Understanding Cat Sleep Patterns: Insights for Cat Parents
Hahaha, are you a new cat parent? Cats sleep roughly 2/3 of their days. This duration can vary, but the truth remains: they often choose their own schedule. Curious and independent, they explore all the things and places humans might find disapproved of.
Take pens, pencils, and random items from countertops and tables—yep, cats! Have you ever woken up at 3:30 AM to that cold nose in your face? It’s a part of being a human feline caregiver. Sooner or later, you will be regarded as warm furniture!
Instincts Over Training
Most kitties, driven by their instincts, do what they want, including sleeping whenever and wherever they please—an aspect that makes them notoriously hard to train. But if you're fascinated by those that take to training, like certain circus cats, it’s truly impressive.
Crepuscular Nature of Cats and Kittens
If the question is whether your cat will sleep when everyone else in the house is asleep, the answer is likely, no. Cats and kittens are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dusk and dawn. They do not necessarily align their sleep schedule with those of humans.
Even if you tire your kitten with play sessions and ensure access to food at night, there's no guaranteed way to make cats adopt human-like sleep patterns. A crepuscular cycle is bred into domestic cats, reflecting their heritage from desert-dwelling animals. They were adapted to hunt at dawn and dusk, when it was light enough to see and cooler than daytime.
Crepuscular Cycles in Domestic Cats
Cats and kittens tend to be most active in the late evening and early morning due to their instinct to hunt during these cooler, well-lit hours. They can see in low light but not in complete darkness. This is crucial information for understanding your cat's behavior and expectations.
Concerns for Young Kittens
Your 5 to 6-month-old kitten staying outside at night without shelter is a very cruel and unsafe practice. Depending on your location, the kitten could be in danger from cars, dogs, and predatory animals like owls and coyotes. Additionally, if not spayed, the risk of pregnancy is high, and incomplete vaccination can lead to fatal diseases from stray cats.
Even if your parents are very concerned about losing a small amount of their precious sleep, you must prioritize the kitten's safety and wellbeing. If your parents are not willing to change their stance, it might be time to find a safer, more accepting home for the kitten.
Conclusion
Understanding your cat's sleep patterns can improve your bond and make life more comfortable for both of you. Whether your kitty is a night owl or an early bird, respect their natural rhythms to coexist happily.