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Many pet owners mistake their house cats' nighttime antics for nocturnal behavior. The skidding around corners, tossing cat toys in the air and pouncing on the bed aren’t because your cat wants to play all night. So why does it seem like your little hunter wants to start batting your toes under the covers as soon as you settle into bed? In this article, we’ll break down your cat’s sleep behavior!
It can be confusing when it seems like your cat is more active at night—so are cats crepuscular or nocturnal? Just like their ancestors, house cats are crepuscular. They’re more alert during dawn and dusk, when their chances of catching prey are highest. While those bursts of energy in the night seem like nocturnal behavior, house cats often adjust their schedules around their owners. Cats may sleep much more during the day while their humans are at work, waking up in the evening to play, socialize and explore. Their nighttime energy can also be influenced by how active the household is at night.
Some house cats may show more persistent nighttime activity, which is often due to boredom or attention-seeking behavior, but that doesn’t mean cats are nocturnal.
Cats are known for their unique sleep behavior, often spending 12–16 hours a day napping. While it may seem like your cat is napping the day away, in reality, they're resting up for short bursts of high energy. Unlike humans, who typically sleep in long, uninterrupted stretches, cats rest in short bursts throughout the day and night. This behavior stems from their natural instincts as hunters, conserving energy for their sudden bursts of activity.
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
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VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
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Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
