Should we let sleeping cats lie?

  Posted on January 14, 2010  by Joy of Living  No comments

Jessie:  Hey!  I am so excited about today’s post.  Bo told me that the subject matter is about putting cats to sleep.  How cool is that?  The good old human is finally going to bat for me.  I cannot believe that…

Bo:  Hold on there, little bit! I am not going to pontificate about putting cats to sleep.  I am going to explain about the sleeping habits of cats.  Sorry to disappoint you.

Jessie:  Is there such as thing as permanently-induced sleep?  You might qualify.  You look like you could use a good, long nap!

Bo:  I choose to ignore you now in the interest of time and topic.  I will admit, we cats do enjoy our sleep.  We will sleep anywhere from 13 to 16 hours a day.  Yes, we spend about 2/3 of our life in slumber.  Cats actually sleep more than any other mammal.  We sleep twice as much as humans, unless, like Jessie, you are caught sleeping on the job.  How much sleep a cat needs depends upon the cat itself, the age of the cat, its level of appetite, the temperature, and the weather.   When in that deep REM sleep like humans get, a cat’s body is growing and repairing itself.

If you do notice an unusual change in the sleeping habits of your cat, you should consult your veterinarian.  It could indicate a problem.  If a cat seems lethargic or depressed, he could be sick.  If a cat tends to sleep less than normal, it could be related to a thyroid condition.

Most cats, mainly house cats, sleep mainly during the night.  Cats are most active at dawn and at dusk.  This is when they do their hunting, as their prey is most active at this time.

Jessie, mumbling:  Note to self, change hours of personal activity.

Bo:  Cats will sleep a lot during the day, too.  Although rest assured, I am constantly alert as to the activities of one precious canine in the house.  (Glancing at Jessie and explaining:) I can sleep with one eye open, you know!

(Information for this post was found at www.pet-tails.com/LPMArticle.asp?IC=358)

Karen Harrison is owner of Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City and will never be caught sleeping on the job while taking care of your precious pets!