Have you ever noticed your kitten circling around before settling down to sleep? Is it some kind of mysterious ritual? Some cats even cover their faces, stick out their tongues, or twitch while they sleep. Why do cats have so many quirks, even when they’re just sleeping? Today, let’s explore the various “strange” behaviors cats exhibit during sleep.
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Cats Before Sleeping
Does your cat immediately fall asleep as soon as it lays down, or does it need to do some “pre-sleep exercises”? For example:① Circling.On many forums, cat owners often wonder why their cats always circle a few times before lying down to sleep. According to feline behaviorists, even though domestic cats live indoors and don’t have to worry about predators or harsh weather, they still perform a “sleep ritual” inherited from their ancestors. Here are some possible reasons for this behavior:⑴Marking territory: Cats have scent glands on their paws, and by circling, they leave their scent on the ground and disrupt any vegetation, signaling to other cats that the area is their private territory—“no entry unless invited!”⑵Making a bed: The circling motion helps flatten tall grass, dig up rocks from the ground, and clear away anything that might hurt them, creating a comfortable resting place, much like how humans arrange their bedding.⑶Regulating temperature: As they circle, cats may curl their tails around themselves and form a cozy “cat loaf” to stay warm. On the other hand, they may also be trying to cool down by digging into cooler soil, or even seeking out a cooler spot on their blanket.⑷Chasing away small creatures: In the wild, cats don’t want other animals, like snakes or insects, invading their resting area. Their pre-sleep circling helps drive these pests away.In addition to circling, cats might also do the following before settling down to sleep:⑸ Kneading: Kneading is a classic sign of comfort and relaxation in cats. When they knead their bedding, it signals that they feel content and ready to settle in for sleep. Some cats even fall asleep while kneading!After these pre-sleep rituals, cats may still exhibit some “strange” behaviors when they begin their slumber…
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Cats During Deep Sleep
① Covering their head or face.It might seem like a cute gesture, but this behavior has deeper reasons. According to behaviorist Linda, it could be because:⑴Shielding from sunlight: Cats love to bask in the sun, but to protect their eyes from the bright light, they may use their paws as makeshift sunglasses.⑵Creating a sense of security: While sleeping, cats often cover their heads or faces with their paws or other objects to protect vital areas, possibly to feel safer from potential harm.⑶Falling asleep mid-grooming: Cats typically spend 15-50% of their waking time grooming. When they get sleepy while grooming, they might just doze off, leaving their paw over their face.② Twitching.If you’ve ever noticed your cat twitching or jerking while deep in sleep, you might be curious about why this happens. The reasons could include:⑴Dreaming: Like most mammals, cats experience REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) and may be dreaming about activities they do in their waking life.⑵Feeling cold: Sometimes, cats twitch involuntarily to regulate their body temperature when they’re feeling chilly. This is more common in kittens or cats with less adaptive abilities.⑶Digestion: The twitching or spasms could also be a sign that their digestive system is at work after eating.⑷Health issues: Just like humans can suffer from muscle cramps, cats can experience muscle spasms that might indicate a health problem, such as seizures, sleep disorders caused by parasites, or metabolic diseases.③ Sticking out their tongue.Much like how humans might drool while sleeping, cats can also have their mouths slightly open and their tongues sticking out due to relaxed muscles during deep sleep.
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Cats After Waking Up
① Meowing.Have you ever noticed that your cat meows as soon as it wakes up? This is actually a way for cats to communicate with their owners. They might be saying, “I’m awake, and I need something!” Cats will meow if their food bowl is empty, if their water bowl is dry, or if their litter box needs cleaning. Some behaviorists believe that cats meow after waking up because they haven’t seen their owner yet and might feel a strong attachment to them. The meowing could even be accompanied by a search for the owner.If it’s the mating season, some cats might also meow loudly after waking up due to hormonal changes. (For cats in heat, it’s recommended to consider spaying.)② Yawning.Just like humans, cats yawn when they wake up. This is a natural response to increase oxygen intake and release carbon dioxide from their bodies. Yawning is often followed by stretching and joint movement to fully wake up and prepare for the day ahead.
After reading the above explanations, do you get it now? In fact, every move a cat makes serves a purpose—none of it is unnecessary (just like a dog’s head tilt).
