If you know anything about cats, there's a good chance you've heard it said that they're nocturnal animals. You never really questioned this idea because you've seen cats out at night, and they seem to be more active in the late hours. However, it's possible that the idea that cats are nocturnal is actually more fiction than fact.
If you own a cat or are thinking about buying one and want to know what to expect, you've come to the right place. This article will take a deep dive into the question of whether or not cats are nocturnal creatures. We'll also explain how to handle a cat that's more active at night and what you can do to prepare.
- Are Cats Nocturnal? Fact or Fiction
- Why are Some Cats More Active at Night Than Others
- When Do Cats Typically Sleep?
- How to Stop Your Cats Nocturnal Behavior
Are Cats Nocturnal? Fact or Fiction
As with most broad-sweeping "facts" about cats and dogs, the idea that cats are nocturnal is false. In order to be classified as a nocturnal animal, the entire species would have to be more active at night than at day. Certain animals, like possums, bats, and owls, are mostly unseen during the day and wait to make their appearance until the sun goes down.
While some cats tend to be more active at night than others, this isn't necessarily true for the species as a whole. It's true that cats have better than average eyesight in the darkness and have enhanced senses at night. However, the idea that all cats do the majority of their hunting, eating, and playing in the evening is false.
Why are Some Cats More Active at Night Than Others
For the sake of total transparency, nobody knows for certain why some cats are more active at night than others. However, the fact that there are a large number of cats that prefer night activity over day activity has convinced the general public that they're nocturnal.
Cats are actually a lot more like people than we give them credit for. Every cat is different, which means they have different personalities and preferences. As a result, some cats are more active at night than during the day, but this isn't true of all cats. Additionally, while some cats will mimic the sleep and activity patterns of their owners, others will do the exact opposite.
In short, nobody knows exactly why cats do what they do or why some cats are more active at night.
When Do Cats Typically Sleep?
One of the reasons that people believe cats are nocturnal is because of how much they sleep during the day. However, while it's true that all cats appreciate a good "cat nap," it's also true that they enjoy a good night's sleep.
Most adult cats sleep an average of 12 to 16 hours per day. This means that if your cat naps or lounges around for 4 to 8 hours throughout the day, they're still going to get a solid 8 hours of sleep at night.
Because of how much cats sleep, most people assume that they're lazy. However, contrary to what Garfield has told you to believe about cats, they're one of the least lazy animals on the planet. Cats are internally wired to be in a constant state of alert, even when they're sleeping. Therefore, although it might appear that your cat is in a deep slumber, it could awaken at a moment's notice and go from zero to sixty in no time.
How to Stop Your Cats Nocturnal Behavior
If you've been blessed (or cursed, depending on your lifestyle) with a cat that's more active at night than during the day, there are a few things you can do to fix this behavior.
Exercise Your Cat During the Day
One of the most likely reasons that your cat is active at night is that they aren't active during the day. As with people, cats have a certain amount of energy to expend in a day's time. If they don't have an outlet for this energy during the day, they'll be more active at night.
By taking your cats on walks, giving them toys to play with, or having a cat house to crawl around in, your cat will use more energy during the day and be less active at night.
Daytime Stimulation is Key
If you work during the day and can't be around to play with your cat, you'll have to find other ways to stimulate them. A few options include purchasing a cat house for them to play in or investing in a food-dispensing toy. Your cat will enjoy having to work for its food, and it will also provide stimulation.
Eliminate Nighttime Distractions and Stimulants
While you want plenty of daytime stimulants to keep your cat active, you want to avoid them at night. Therefore, you should put all your cat's toys away, including their cat house, and feed them from a normal bowl late at night. If your cat is still acting overly stimulated, try putting them in a dark room by themselves so that they can wind down. While this might seem cruel, cats are actually introverted by nature and need alone time to recharge.
Avoid Punishments
If you're sick and tired of your cat's nocturnal habits and patterns, it's important not to get frustrated. The last thing you want to do is physically or emotionally punish your cat for its behavior. First, your cat won't know why you're punishing them, which will lead to confusion and trust issues. Second, cats don't respond well to punishment for any reason and will likely rebel against you.
Finally, if your cat is scared of you or doesn't trust you because you punished them, they won't want to be around you. Therefore, either they'll run away, or they'll choose to be even more active when you're not around. In most cases, this means even more nighttime activity.
Don't Reward Nocturnal Behaviors
While you don't want to punish your cat for its nocturnal behavior, you also don't want to reward them. Unfortunately, it's possible to encourage nighttime behavior without meaning to. For instance, if you chase your cat around at night in order to catch them and put them to bed, they'll interpret it as playing. Instead, ignore your cat and try the methods listed above to reduce nighttime activity.
Share via:
