It can seem that all cats do is sleep.

This isn’t that far off. Adult cats spend two thirds of every day in sleep.

We can’t control that. But we can influence where, when, and what kind of sleep, all to make sure we spend the maximum quality time with our cats.

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Where: If our cat is not much of a presence around the house while we are there, we should encourage them to do some of their sleeping in the same places we are spending time. Quiet activities like watching a movie or TV show, reading, or other activities which will not disturb the cat are great times to be in each other’s presence.

When a cat is wary of sleeping near us, they are not yet confident and comfortable with us. Calling the cat, getting them a pillow or blanket for their own use, and letting them know we are about to miss them are all ways of intriguing the cat, and extending an invitation to come by and enjoy our company.

We should not take this as an opportunity to get rowdy with them or continually interrupt their sleep. Some Petting in Place, cooing mentions of their name, or exchanging cat kisses will encourage our cat to feel safe and loved while they are in this vulnerable state.

When: If we are interesting and welcoming, cats will tend to have their naps while we are unavailable, and plan their “up times” for when we are around. We can encourage this by responding to their presence, having playtimes, and fussing over things that are important to them, such as dinnertime.

After eating they are likely to want to conk out for a nap, but we can make it clear we would like them to take that nap near us. When our older cats were not sure about the new kitten, they would disappear after dinner. We would seek them out and let them know they were still more than welcome to join us, and soon, they did.

What: Cats are famous for their “cat naps.” This is a state where they are only half-asleep. This is how they conserve their energy for long waits by mouseholes. For deep sleep they seek out unused or quiet rooms. When they seek us out, only to take a nap, this is also a compliment. They are catnapping near us.

So we shouldn’t feel as though we are boring because the cat sleeps near us. Even in their catnap state, our cats want to have our companionship. When they are refreshed and awake, we will be right there to interact with.

Why are they sleeping all the time? It’s most easily seen in kittens. They go flat out, and then sink into a deep sleep. Cats are not built for endurance. They explode into fast action. So they are not going to be as wildly active as they mature and no longer have all that growing energy to tap into. They are going to conserve their energy until they need it.

This cat “energy pattern” is part of what makes cats such a low-key, easy-care, companion. Even when they are sleeping, a part of them is there.

We can rest assured about that.

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There’s more ways to care for our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on CAT CARE.