What do cats do all night?
The widespread misconception that cats are nocturnal is only half true. Crepuscular describes the hours before sunrise and after sunset when cats are most active.
Maybe you’ve noticed that your cat is very active in the wee hours of the morning or that it leaps up on your chest to let you know breakfast is ready. This is because it is mealtime (and they would never waste an opportunity to keep you awake).
Cues for Night Activity in Cats
Cats vary widely in their propensity to disrupt sleep, so it’s essential to learn what behaviors to expect before you bring one home. Some of these things may start happening that very night or wake you up very early in the morning, and they include:
- Quick, erratic movements across your body or the furniture
- Insomniac foot sucking
- Constant noise when you try to sleep
- Having gone over your sleeping body
- Noises like howling or weeping
Explanation of why cats prefer to be active at night
A cat’s most active time of day is not always during daylight hours. Your cat is likely acting this way because he has an innate need to search and explore during such times. Other factors may be at play in cats’ penchant for nocturnal behavior.
Relishing one’s solitude at home.
It’s acceptable to leave your cat at home while you go to school or work. It’s possible that your cat would rather spend the day sleeping. The longer a cat sleeps throughout the day, the more active it may be at night.
Boredom.
Leaving your cat alone for long stretches of the day may cause it to become lonely and start looking for attention. She may be swamped or waking you up simply because she needs attention, as cats are social animals. This type of playfulness may be very stimulating for your cat.
Hunger.
Cats, who are naturally nocturnal and hence are most active at night, usually wake up in the wee hours to eat.
Toward the end of one’s life.
Cats’ sleeping patterns often shift as they get older. When a cat starts spending more time at night, it could be a sign of age-related health problems.
Physical illness or injury.
It’s possible that your cat’s health is to blame for his nighttime antics, which may include excessive activity, discomfort, or noise. This category includes things like:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Hyperthyroidism
- Disorders that flare up repeatedly
- Dementia with behavioral problems
- sleeplessness
- Horrible memory
- Neediness
If your cat’s nighttime behavior suddenly changes or increases significantly, you should take them to the clinic.
Dangers that Cats Face at Night
While engaging in their nighttime shenanigans, the study cats also put themselves in potential danger. According to the results, most cats (85%) participated in at least one dangerous activity. The most worrisome risks stemming from these creatures were:
- Passing across intersections (45%).
- Coming into contact with peculiar cats (25%).
- Taking in ingestible food and drink when away from home (25%).
- Investigation of Drainage Systems (20%)
Cat insurance can help you in such situations.
Conclusion
You should remember that your cat’s nightly antics are entirely normal behavior for him, no matter how frustrating they may be for you. Instead of punishing your cat, it’s best to ignore the situation. Increase the amount of fun and exercise your cat gets during the day if it’s keeping you up at night.