Why do cats sleep in weird places?
Squished up in a too-tiny cardboard box, peeking out of a bathroom cabinet, balancing on a banister—cats find the strangest places to take naps. Even when there are plenty of comfy beds, both human and feline, to choose from, you may still find your pet snoozing in the oddest spots.
The reason stems from their wild roots. Our cats may be pampered pets now but they still have all the instincts of lone hunters. Those instincts are telling them not only how to catch prey but also how to watch their backs. Wild cats don’t have a pack to protect them while they sleep, so they need to choose their sleep spots strategically to stay safe.
Snug, small spaces fit the bill perfectly. No one can sneak up while they doze, which makes them feel safe and secure. Even better, little spaces warm up quickly, making them nice and cozy in no time. Shoeboxes, bowls, drawers, cardboard boxes, sinks and many other enclosed spaces all share this sheltered appeal that a more open sleeping space, like a bed or couch, might not.
Just like snug spaces, high spaces also have their draw, even if they’re completely open. Your cat can feel comfortable that they’re beyond anyone’s reach, while also surveying the ground for potential “prey” to pounce on—that’s a double treat!
What about when your cat snoozes in a place that is neither high nor snug? Well, cats can sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day. That adds up to a lot of naps! When you clock that many zzz’s, probability says that some are bound to end up in unexplained places.
