Deciphering a cat’s behavior might be difficult. You may have noticed, they can sleep anywhere in the house.
No matter which position, you will often see them covering their faces with their paws or tails when they sleep.
While covering their faces during their sleep looks so cute, but you might want to know the reasons why cats cover their face when they sleep? Surprisingly, it’s usually because it keeps them warm and comfortable.
In this post, we will tell you all the details of the reasons why your cat covers their face when asleep.
This way, you will be able to better understand your cat’s curious behavior.
Let’s get the answer!
5 Reasons Why Cats Cover Their Faces While Sleeping
1. Blocks Out Light Of The Sun
Cats are experts at finding toasty places to sleep. Most cats prefer to sleep in the hot sun rather than in a cold and dark area because they enjoy being warm.
However, light is a major obstacle to having a peaceful sleep. The sun rays can be very irritating for their eyes.
That’s the reason for your cat covering its face as it sleeps.
2. Safety & Security
Cats are predators and prey. It is important for them to find a sleeping place where they feel safe.
Although they may like lying on the floor in the sun, they do only things that can give them a sense of security.
Some cats prefer to sleep with their heads buried beneath blankets or in a laundry basket.
By covering their faces while sleeping gives them a sense of protection, despite the fact that the rest of their body is still exposed.
3. Warmth
Your cat covers their faces while sleeping for warmth. Cats will lose more body heat than usual while they are sleeping.
They usually tend to curl up their tails or paws as an act of retaining heat in their body. You might also notice your cat faceplanting and sleeping completely on its back. It is also a great way to help and keep their body heat within.
4. Blocks Out The Noise
Blocks out the noise, this could be another reason your cat covers their face. Light is not the only cat that could be blocked out when they are sleeping.
Cats need a sufficient amount of sleep in a quiet environment. They also could bury its head to block off noise.
Since the loud noise could keep them awake, they find a way to block them out by wrapping their paws around their face.
5. Comfort Factor
People can sleep in different positions. We choose to sleep on our backs, while others prefer to sleep on stomachs or other sides, just so we might enjoy a restful and comfortable sleep.
Like humans, some cats cover their face with one or two paws because it feels good and comfortable for them to sleep.
In fact, Cats will have their own opinion to choose which position is the most comfortable and cozy.
However, if your cat sleeps in the same pose with its face hidden, it’s possible that they simply enjoy it.
Understanding Cat Sleep
To understand a cat’s sleeping habits, you must understand that cats are crepuscular.
Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This means they often have to sleep when it’s light outside.
According to Catster, cats can sleep around 16 hours a day. Older cats often sleep up to 20 hours a day.
Sleeping is a natural instinct in cats, as wild cats used to hunt and then sleep to conserve energy in between meals.
Cats naturally require a lot of sleep since they have specific preferences for resting places. However, there are several factors that may prompt them to change their sleeping patterns.
Why Do Cats Sleep in Unusual Places?
Cats seek out different places to sleep out of instinct. Cats like to feel that they are hiding away.
Usually, cats prefer a safe and the most comfortable place. Some cats sleep on baskets, under the car, washing machines or on the top of the computer.
It does not look comfortable and safe for them but it provides a great point for your kitten.
Cats frequently sleep in different places in the house. The optimal sleeping environment for cats will meet the following requirements:
- Quiet and private
- Warm
- Small, enclosed space
- Safety and security
- Keep a safe distance from litter and food.
Final Thoughts
All in all, why do cats cover their face when they sleep? Because they could be doing it for warmth, comfort or safety, as previously said.
They could also be attempting to block out noise or light in order to have a better sleep.
It can be difficult to know for a clear reason. While we may not fully understand all of our cat’s actions, our best option is to simply smile at their adorable actions.
In fact, it’s likely to make us love them even more!
