Do cats feel lonely at night? Understanding Your Cat’s Nighttime Needs

Have you ever wondered if your cat gets lonely when you go to bed? It’s natural for cats to be more active at night—but that doesn’t necessarily mean they feel lonely. So let’s take a closer look at what cats need at nighttime so that you can provide the best possible care for your feline friend.

 

Do cats feel lonely at night?

 

Many cat owners may question whether their pet experiences loneliness at night, especially if they sleep away from them.

Fortunately for kitty parents, several scientific studies have been conducted. The consensus is that cats are less prone to feeling lonely than other animals, such as dogs or humans.

Cats are socially-adjacent creatures and are comfortable with being alone and around other cats. They use their nights for hunting for prey, exercise, grooming themselves, and sleep, which means loneliness usually isn’t an issue.

Although cats feel more secure when people are around at night, there is no widespread evidence suggesting they crave companionship when alone.

No one can say how cats feel about being alone at night, but it’s essential to recognize that cats don’t necessarily need company 24/7 as humans do.

Many cats will be perfectly content sleeping away while their owners are asleep; after all, they are known for sleeping up to 16 hours daily.

If your cat seems restless or unhappy at night, however, something else could happen.

 

Why Are Cats More Active At Night?

 

Cats are notoriously known for being more active at night due to their natural circadian rhythm.

Cats are naturally crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk due to their nocturnal nature.

This behavior stems from a biological urge which fueled the evolutionary selection process; cats needed to use the cover of darkness to hunt, build stamina, and explore.

Additionally, cats have better night vision than humans, allowing them to move around quickly in the dark and gather more sensory input to better analyze their environment at night.

This also explains why some cats seem more energetic in the evening or usually wake up during the wee hours of the morning looking for a playmate or food when all is quiet and still.

No one can say how cats feel about being alone at night, but it’s essential to recognize that cats don’t necessarily need company 24/7 as humans do.

Many cats will be perfectly content sleeping away while their owners are asleep; after all, they are known for sleeping up to 16 hours daily. However, if your cat seems restless or unhappy at night, something else could happen.

 

How To Help Your Cat Feel Comfortable At Night

 

Helping your cat feel comfortable at night can require a few extra steps, but putting in the time and effort will ensure your pet is happy and sleeping soundly.

Cats are naturally nocturnal creatures, so giving them what they need to feel safe and secure when darkness falls is essential.

• Start by ensuring their sleeping area is warm, clean, and comfortable.

 

• Provide several blankets or soft pillows to cuddle up on when they sleep.

 

• Keeping water and food close by will ease any nighttime hunger pangs, while engaging in some playtime before bed can help tire out hyperactive cats, allowing them to relax and sleep better.

 

• Additionally, you should talk in low tones and avoid moving around too quickly to help keep your cat calm if they wake up at night.

 

These steps will create an ideal environment for restful slumbers day and night.

 

Conclusion

 

Knowing whether your cat feels lonely at night isn’t an exact science—every cat is different. However, understanding what cats need to feel comfortable in a home environment can go a long way toward providing them with comfort and security while you’re sleeping.

By ensuring they get plenty of enrichment during the day and providing some background noise before bedtime, you’ll be helping ensure that your feline companion has everything they need for a peaceful rest each evening.