Why Do Cats Cover Their Face When They Sleep?

Cats are known for their mysterious and sometimes cryptic behavior. One of the more mysterious things cats do is cover their face when they sleep. While this may seem like a cute habit, it actually has a deeper meaning. So today, we will be taking a look at the reasons why your cat covers their face when they go to sleep. 

Understanding The Sleeping Habits of Cats:

If you want to know how your cat sleeps, you must understand the sleeping habits of cats.

Cats sleep a lot more than we do, and they sleep in different ways at different times. Knowing what these different types of sleep are, and how they differ from one another, will help you to understand how your cat is sleeping, when it’s time to get up, and when it’s time to go to bed.

Cats sleep can between 12-16 hours every day, which is more than humans. While they sleep, they’ll often create a small burrow-like place in which to sleep. They’ll then roll onto their side and use their paws to cover their face.

When your cat is sleeping, its ears are often tucked under its head. It’ll also have a curled tail tucked under its legs.

There are two types of sleep for cats:

NREM (non-rapid eye movement) Sleep

NREM sleep is a type of sleep that lasts for about 90 minutes. During this sleep, your cat’s brain waves slow down and it experiences sleep spindles. This is what causes it to dream. It also helps your cat digest food better.

REM (rapid eye movement) Sleep

REM sleep is a type of sleep that lasts for around 25 minutes.

Cats tend to do this sleep more than dogs. It is where cats are most active in their sleep. When they are in this state, they tend to twitch their legs and paw, and they might meow, walk or run.

Why Do Cats Cover Their Face When They Sleep?:

There are a few different reasons why your cat will fall asleep covering its face, here are a few of those reasons:

It Feels Comfortable:

We all have a preferred sleeping position, and cats are no different. Some cats may just feel more comfortable putting other paws over their face instead of tucking them underneath them or stretching them out.

They Are Blocking Out Light:

A cat will also sometimes put his paws over his face if he wants to block out light. This is especially true if the cat is being bothered by sunlight or bright light.

I myself can’t sleep with the lights on or the sun shining through my window so it’s no surprise that cats can also find it hard to fall asleep in a bright room.

They Are Blocking Out Noise:

Another reason why cats will fall asleep covering their face is that they are trying to block out noise. Most cats do not like loud noises, and some cats find it difficult to fall asleep in a noisy environment.

A Sense Of Security:

Cats also sometimes put their paws over their face to feel more secure and content. This could be due to a variety of different reasons including feeling safe from predators or just feeling more comfortable in general.

If your cat is prone to anxiety, then the sense that they are hidden away can help them to sleep better.

It Keeps Their Nose Warm:

Some cats prefer to sleep with their noses tucked under their paws or even their tail wrapped around their nose. This is especially true if the cat is having trouble sleeping in the cold. If you have a cat who likes to sleep with its nose under its paw or tail wrapped around its nose then this is something to consider.

Leave Me Alone:

Your cat may just be doing this as a sign that they do not want to be disturbed and they just want to be left alone to sleep.

If this is the case, you should honor their wishes. After all, I’m sure that you would not want someone to be hounding you while you are trying to sleep.

It’s Just How They Sleep:

Cats have a variety of different sleeping positions. Some cats will sleep with their head tucked under their front paws, some will sleep with their paws tucked under their body, and some will sleep with their paws tucked under their back. Some cats will sleep with their paws tucked under their chest while others will just sleep with their paws under their head. Your cat may find it difficult to fall asleep in any particular position so they will try to fall asleep in a position that feels the most comfortable.

Conclusion:

In summary, cats might be covering their face when they sleep, because they are comfortable in the position they fall asleep in, don’t want to be disturbed, and don’t have to worry about predators.