The Sleepy Cat

When your cat is not eating, grooming himself, or playing with his catnip mouse, chances are he’s sleeping. Most cats sleep twelve to sixteen hours a day, or more.

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active around dawn and dusk and less active in the middle of the day and the middle of the night. They alternate periods of activity and sleep throughout the day, rather than sleeping in one long stretch. The term catnap didn’t come from nowhere!

Cats have different stages of sleep, just like humans. Slow-wave sleep is a light sleep. Breathing slows and his muscles relax a little. Even so, the cat is still somewhat aware of his environment and is easily awakened by the sound of the can opener or the tweet of a nearby bird.

Cats spend about three-quarters of their steep time in slow-wave sleep and the remainder in deep, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. During REM sleep your cat ‘s eyes move rapidly back and forth. His muscles relax more fully and his breathing slows even more during this critical, restorative period of sleep. In humans, REM sleep is dream sleep, and many experts believe that cats dream too, during this phase of sleep.

Cats can snooze most of the day they never hesitate to make themselves comfortable, whether that means stretching out on a cozy comforter or tucking into a peaceful ball of fluff. Cats enter light sleep and intense REM cycles, when the bra in is active and their body responds accordingly. Their paws flex, claws extend and retract, their kitty whiskers twitch, and they mumble softly in meow-gibberish. Cats spend about 30 percent of their sleeping time in deep sleep, when dreaming occurs.

What could your cat be dreaming? Consider his basic instincts. While our house cats aren’t wildly chasing down prey, the paw movement in their dreams could be your cat pouncing on his victim.

Cats remember past experiences, and these can surface subconsciously during sleep. This is a good thing, actually. Dreaming is vital to a cat’s health. It’s a time for data processing and memory storage, for mental replenishment and brain development.

There is great temptation to wake your cat during REM sleep, especially when he is thrashing his paws or meowing as if he is in a heated debate. Despite activity taking place in the room, a cat in REM is not easily awakened. If you do choose to wake your cat from a nightmare, do so gently by petting him and speaking in a calm, reassuring voice.

Waking a cat while he’s in deep sleep can provoke a swipe of the claws, so avoid startling him awake with a sudden touch. It’s best to leave your cat alone until he wakes up on his own.

Types Of Treats For Cats

Treats is an excellent motivator for cats during training as a tasty token of affection.  At around 8 to 10 weeks of age, kittens are old enough to eat solid foods exclusively. They can have a treat or two as a reward for good behaviour. You can find out what taste your cat prefers (fish, chicken, beef, vegetable) through trial and error. Unlike most dogs, who will  basically eat what is in front of them as long as it does not run away, cats tend to be finicky. They let you know what they like.

Dental treats: These snacks work double-duty, removing plaque and cleaning your kitty’s pearly white while rewarding her with a treat.

Low-cal snacks: If you tend to dole out treats generously, opt for a low calorie treat.

Hairball remedy treats: Nothing is really as good as hairball formula cat food, regular doses of Petromalt and regular grooming sessions, but if your cat suffers from hairballs, these treats may offer a supplement to your hairball prevention routine.

Catnip: Catnip is available in flakes, treats, or grass forms. You can fill an interactive toy with catnip flakes. Or purchase stuffed toys that are filled with these substance.

Semimoist and chewy treats: Semimoist and chewy treats are easy on cats with dental issues.

Meat treats: You can purchase meat treats, or portion small bites of “people” meat (Chicken, beef) that is not seasoned.

Joint health treats: This type of treat provides your cat with chondroitin and glucosamine which help maintain healthy joints. They’re a good choice for older cats that suffer from joint stiffness and arthritis.

All natural yummy: Tuna flakes, cats grasses, lactose-free milk, and other low-cal treats are healthy for your cat.

There is nothing wrong with treating your cat, but don’t simply give your kitty treats when he begs you for them, because this will only lead to your little guy following you around and constantly begging for treats. Treat your furry buddy when he behaves well or performs a desired behaviour. Keep treats to 5 percent of your cat’s total food intake, especially if your cat need to drop some weight.