We all know why humans need the occasional cat nap *yawn*, but why exactly DO cats sleep so much? Maybe it's because they're resting up for their big next hunt, or as someone in my internet travels commented, "because if you were getting free food and rent wouldn't you sleep all the time too?"
Cat Sleep Facts!
* Cats conserve energy by sleeping more than most animals, especially as they grow older.
* Cats usually sleep 12-16 hours a day, with 13-14 being the average.
* The term "cat nap" refers to the cat's ability to lightly "rest" for a brief period of time, as opposed to being in a deep sleep. During this time they can wake up quickly if they sense danger (or noms).
* Usually a cat is sleeping profoundly when the REM cycle kicks in. Just like humans, they will have rapid eye movements and muscle twitches.
* Cats dream, and many times you can see some tail and leg movement or even hear some soft meows.
* Some cats will also snore (Charlie!), and pug nosed breeds such as Persians and Himalayans tend to snore more.
* Cats are nocturnal creatures, and when we are asleep, your cat my be highly active and playful. A good remedy to this is to provide exercise before you go to bed to tire them out.
* Many cats will be wide awake in the early hours asking for food. Do not wake up early on purpose to feed your cat. If you do so, you are basically training your cat to bother you early every morning. Are you willing to put up with that? You must therefore, be strong and ignore the meows or knocking over objects to wake you up. (Ed note: Haha, yeah right!)
