats-and-their-hearing). This allows them to hear high frequency noises that we cannot detect. As a result, cats prefer quiet areas away from loud noises that can disturb their sensitive ears and make it difficult for them to relax and sleep.
Common household noises like vacuums, blenders, doorbells, and loud music can easily startle and stress out cats. They tend to seek out quiet corners and hideaways where they can nap undisturbed. Closets, under beds, and in basements away from the main living areas tend to be peaceful spots cats gravitate towards for uninterrupted sleep and relaxation. Providing a quiet sanctuary helps cats feel secure and relaxed enough to sleep deeply.
Close to Owners
Most cats love being close to their owners when sleeping. This is likely because cats can form strong bonds with their human caretakers, similar to human-dog relationships. According to a 2019 study from Oregon State University, cats display secure and insecure attachment behaviors toward their owners [1]. Securely attached cats see their owners as a source of comfort and security. They often want to be near their owners and seek them out for affection.
Sleeping next to their owners allows cats to feel that sense of comfort and reassurance. The close physical proximity helps cats relax and bond with their humans. Cats perceive their owners as attachment figures who provide safety. Being close by while sleeping can soothe anxious or stressed cats. The presence of their trusted human nearby helps cats feel less alone and more secure.
Soft, Warm Spots
Cats love soft, warm spots to sleep on because it appeals to their natural desire for comfort and security. Blankets, cushions, laps, and other soft surfaces provide warmth and mimic the soft fur coat of another cat or animal. According to one article, “Cats are naturally drawn to soft surfaces” (Source). The soft texture is pleasing to a cat’s sensitive paws and body.
In particular, fleece and microfleece blankets are a favorite of many cats. As one Reddit user shared, “My cats love all my (read: their ) nicest blankets because they have that thick fleece/microfleece texture” (Source). The plush warmth and security mimics the comfort of a mother cat’s fur. Cats also love soft towels for the same reason, providing a comfortable and warm surface to rest on according to Quora users.
Curling up on a blanket on their owner’s lap is ideal, combining the softness of fabric with the comfort of their trusted human companion. The softness and warmth tap into a cat’s primal instincts to find security and reassurance.
High Up
One of the most common places cats like to sleep is up high, whether it’s on top of cabinets, bookshelves, cat trees, or other furniture. This preference likely stems from cats’ instincts as hunters. In the wild, cats often like to perch up high in trees or other vantage points so they can survey their territory and watch for prey (source). Being up high helps them feel more secure as they can see any potential threats approaching. It also allows them to leap down and ambush prey more easily.
Domestic cats retain this desire to perch up high even when they live indoors. Studies show that cats like to climb because it gives them a sense of freedom and allows them to satisfy their surveying instincts. So providing a cat tree, shelves, or other high perches allows them to look out over their domain and makes them feel more relaxed and secure. High sleeping spots also allow cats to soak up warmth from the sun through nearby windows.
Sunny Areas
Cats enjoy basking in the warm sun during the day. According to https://cats.com/why-do-cats-love-to-sunbathe, cats love to sunbathe for several reasons related to vitamin D. Cats cannot synthesize vitamin D from sunlight like humans can, but the warmth of the sun still provides comfort. Cats also seem to enjoy the warmth on their fur as they are frequently seen stretched out and relaxing during sunbathing sessions. Additionally, since cats are natural hunters, lounging in a sunny spot gives them a vantage point to survey their territory and watch for prey. The sun’s warmth on their bodies may give cats a sense of security and contentment. Overall, cats enjoy sunbathing thanks to the warmth, vantage point, and sense of relaxation it provides.
Odors
Cats have an incredibly strong sense of smell, with around 200 million smell receptors in their noses compared to only 5 million in humans (Purina). This allows cats to detect odors at concentrations nearly 14 times lower than humans can. Cats use their sense of smell for hunting and tracking, but smells also play an important role in where cats choose to sleep.
Cats feel most comfortable and secure when surrounded by familiar odors. Their own scent glands around their face, paws, and tail leave traces of their smell wherever they go. By sleeping in areas marked by their scent, they feel like they are in a safe territory (BetterPet). Cats may also favor sleeping spots that smell like their trusted family members, as this provides comfort and familiarity.
Areas permeated with unpleasant odors like cleaning chemicals are unlikely spots for a cat nap. Cats want to sleep somewhere that smells like home to them.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, cats prefer to sleep in areas that make them feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Key factors that influence their sleeping spot choices include darkness, quietness, warmth, proximity to trusted humans, high vantage points, access to sunshine, and familiar smells. While cats can sleep just about anywhere, they are selective in finding locations that satisfy their natural instincts for security, soothing ambience, coziness, companionship, and stimulation through sights, sounds, and scents in their environment. Proper sleep is vitally important for cats’ health and wellbeing, so it is essential for cat owners to provide suitable napping spots around the home.
Understanding cats’ sleeping habits and preferences enables owners to create a home environment that meets their needs for restful slumber. Providing appropriate napping areas will support cats’ daily routine, happiness, and quality of life.