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Sleep is an essential activity for all animals. Humans, dogs, birds, cats – all species require some form of sleep to survive and function correctly. While the necessity of sleep is universal, the sleep habits and cycles of different species can vary drastically.
In this article, we’ll delve into the mysterious realm of feline slumber, seeking to answer questions such as why cats sleep so much, why they seem to doze at the oddest times, and how their rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycle differs from ours.
A Life Spent in Slumber
Cats are known for their exceptional sleep habits. On average, cats sleep for about 13 to 14 hours a day, roughly two-thirds of their entire life. If you’ve ever owned a kitty or were planning to get a cat, this likely won’t surprise you. But what drives this extreme sleep pattern?
In the wild, cats are predators. Their ancestors were primarily nocturnal, hunting small prey like rodents and birds. Hunting requires intense bursts of energy, followed by periods of rest and recovery. Even though many of our pet cats no longer need to hunt for their food, their sleep patterns have been genetically preserved. This sleep schedule reflects the “eat, sleep, hunt, repeat” cycle of their wild ancestors.
Cat Nap or Deep Sleep?
A cat’s sleep can be divided into two primary phases: REM sleep and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep, also known as light sleep, consists of multiple sub-stages that mark the progression into a deeper sleep state. During this phase, cats remain quite alert to their surroundings. If you observe your cat during non-REM sleep, you might notice their ears twitching or rotating toward noises, and they can wake up and spring into action at a moment’s notice.
After some time in non-REM sleep, cats transition into REM sleep, named for the distinctive “rapid eye movement” that occurs during this phase. REM sleep is a deeper sleep state, often associated with dreaming in humans. In cats, this phase is characterised by more substantial physical relaxation – muscles slacken, and twitching can often be observed, similar to dogs. But unlike dogs, who are known for their theatrical dream states, cats dream in a more subdued fashion.
One remarkable aspect of feline REM sleep is its frequency. Cats spend about 25% of their sleep in the REM phase, which is significantly more than many other mammals, including humans, who average around 20%. Scientists speculate that the increased REM sleep allows cats to retain their predatory skills, essentially “practising” their hunting strategies in their dreams.
Age, Breed, and Health Conditions: Influencers of Sleep
When exploring the realm of feline sleep, one cannot overlook the influence of factors like age, breed, and health conditions. Each of these elements can significantly sway a cat’s sleep pattern, sometimes subtly, other times profoundly.
Age and Sleep in Cats
The age of a cat plays a pivotal role in determining its sleep patterns. Newly born kittens sleep most of the day, with some estimates suggesting they sleep up to 20 hours daily. This might seem excessive, but it’s crucial to their development. Growth hormones are primarily released during sleep, meaning that these lengthy slumber periods are essential for the kittens’ growth and maturation.
As kittens mature into young adult cats, their sleep duration begins to decrease gradually. Adult cats, on average, sleep for about 13 to 14 hours a day, which, while less than their kitten counterparts, is still a significant portion of their day.
Elderly cats undergo another shift in their sleep behaviour. They tend to sleep more than younger adult cats, although their sleep may be less restful due to various age-related factors. Elderly cats are more prone to arthritis, which can cause discomfort and disrupt their sleep. Moreover, senior cats can experience a feline form of cognitive dysfunction, similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This condition can lead to disorientation and confusion, affecting their sleep-wake cycle and overall sleep quality.
Breed Differences in Sleep Patterns
While age plays an apparent role in dictating sleep patterns, the influence of breed is less clear. Generally speaking, there is not a significant variation in sleep patterns among different cat breeds. Cats, unlike dogs, do not have a vast range of sizes and physical characteristics, which might be why breed does not have a substantial impact on sleep.
However, individual cats’ activity levels can vary, and certain breeds are known for their energetic nature. Breeds like Bengals, Abyssinians, or Siamese, renowned for their playfulness and high energy levels, might sleep slightly less than the average cat, owing to their increased activity.
Health Conditions and Their Influence on Sleep
Health conditions, both acute and chronic, can considerably affect a cat’s sleep. Conditions that cause discomfort or pain, such as arthritis or dental disease, can lead to restless sleep or even insomnia in cats. Similarly, gastrointestinal disorders causing discomfort or frequent need to eliminate can disrupt a cat’s sleep.
Hyperthyroidism, a common condition in older cats, can also lead to sleeplessness or restless sleep. This condition is characterised by an overactive thyroid gland, which can cause various symptoms, including increased metabolism, leading to increased activity and decreased sleep.
On the other hand, conditions that cause lethargy or general weakness can result in increased sleep. Cats with obesity, heart disease, or chronic conditions like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) may sleep more than healthy cats.
Moreover, certain medications prescribed for various conditions can also influence a cat’s sleep. For example, certain pain medications or sedatives can increase sleep, while others, like steroids, can cause restlessness and decrease sleep.
Any significant or abrupt changes in your cat’s sleep patterns should prompt a consultation with a veterinarian. It’s essential to rule out underlying health issues that might be causing changes in sleep behaviour.
Conclusion
Cats, in their enigmatic grace, continue to fascinate us, not least in their sleep behaviours. Understanding their sleep helps us to better comprehend their needs, their behaviours, and ultimately, to provide them with happier, healthier lives.
So the next time you see your feline companion curled up in a sunny spot, you’ll know there’s more going on than just a simple cat nap.
