Answer: False
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.
