Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Plus Sleepytime Accessories For When You're Caught Cat Napping

Why do cats sleep so much? It's a question posed to me by Tanya, who wrote in to share some uniquely stylish cat shaped sleep masks she discovered while at a craft fair. The seller told her that they were made out of vintage kimonos, and inspired by Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Inspiration

While she couldn't find the same make and model online, Tanya found another, equally adorable version of the masks by Etsy seller, Naomilingerie. As someone whose blinds are essentially the equivalent of tissue paper, I could definitely benefit from this kind of light-darkening eyewear.

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!)

Fact sources: Wikipedia and HubPages

And finally, what would a cat sleep post be without at least one pair of fancy cat's pajamas? Curl up in this luxurious set of LANVIN Catwalk printed silk pajamas that can be yours for the low, bargain basement price of just $2,590.

Sweet dreams, indeed!

(Thanks for the tip and pics, Tanya!)